Bullring Flush fit retractable Tailgate tie downs

Im sure this would work with any truck but I bought a 2024 SR5 short bed 2WD about 2 weeks ago. Absolutely love this truck but like all of you wanted to make it mine and to customize it how I need it. One of the things I noticed right after buying it was the factory tie down locations. Now I know if I buy a piece of plywood or anything longer than the truck bed I could just close the tailgate. The bad side of that is it rubs the top plastic on the tailgate itself (I know its a truck and nicks and dings are to be expected.....but if I can prevent it then why not do it). So I decided to put some retractable bullring tie downs in the tailgate itself. This modification might not be for you but it works for me. I believe that if you're going to modify/add something then it should look like it belongs there. This does require cutting a hole in your tailgate so if your not comfortable with your abilities then maybe don't do this or have someone else do it for you.

Tools needed
1. Retractable Pop up Anchors. I bought these at Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/SmartStr...-Duty-Chrome-220-2-Pack/14493277?from=/search
2. Screwdriver
3. Tape
4. Pencil
5. Measuring Tape
6. Drill/Drill bit
7. Dremel/File....or some way of cutting the hole


I used these but Im sure any you buy will work


This is what they look like out of the package


Remove the panel on the inside of the tailgate to gain access to the inside.


Measure where you want the anchor to go and apply tape to the area to protect the paint


Make a template of the area that you plan to cut out. In my opinion it is better to cut the hole a little small and file out the rest than to cut the hole to big.


Hole should look something like this when you get done.


Test fit to make sure its a good fit.


Place the outside of the ring in the hole


Insert the anchor from the inside of the tailgate and screw the outside plate to the anchor

Test the movement of the anchor in and out to make sure it moves correctly then repeat this same process for the other side



Reattach the panel to the tailgate


Close the tailgate and enjoy. Hope this helps anyone wanting to do something like this.

 

Nice idea, but you are correct on drilling and cutting into a new truck. Oh that hurts. I know I have seen people add D-rings to the bed bolts. Same idea as yours, just inside the bed. No drilling or cutting either.

 

Might look pretty, but your tailgate just lost some structural integrity. Think about what keeps the tailgate from folding in the middle along a line from driver's side to passenger side like a piece of sandwich bread.

 

@2mchfun, if you take the panel off the tailgate you will see 3-5 (I didnt count) cross braces that go from front to back. I get that anytime you cut a hole you risk structural integrity but I would argue this would be extremely minimal. But I get your point.