I started this thread about my disappointment with the box cleats in my new truck recently.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/box-c...y-lame-346289/

The thread devolved quickly and was locked.

Today, I was looking at a coworkers 2015 lariat and his box cleats didn't have the same issue as mine.

I noticed his brackets, installed by ford, were upside down from mine. Looks like mine were installed upside down at the factory. That would explain why my cleats could be pulled out by hand while locked into position.

Here are my brackets. Did ford build my truck with them upside down?
I have a 2016 xlt

 

Mine are the same as yours. I haven't had any issues in 10 months, but two of them are much harder to get to lock, but once they are locked, they are secured

 

Cool, thanks for verifying that mine are correct.

 

No problem. I check all 4 to make sure too. haha

Hope you get your issue figured out. They can be handy!!

 

Same here...2 were easy and 2 a little more difficult, but once in and locked, they seen quite secure.

 

By looks of your picture they are installed correctly or at least same as mine and attached diagram. However it is probably possible to flip them in other direction and install tie downs according.

 

Looking at the picture, it would make sense that the narrow part of the receiver be at the top , as a tie-down strap would tend to pull the cleat in the upward position, would it not?

 

That is a good point. I am sure Ford thought the process through during their design.

 

Mine were a real bitch to lock the first time, but have been solid and never came loose since.

 

I installed my boxlink cleats tonight to test them out with some ratchet straps that I have. Installation was easy. I suppose I can leave them installed, however I tried to remove and was unable to do so. I did not want to push it too hard for fear of break or bending the mounting brackets in the truck bed. Instructions or recommendations for removing would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

2016 F150 Lariat
V6 3.5 Ecoboost