Dee Zee Box Boards on a Short Bed?

[OHale]

Hi All,



I recently bought DeeZee boards and box boards for my 2004. 5 SB. The running boards are great, just like the ones on my '95 were: rock solid.



The box boards have been redesigned for the 04 and up shortbeds, however. There is no longer a bracket that mounts to a body mount or the frame. Two pieces of stamped sheet metal hang down from the truck's box support and two pieces of angle bracket are attached to those at right angles.



Everything is installed and tight. Stepping on the board is another matter:



The box board moves inward, and if you step towards either end the whole board twists. I have to say, kinda what I would expect stepping on something attached at a right angle to long vertical hangers. I weigh 190 pounds and the box boards are the Guardian model.



Maybe I've done something wrong on the installation?



Has anyone had a good experience with Dee Zee box boards on a short bed 2004? I keep getting routed from Dee Zee customer service to leave voice mail to which nobody responds. I just finished tracking down the engineering head who said he will have someone call me 'right now. ' Still waiting... .

 

[OHale]

Just a follow up:



After no promised call-backs I called DeeZee and asked the operator if I could speak to someone who was 'really good at customer service. ' She sent me to a salesman who said, "I know exactly who you need to talk to. " I was forwarded to an engineer who sent me an upgraded front bracket for the board.



This bracket is ten times more solid than the one that came with the box board. It also mounts to existing holes. The original, flimsy bracket required drilling twelve holes! That's 9 more than the running boards!



That solved the front bracket problem. I will fabricate a hanger for the rear of the box board. There is a rod-type body hanger there that I think will work.



So, if you buy DeeZee box boards for an '03 and up short bed you will not be able to stand on them unless you make your own mods. FWIW. (Apparently not much !! :-laf :-laf :-laf )