How to Install the Boxlink Tie-Down System on Your Ford F150

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! Please like and subscribe! Please watch some of my other automotive videos: I bought a used 2018 Ford F150 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqqcYoJ9gtGBfJY Maintain your truck past 200,000 Miles - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmaxgmaIl7WahZI

[@chiefexecutive]

I found a set of these under the rear seat of my 2024 Raptor ! I’m stoked !

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Awesome! They're darn useful!

[@patstack67]

I had spray in bed liner in the holes so I ran a tap in first, but the Vaseline was a great tip.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Thanks! A tap definitely makes sense in your case. I appreciate you watching!

[@richardkoon5544]

I watched this last night. After watching, I ordered them from your link and just got them today and installed them. Piece of cake! Thanks for the video.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

I'm glad it helped! And thanks for supporting the channel through the links!

[@chrisluce712]

Great video. I just bought them and was not sure why the screws would not go in. I thought it could be the paint. Once again, thanks for the helpful video.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@bobmartin1989]

Watched other similar videos .... Yours was by far the best !!!!

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Thanks for the kind words! I hope it helps.

[@roxannasellers5782]

How cool. Now those are going to come in handy. A must have for your kind of life. Have a fun day.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Thank you! Yes, they should come in very handy, especially after I modify them to do even more! Stay tuned for more!

[@vicc6744]

I have a '23 XL with short bed and I don't remember seeing these indentations in my bed- are these indents on all the F150 beds

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

It's possible it's not an option on all beds. The indents are pretty obvious, so you'd have them or not. They're pretty useful if you do!

[@johnmarkley157]

You nailed it!!!!! Thanks for video...

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@ronshuman531]

Wow, Thank you! If you have a spray in liner, it is a time & life saver!! Go find your T-30 bit that took me an hour of time. 😢

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@gdubactual]

The original Ford product has a much tighter fit if anyone is looking. So much so that I had difficulty sliding the cleats into place. I had to uninstall the plates in order to be able to rubber mallet the cleats into place from the back.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

That's good to know. I've had some sizable loads hooked up to the cleats I used without issue, and they are pretty simple to remove and install. Thanks for sharing!

[@collinstuart3622]

Can you use Aquaphor instead of vacaline?

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Aquaphor has petroleum jelly as an ingredient, so it may work, though I do not know if the other healing ingredients would have any long-term corrosive properties. You would use such a small amount, I can't imagine it would make much difference.

[@jesusfelix1462]

Great video..thanks

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@brianbolton8199]

2 additional attachment points are on each side of the bed standard. That gives us a total of 8 attachment points.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

That's correct! Never too many, right? 😀

[@rendiewmit86]

Good video! Any issues with this brand at all?

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

These have held up well over the past couple years. I used a metal-hook bungee on a long trip, and noticed it chipped off the powercoating on one of the cleats, so that's something to watch out for. Otherwise, no complaints!

[@rendiewmit86]

@@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors I'm going to use Vaseline on the screws like you did. Do you recommend the faster speeds of your power drill? Or is going slower with a ratchet fine too? I've seen a lot of complaints with most brands that the screws break. Some say they tap out the hole. I'd say any lubricant and it'll be fine.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

@@rendiewmit86 Like you see in the video, I used an impact driver and vaseline and it worked just fine. They went it pretty smoothly, though I can see how any little bind in the process could snap them off.

[@ClapsCheeksAlot]

I got these exact cleats and when I went to do them by hand they felt to big. I didn't know about the Vaseline but it seemed like they didn't wanna fit my 2021

[@ClapsCheeksAlot]

The screws

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

You're basically using the screws to cut the threads into the metal, so they will fit very snug. This is why I used an impact driver and vaseline. It would have been almost impossible to install them with only a screwdriver. It went very quick with the driver. I can't imagine they changed the hole size for 2021, but you may want to double check.

[@ClapsCheeksAlot]

@@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors i ended up getting 15 outta 16 screws in and got the cleats snug thanks to your video!

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Excellent! I'm glad it helped!

[@sstyrna6592]

Love my 2018 , need keys when ties are not needed to remove., they can go missing ,

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

The kit I bought came with a TON of keys, so I have them placed all over in case I need to remove mine.

[@raymond1842]

Just got these in the mail. Attempted install and the threads of the screw disintegrated when I tried to screw them in. ???

