I am one to haul snowmobiles, lumber, fencing supplies, etc... in the back of my truck. Until recently, the cheap tie down points in each corner of the bed sorta worked for me until I helped a friend move. I went to wrench down on a strap and basically bent the anchor point.

I looked to install D-Rings but I could not find anything decent enough with a two inch gap for bolts. I then thought of using exhaust clamps. To be specific, I used 1 1/2 inch clamps. I cleaned up the U bolts with degreaser, I then cinched on the nuts until the threads ran out. Put on a washer, then I stuck them into the holes where the original anchor point used to be. On the backside, I then put on thick big washers and nuts, and tightened it down.

Total cost: $10.00

I also painted them to match the color of my bed. They are much more sturdy. I can hook them from any angle, etc...

I can get pictures if need be.

 

Sweet great idea, pics would be good just to look at.

 

I never measured but now I am curious. Is the distance between the mounting bolt centers 2 inches? Would this fit? http://www.etrailer.com/pc-TIE~LRB1.htm


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I looked at them, but they were soooooo huge that it was not practical... I've seriously seen skid loaders chained down with those size loops. I will take a picture a little later...

Two inches, center to center.

 

Here are the pictures... Amazing how much more solid they are than the cheap flat steel anchor hook the truck comes with.

You can see I put washers between the nuts and the truck, as well as washers before the nuts behind the fender steel.

 

I LIKE it! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing this with us. Cheers

Jules

 

Thanks!