How to install tie down anchors in your truck bed

Anybody who constantly hauls things in their truck will quickly realize that the factory provided tie downs are insufficient. Much of the time they are at the bottom of the bed wall, and cannot be accessed when the truck bed is full. Here's how you can add a few extra tie downs to make hauling those loads a little easier.

[@danielborth7753]

Here's a suggestion try using self-drilling screws

[@CDLClassA]

Thanks for the video! I’m so doing this with my dodge Ram!

[@EricHradek]

would some blind rivets be better than screws?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Good question, but I don't know which would hold better. I have limited experience with rivets, but based on that, I would use screws.

[@liampondd5785]

How much can these tie downs actually withstand?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Good question. I can't give any kind of number, but I routinely will feed a stack of 16 foot baseboards through the back window, rest them on the tail gate and use a ratchet strap to secure them. This will bend a stack of 10 baseboards (3 inch x 1/2 inch) a reasonable amount so they do not move at all as the truck bounces on our crappy roads. I have also demolished several decks and fences, loaded the back of the truck with debris, and using 2 straps (6000 lb rating) in a criss cross to put enough force on the load (with the tailgate down) to secure everything properly. I have never lost any part of a load. These tie downs have been in my truck for 3-4 years, and still going strong. Short answer, they can take quite a bit (not scientific, I know)

[@1994Courage]

What type of screws did you use?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Number 12 stainless sheet metal screws

[@KelvinWilson53]

What lengrh screws did you use? Thanks.

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

I think they were about an inch. Number 10 or 12s.

[@Murchie6]

Link for these?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

www.etrailer.com/comparison.aspx?pc=EM09095&pc2=J-705. I got mine at Home Depot, but can't find them on the website. the ones above are pretty much the same.

[@E36M3MJC]

Where did you get those tie downs?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Home Depot

[@classified0888]

Screws seem small

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

@classified0888 they are only about 1 inch long as they are just going into sheet metal. If I recall, I think they are #12, so airline large diameter. They have held up for over 4 years, and I have strapped down old decks and fences using good sized ratchet straps. So far nothing has pulled out.

[@bsjm1958]

where did you bought that?

[@thewrighthandyman8139]

Home Depot, although any hardware store should have them.

[@bsjm1958]

@@thewrighthandyman8139 Thank you so much