OEM Deck Rail System vs.....?

Just traded my '18 DB for a new '21 CM. The new truck had everything I wanted, except no deck rail system installed. I really don't understand why they don't just install those in all trucks, it seems fairly critical to be able to tie things down in the bed, and the stock tie points in the bed corners are way too low for my taste.

From what I've read and watched, looks like there should be threaded holes for the rails from the factory. If so, they seemed to have bed liner'ed right over them, so that's unfortunate.

I'll probably end up buying an OEM rail system and installing myself I guess, but curious if there are any better aftermarket solutions I should be looking into?

Thanks

 

Get a 6mm tap and chase the threads, order the deck rail kit either on Amazon or thru your dealer, I ordered thru my dealer, $165.

Takes a few minutes to install.

As for after market, not sure, I went with OEM.

 

Mine were also sprayed over. If you get the OEM rails you can line them up to help find the holes.

 

Check out superstrut it's used to hang conduit and plumbing on ceilings in buildings and such. Stronger than the factory bed rail. Lowes or Home Depot electric conduit isle.

 

I'm looking at using L Track. You will have to match drill the mounting holes since the factory ones won't line up with the bed mount locations. But there's more attachment options. Haven't pulled the trigger yet, too many projects...


https://www.uscargocontrol.com/collections/Airline-Straps-Hardware

 

Great idea! Only thing is you have to prime & paint it or get stainless steel to prevent rust.

 

Check this thread out. Great alternative for much less money. I did this to my 2019 and works great.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-unistrut-bed-rails-cheaper-option-than-oem.1906/

 

I just put D rings into the factory bolt hole locations. No protruding track system to deal with.

 

I did the same thing on my 07 for awhile but went with the rail system because it gives you so many more options of what you can do.

 

Thanks guys. I'll just go with OEM.

 

Figured I'd update this. Didn't have to chase the threads with a tap or anything. Whoever they had put in the bed liner was smart enough to tape over the holes for the deck rail. I was able to open the holes back up with a set of picks and a razor knife.

Found the holes by using the deck rails with their alignment pins first. Stuck a straight pick through the hole to mark it. Then take the rail down, stick the pick back through a hole, use the razor knife to cut around that spot, then used another pick to clean the tape out.

 

Was ready to order the OEM bed rail kit, and saw this warning about not working with a bed liner (my truck has it).

Is this just concerns about plugged holes?

 

Also, was going to order from Sparks, but the cleats appear to be black And odd looking, versus the grey I’m used to seeing. Any intel on these? New cleat design?

 

Those black ones look like Tacoma ones. Not sure if they are Tundra / Tacoma universal?

 

The black ones are plastic. The gray ones are a light duty metal.

 

Toyota should install ltrack as standard. That's what I would install if I had a clean slate. However because of Toyotas use of their own standard that they haven't changed over 20 years, many aftermarket things are adapted for it. That's the good thing.

 

I think you’re right...found the right kit, they are the gray ones.

 

check post #35 from this thread https://www.tundras.com/threads/add...-spray-in-bed-liner.10096/page-2#post-1987491

I added photos and a description. Figured it would be helpful for anyone else in then future.

 

Same question, I just picked up a 2020 sr5 sport. It has a spray in liner and these holes cannot be found. Does this mean I don't have them or that they were covered and sprayed over?

 

They might mean it won't work with one of the plastic insert bed liners. It will work just fine with a spray-in. You just need to cut out around the holes to uncover them. Feel in the area where the screws are supposed to go, you'll be able to easily tell where there is nothing behind the bed liner (where the holes are).

I found the soft spot and stuck a pick in first to find the hole. I cut around the soft spot with a razor knife. There was a paper material behind it, I'm guessing they put tape over the holes before spraying to keep the threads clean. Can't say if that's always the case though.

 

I've got aluminum "half-strut" on mine for mounting the bed rack and my RTT. Fits great!

 

That is exactly what I did. I got a 10 pack 1500lbs on Amazon. I have used them a few times and worked great.

 

Mac’s custom tie downs has a setup for Tundra. Kind of pricey so I just found someone selling one on Craigslist.

 

Intalled this L Track rail for the front of the bed. Got it from Mac’s Custom Tie Downs. Made specifically for the Tundra with mounting holes which lined up perfectly. Quick and easy install just had to find the mounting holes through the bed liner. Came with the 4 loops and the mounting hardware.

 

I got the front set. Their website had them as the same price as the sides so I reached out to them and they said it was a typo and I got the front set for a little over $100 shipped. I was looking to make my own set, most L-track lengths were about $70 to get something for the front. They’re pre-drilled every 4” so you would have to locate and drill holes for mounting to factory points. This Mac’s kit comes pre drilled with the exact mount location for the bed. Comes with mounting screws and 4 hook loops. I think it makes up for the price pretty quick with clean and easy install without extra holes every 4”.

 

local shop sprayed over mine, even after I spoke to them about not doing it. I ordered a tap/die kit off Amazon and cleaned out the bed liner material. took maybe an hour.
evidently, spraying over the holes is common. Next time i will buy extra bolts and thread them in before hand.