Unistrut DIY and OEM cleats

Hi all, I copied this over from the lengthy DIY Unistrut thread, I’m just hoping to get some feedback as the other thread is sorta dead.

Question for those using OEM cleats with the Unistrut setup:

1. How are you able to have OEM cleats fasten onto itself? I have the fender washer in place like above, but the "T-head" spins freely and will not grab unless I attempt to hold the "T-head" in place using a flathead screwdriver or pliers. In short, the more narrow OEM channel hold the "T-head" place allowing the cleats to fasten vs the wider channel on the strut.

2. Are you mounting the "feet" of the OEM cleats inside the channel? The "feet" are too small to mount outside the strut, unless utilizing a washer....so does that mean using 2 washers?

Pics added for reference...OEM tundra cleat mounted on unistrut.

 

thanks for the reply! I take it your not running the oem bed cleats though? I’ve already got some oem cleats to utilize and hoping not to shell out more $ for a different tie down altogether.

 

I wish i had the patience to check beforehand, but nissan’s deck rails look to be similar to unistrut. I wonder if their accessories fit

 

The spring nut will stop your spinning problem and a square washer in between the strut and the cleat would stop the cleat from pulling into the strut. Not sure how much threads you have to work with though, never pulled one of those apart.

 

I have done the unistrut DIY rails and the Nissan cleats fit perfectly. I've got 4 cleats on each side.