Better tie-down system for truck bed

[BigBlue1]

I often find the 4 U-bolts in my truck bed to be inadequate for strapping things down that I carry. They are so close to the front and back that going straight across often allows very little coverage of the cargo. Going in an X pattern can work but that can be difficult for odd shaped stuff.

I'd like to have attachment points along the full sides of the bed. Down low is obviously good, but sometimes even at the height of the top of the wheel well would be fine for taller cargo. Anyone know of a good add-on system that isn't going to be always in the way on the bed surface? Something like a rail system mounted right over the wheel wells that would be solid enough to allow 2 or 3 attachment points per side would seem to be the best idea, though I have no idea how it would attach to the bed sides or if they are structurally sound for that.

ETA: At this point I have some good ideas on the actual types of cargo rails so we're good there. If anyone has ideas on how to attach a rail system to the sidewall of the truck bed, preferably on a 4th gen Ram, I would appreciate that still.

 

[Rebeldad1]

cargo rails both sides of the bed. metal bed rails with added tie down points. webbing net to strap down to the factory loops.

 

[Big Barn]

E track system in my F150






Etrack hooks can be placed anywhere along the length of the track for use with ropes or ratchet straps.

 

[BigBlue1]

E track system in my F150

How does that attach to the sides?

 

[BigBlue1]

cargo rails both sides of the bed. metal bed rails with added tie down points. webbing net to strap down to the factory loops.

Is there a system you know of like you describe? Looking for pointers. I can certainly do Google searches but I'm looking for recommendations on good stuff that isn't gimmicky.

 

[Big Barn]

How does that attach to the sides?

SS 1/4-20 cap screws, fender washers, NYLOCKS and silicone seal.

 

[BigBlue1]

SS 1/4-20 cap screws, fender washers, NYLOCKS and silicone seal.

You can get behind the bed sides to put washers and nuts on?

 

[BigBlue1]

OK, so those E tracks look good but based on looking around at them I found a couple others that seem like just what I'm looking for. Either Mopar's own Utility Rail System or the Core Uni Trax or Maxx Trax system.

OEM Mopar Bed Utility Rails, 5'7" Conventional Bed For 2?19-2?21 Ram 15?? - Part# 82215285AB | Suburban Auto Parts
https://www.coretiedowns.com/products/tie-down-solutions/

The Mopar system is for 5th gen Rams, so I'm not sure if they can be used on a 4th gen. I guess I'll have to figure out how to fasten either of those to the bed sides of my 2017 Ram 2500. Looks like nutserts are an option for blind fastening but I'm not sure the bed side walls would be structurally sound enough for this.

Rob

 

[slckeys]

I ran a small chain starting at the driver rear and thru every tie down and ended at the passenger side rear. Essentially one large U shape. Gives me multiple points to hook my tie down straps.

 

[Big Barn]

I took the liner off to bolt from the backside.

There are probably many systems available for pickups.

The Etrack i had was the same that we used on all our semi van trailers therefore there all attachments available are heavy duty. (Including load lock bars as shown in at least one of my photos. )

 

[BigBlue1]

Thanks, BB. I have no doubt the E track system is good stuff. I'd just prefer something a little more understated.

The Core Uni Traxx or US Cargo Solutions L Track looks like exactly what I'd like to use if I can find a way to fasten it in a structurally sound manner. Videos from US Cargo seem to indicate it can be bolted to the bed rail lip and be fairly solid with bolts every 5". I'd prefer mid height of the bed sides for more down angle (and to accommodate shorter cargo) but it looks like nutserts are the only option for me there. Pretty sure I can't get to the back side if the inner bed sidewall. I haven't crawled underneath to confirm though.

Rob

 

[bcp]

Unistrut bed rails

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=unistrut+bed+rails&t=ffsb&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

Bruce

 

[Xfaxman]

I ran a small chain starting at the driver rear and thru every tie down and ended at the passenger side rear. Essentially one large U shape. Gives me multiple points to hook my tie down straps.

Good idea

I use one heavy chain between the D-rings on each side of the tilt trailer for round bales:

 

[2017JD1025r]

Unistrut bed rails

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=unistrut+bed+rails&t=ffsb&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

Bruce

I like that idea. Get it mounted to the sides clean and easy and boom nice adjustable system!

 

[BigBlue1]

OK, I've got various rail options now. At this point I guess I'm just looking for methods people have used to properly fasten a rail of any type of the sidewall of the bed, preferably on a 4th gen Ram.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[hslogger]

I have no use for canopies or toppers. This is what I do for bedrails on all my pickups.Stout as stout can be. I can put binders and chains on there no problem, Heavy duty yes, over kill, maybe. does work for me with anything of value and weight. Unbreakable I guess, never have rolled one of the trucks over to find that out

The steel is bent on a brake in a custom fab shop. Modern pickups don't have straight beds anymore. They have a taper front and back. So the rails need to be cut after forming. A small triangle is cut out of the side. Bent back to fit and welded, ground down smooth. The hooks are made and welded to the sides. Side rails are sitting on top of OEM plastic crap and bolted through with stainless nuts and bolts. Tail gate gets the same treatment.

 

[Jstpssng]

OK, I've got various rail options now. At this point I guess I'm just looking for methods people have used to properly fasten a rail of any type of the sidewall of the bed, preferably on a 4th gen Ram.

Thanks,
Rob

Hardware Kits | Standard No Drill Installation Kit This doesn't really show much, but it's a mounting kit designed to utilize the stake pockets of your truck. It will work on front and back.
I have this type of rack Our products at Maine Truck Racks

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on my company truck and another from my old Ranger, which I need to resize to my Colorado and also modify so that I can still use my tonneau cover. Not only are they great to tie off to, but offer a convenient handle for climbing in and out of the truck. They're also great for tying down anything from snowsleds and motorcycles to 100 lb propane tanks and cutting torches.