I've seen threads where guys are buying box link cleats or are unhappy their truck didn't come with them. Mine came with them and IMO things are junk. Plastic crap that had to be trimmed to fit in the mounting plate. Rated at 200lb direct pull or 600lb side load.

Save your self the trouble and get E-Track cleats instead. They fit better and even the cheap $5 ones from Harbor Freight are rated at 5,000 lb. I realize the bed can't take that much, but no way would I strap down anything important with the cheap plastic Ford cleat. It's pretty sad when Harbor Freight parts are quality by comparison.

I'll gladly trade mine for a reasonable amount of beer.

 

You believe that the cleats are made out of plastic? Don't think so.

 

Correction. I KNOW they are made out of a thermoplastic and if you think otherwise you would be mistaken. The plates are not, but the cleats are.

 

 

E -Track has more configurations and less expensive. They work with the plates.
https://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/i...s-and-hardware

 

In the time it takes to wonder...
There is metal in there. The thermoplastic is about 1/8 thick with a metal core of STEEL. That said, it's still junk.

 

I never really used the boxlink cleats to strap down anything yet. What application are you experiencing that renders them junk? And why not use the metal hold down cleats lower to the bed for the real needs?

 

They fit poorly and are a PIA to install. They re weight limited to 200lb. E-Track is cheaper, easier, stronger. Not only that, but four E-t rack cleats fit into a small strap bag.

 

Fair enough. When I first seen the plastic coated cleats, it seem obvious to me the most they could accomplish is hold down a heap or pile of garbage in the bed to keep it from flying out. I wouldn't trust the boxlink when a true tie-down is needed.