Truck Bed Tie Down Anchors mod?

[Keys0017]

My 2023 F-150, 5’ bed, only has a removable plug to put a tie down anchor on each side of the bed rail near the tailgate. I know the 6’ bed has one near the back window too and the 7’ bed (F-350 diesel) has 3 ports on each side to install them.

Has anyone attempted/is it even possible to cut into the bed rail to install another set near the front of the bed? (Without it looking like crap)

Thanks for any input.

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[Buyer2021]

(Without it looking like crap)

This is my 6.5' box with front Bulldog anchors.

On yours, lacking the flat area of the bed rail caps, and lacking the molded depressed flange in the rail cap that is clamped under the Bulldog cover (look under your rear-corner hole plugs) .....

IMO it'd look like crap no matter how carefully cut and fitted.

One opinion, YMMV.

FWIW, the 2022 Ford Body Builders Layout Book does show a pocket opening at the front of the 5.5' box (maybe, but unlikely changed for 2023+?):

View attachment 2022 F150 DIMENSIONS BOX.pdf

No idea why Ford doesn't make provisions for using that on the short box

 

[Keys0017]

This is my 6.5' box with front Bulldog anchors.

On yours, lacking the flat area of the bed rail caps, and lacking the molded depressed flange in the rail cap that is clamped under the Bulldog cover (look under your rear-corner hole plugs) .....

IMO it'd look like crap no matter how carefully cut and fitted.

One opinion, YMMV.

FWIW, the 2022 Ford Body Builders Layout Book does show a pocket opening at the front of the 5.5' box (maybe, but unlikely changed for 2023+?):

View attachment 2022 F150 DIMENSIONS BOX.pdf

No idea why Ford doesn't make provisions for using that on the short box

Yep, I have no idea how I could make it look good, epically with the raised plastic rail cap all the way to the front.

Sure wish there was a way to add some type of clapping system so I can stack/tie down stuff ( ie kayaks) on top of the bed cover.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[StoneGray22]

Here is a thread on how others have done it on earlier 14th gens.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/front-stake-pocket-uncovering-5-5-bed.1657/

 

[nikon858]

https://realtruck.com/p/bull-ring-stake-pocket-cut-out-tools/v/ford/f150/

cutting an option, but I agree with the raised areas I don’t think it would look that great.

Depending on how smooth your cover is this might work.

https://realtruck.com/p/seasucker-cleats/v/ford/f150/

 

[imnuts]

I cut mine out with the BullRing router bit, installed the tie downs, and then filled in the gap with black RTV. I did better on one side than the other with smoothing it out, but it looks better than with the gap.

 

[cjreyes]

I cut mine out with the BullRing router bit, installed the tie downs, and then filled in the gap with black RTV. I did better on one side than the other with smoothing it out, but it looks better than with the gap.

@imnuts Can you tell me if the front stake pockets are standard or offset? Trying to figure out which flush mount BullRing part numbers I need to order for the front and rear on my 22 F-150, 5’ bed. TIA

 

[imnuts]

@imnuts Can you tell me if the front stake pockets are standard or offset? Trying to figure out which flush mount BullRing part numbers I need to order for the front and rear on my 22 F-150, 5’ bed. TIA

Here is what I ordered. Hopefully that gets you what you need. It looks like Bill Ring was purchased by another company since I installed mine.

 

[cjreyes]

Here is what I ordered. Hopefully that gets you what you need. It looks like Bill Ring was purchased by another company since I installed mine.

Thanks Bud, I appreciate the help.

 

[Gros Ventre]

Those looked good. I bought a set!

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