Originally Posted by Climb2Descend

Lots of benefits to bike in the bed. I've done the whole bike rack on a truck before, not into it, I even had a really nice one (Kuat NV). It makes the wheelbase of the truck very long, which sucks for backing up and parking in small trail lots. Bike rack also blocks backup camera. Depending on handlebar width you have to organize the bikes in different ways, lowering seats etc. If someone rear ends you, there goes several thousand dollars in bikes along with your truck. You can't lower your tailgate down, so access to the bed is limited.

Originally Posted by DeltaNu1142

I have a hitch mount, Thule, 4-bike model. I used it last weekend. I'm not a huge fan of it. It doesn't seem very secure. I don't see myself losing a bike, but they sure bounce around a lot even on paved roads. I shudder to think what could happen off the beaten path. Aside from that, my wife's bike's frame doesn't fit on it well. I end up having to hang the frame under one of the arms, rather than around/over.

I'd be happy to find an in-bed solution that lets me toss the bike in upright and take off. Saturday, I'm probably just going to throw the bikes in the bed and pull some bungees over them. I'd like a slicker solution.

But the real point of this thread was to point out that I'm dissatisfied with the BoxLink system and see if anyone has installed rails.

Originally Posted by OmegaF150

Absolutely no way I would swap out my rack for a bed mount solution. But that's just me.

Originally Posted by DeltaNu1142

Yes. And that's fine.

Now, has no one added rails to their bed?

Originally Posted by deapee

What's the issue with setting your bike in the bed? Bungee it to the side of you need.

Originally Posted by Climb2Descend

I agree with you 100%, this is the one part of the f150 that really sucks compared to the competition IMO. Having those rails opens up a lot of mounting solutions from different fabricators and companies for those other vehicles.

I ordered some L-track that I'm going to bolt to the cleats for securing my cargo down. The predrilled holes in the l-track don't match up with the holes in the cleats so you'd have to drill a few new holes in the l-track though. I have test fitted one 48" section and I have studs that bolt to the rail with a Kuat Dirt Big attached to it, ill take a mock up pic and post it here. My main intention is to use the l-track for helping secure my camping cargo and gear down when offroading though.

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratche...Tie-Down-Rails

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratche...d-Stud-Fitting

I mountain bike a lot, I just use a tailgate pad though so I can easily haul multiple friends bikes when shuttling. If you don't like a tailgate/shuttle pad you might want to look into a Yakima bedrock and then adding roof rack bike trays to that or getting a Thule Bed Rider. If you have a 6.5 ft bed a Thule Instagator would be another in bed option. I think with the decked system you will be limited to the thule bed rider or Yakima bed rock ideas though. Can't you just mount rail to the top of your decked system?

Originally Posted by DeltaNu1142

I've made some progress with fabricating a bike mounting system based on the BoxLink, but I abandoned it in favor of an upright (wheel-on) option. My interest is mostly in finding a good solution to secure bikes in the bed on top of my Decked deck. I've seen some creative methods here on the forums using Quick Fists to mount tools, and other users have come up with some good mounting systems that involve reinforcing the flimsy OEM cleats. I've heard of some people using e-tracks, and others saying that they don't work well. Whatever the case, it shouldn't take as much thought and effort as some have put into it.

After playing around with these for a few months, I'm comfortable in saying that the BoxLink system is complete garbage. It had potential, if either Ford or an aftermarket manufacturer had taken on the task of making more mounting devices for the interface plates. But the awful, fixed-position cleats just don't cut it, and I'm left trying to figure out how to do what I want to do in spite of it being the only existing tie-down method offered from the factory... at least, the only one accessible above my deck.

What I think I would like to do is mount rails like those in the Toyota and Nissan trucks. Maybe not the same, but similar. Core-Trax? Versa-Tie? Has anyone else done this? My biggest concern is fastening rails to the aluminum tub securely without causing too much damage.