Augster

I would definitely be interested, though I haven't really needed to pull them out because of a too-wide cargo item. Although I haven't really hauled 4' wide sheet goods (plywood, drywall, etc) with this generation truck (the only time I did, I had the lumber yard rip them in half), but I did with my older trucks that had the factory aluminum extender removed or had them delivered direct due to the large quantity ordered.

I usually do what NASSTY does and typically have it configured to corral items close to the tailgate; locking tonneau cover keeps everything secure and away from prying eyes.

SoJerZee

Ditto. Just about every weekend. Also used it to keep stuff from sliding around when up against the cab. It's pretty handy.

I've never had the need to remove it. Yet.

arokcrwlr

I'd be interested in a QR system for it. There are many times that the bed extender was in the way, but I've dealt with it as it is a PITA to remove.

northlight labs

iTrader: (1)

Thank you all for your quick replies regarding this idea. We really appreciate the help from the F150 Forum community!

Our current prototype uses "posilock" locking ball detent pins as a replacement for the factory bolt. This concept requires drilling out the threaded factory mount on the bed side to a larger diameter for the posilock pin to fit.

(FYI: I've already drilled out the threaded mount on one side of my 2015, so I think this system has merit.) But...we really want to hear what you think.

Of course, once the threaded mount is drilled out, there's no going back to the original factory bolt.

We explored smaller diameter posilock pins that didn't require drilling but they were not strong enough or long enough to serve as a secure replacement for the factory bolt.

Please let us know what you think about drilling out the threaded mount.

Thanks!

Northlight Labs

arokcrwlr

Do you have a pic showing the drilled out hole and pin?

I don't have a problem drilling for a better solution.

2011SuperCrew

iTrader: (2)

Yea i would like to see this as well and of the actual posi-lock bolt you are using. I would not mind drilling mine out either for this QR method.

M0RRIS

I put my led switch in one of those holes above this hole you speak of. Would I run into problems with adding a bed extender? I remember the one in my ranger had those pins that would "lock" into those holes above and below the pivot screw.

Augster

I wouldn't mind drilling out the welded-in nut. My two concerns:

1) Would the drill-out require a perfect perpendicular (90-degree) axis in order for the replacement retention system to be installed?

2) What is the shearing force capacity? That is, how much would it take for cargo pushed up against the bed extender fully deployed to cause this ball detent system to pre-maturely release?

I would hate to have an unexpected shift in heavy cargo fall out the back of the bed because this mechanism could not hold up to the load shift force.

northlight labs

iTrader: (1)

Augster,

Thanks for your questions.

The Posilock pin we are considering is an industrial-level ball detent locking pin often used in aviation and other industrial applications.

I'll confirm the shearing force on this pin from the supplier. The pin is made of hardened steel and is 3/8" diameter.

The detent ***** are positively locked in place when the button is released. The button would have to be pushed in fully to allow the detent ***** to drop out of extension.

If you remove the taillight on your truck (just two bolts) you'll see the riveted threaded mount. It was easy to keep the bit at 90 degrees as we drilled.

More info and pictures to come shortly!

Thanks again to all who responded.

Northlight Labs

tarfin

Bump for the pics talked about in the OP.