Heavy Duty Tie-Downs

[Jar Head]

As a heavy equipment operator, I constantly haul around some REAL heavy equipment that needs to be tied down. Let's be honest, the stock tie-down points on the Ram suck. The rubber stake pocket hide-a-hooks won't hold the weight.
Does anyone know where I can get some real heavy duty tie-down points? I'm willing to fab something up if anyone has an idea. Thanks.

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Made in Mexico: 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 HD 4x4, Regular Cab ST, ETC, Auto, 4. 10 LSD, Camper Package, Trailer Package, 100% Stock.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I think you are going to have to go through the bed and tie onto the frame for anything serious. awdirect.com is a good source for heavy duty tie down hardware.

 

[illflem]

I'm much like you, being a farmer I use my trucks for what they're made for-hauling things,don't know why they have to be so chintzy with the tie downs,but all the new trucks are this way. I tried the rubber stake pocket tie downs,don't trust those. Ended up drilling a hole into the front two stake pockets from the inside of the bed about 3" down from the bed rail then used the tie downs and the stake pocket sized "nuts" that came with the rubber tie downs plus a washer and lock nut to secure the eye. These are plenty strong.
Another thing that can be done is running a chain or rope from the front to the rear stock tie downs so you can tie down to any point in between,stronger but a hassle.
Yet one more option is installing a bed rail cap with a pipe on top that runs from front to back. There are several made that are very strong stainless steel. If you really want to be sure they hold you can bolt them on though the rail every 16". Only problem with this is if you ever want to put on a camper or canopy they will have to be removed.
If you feel the need to go stronger,lose the box and install a flatbed. You're never going to be able to use a chain binder on the stock bed sides without fear of bowing the bedsides inwards.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 03-07-2001). ]

 

[boatpuller]

On my truck I drilled the stake pockets like Bill did only I used Stainless U-bolts so the load is spread over a larger area, a Marine supply store will have them with stainless backing plates(used for transom and bow eyes on boats). Just don't make the mistake I did and drill the holes to far down in the stake pocket or you won't be able to get the nuts on, I have the 2holes the U-bolts are in and one more hole an equal distance down OOPS!
The neat part about this is that you can put them on the front and rear of the middle stake pocket and end up with 4 on each side for flexability. I did this before putting on my Diamond plate bed rails, you don't even know they are there until you need them.
Happy Rammin!
Caleb