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Oh no, that’s not good. Did you lubricate the threads with Vaseline or something similar? What tool did you use to screw them in?

[@raymond1842]

@@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors I just sprayed some WD-40 on the threads. I used a cordless 20v driver drill. I will try vaseline, but I can't imagine that making that much of a difference.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

I hope it all works out for you. Keep me posted!

[@roadscholar9323]

In another video, (Ronin) installer recommended lubing and partially installing screws without the plates, to set the threads. Then withdraw screws and re-install them with the bracket plates. Looks like you're gonna have to tap it and get some really HARDENED, self-tapping screws to do the job.

[@raymond1842]

I went ahead and just bought a tap and made my own threads.

[@ricker669]

Great video! I wish I could just buy a set without the lock and keys. I don't under the point of them. It would probably be half the price and be sturdier smh.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

The locking mechanism is what holds these things in place. I'm not sure why they have to be locked with a key (are folks really worried about them being stolen?), rather than some sort of knob or lever, but every version I've seen is keyed. For my purposes, I don't really plan on removing them, so they're in for good. Thanks for watching!

[@sarahgoldfarb913]

It seems pretty stupid that they protrude so much. You can't put coolers flush to the side of the bed now. Your thoughts?

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

I just went out and made some measurements, because I haven't run into this as an issue. The tie-down cleat and plate protrudes 2.25" from where it attaches to the side of the bed, however, each mounting point is set back in an indentation that is 1.25" from the main side of the bed. So each cleat is only 1" from flush. This is roughly the same as the other factory tie-down points in the bed. These cleats are also mounted fairly high on the bed sides - 14.5" from the floor - so it makes them easier to access for attaching straps over larger loads. The mounting plates also accept E-track hardware, so you may be able to use E-track straps in place of the cleats if you had to get something flush to the side of the bed.

[@randypalmatier5495]

FYI mine were installed with the smaller opening side down not up.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

I'm not sure it really matters, as the cleats lock in securely. I followed what Ford shows on their instructions for mine.

[@nausicaaofthevalleyofthewi5208]

My screws aren’t going in. Help anyone?

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

A few questions: Are you using an impact driver to install them? Did you lubricate the screws with vaseline? These holes are smooth, and you are using the screws to cut threads as you install them so it does take a measured bit of force to get them started - not too much as to risk breaking them off. Once the driver starts pushing the screw in, be sure to keep consistent pressure until it is fully seated. Again, don't overtighten. I hope that helps.

[@knight1094]

For some reason, mine doesn’t slide up.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

I'm assuming you're talking about the cleats. They're a bit tight at first, so you may have to install and uninstall them a few times to wear them in a bit.

[@user-nh3gu1ge3d]

"not sure why someone would steal this" bro, they'd steal the thing you've got tied down, not the cleat. They want it removable because it's large and sometimes we don't need it in the truck, but put a lock on it so when in use, the item tied down isn't stolen.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Funny, I hadn’t thought about that! That leads to the question - how are you locking whatever you’re tying down, other than the locking cleats? Chain? Bike lock wire? Thanks for the thoughts!

[@William-Bill-Munny]

@@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors Take a look at a Pelican case truck mount for the F150. It's a light weight lockable tool box that stays below the bed rails - for me its a win when I got to work and another win for the weekends when I load kayaks or mtn bikes.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

@@William-Bill-Munny Thanks!

[@William-Bill-Munny]

@@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors typical new world order supply chain issues but I'm all in once the stock is replenished.

[@BJ-wo4mi]

Did yours have paint in the holes? I’m guessing I’m OK to screw mine in still? Nvm lol I see

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Yes, mine had some paint which was easily bypassed as the screw was driven in.

[@markallen9981]

👍

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

😀

[@scottbeefful]

Haha. I was thinking i was crazy and not sure why i had to run a tap thru all the holes. Why the hell wouldn't Ford use an actual bolt in there.

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

I understand they're reasoning. Many folks may not use this option, so the holes can stay protected by the paint. It's easy enough to drive them in there if you need them.

[@nathanmayes3218]

Maybe not steal the box link itself but undo it releasing the precious cargo you might have tied down

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

That makes sense!

[@dontask8979]

Those would almost be a requirement if someone was to add a "Decked" system. Someday...

[@TheGoodeLifeOutdoors]

Absolutely agree! Those are really nice systems. This is an easy and inexpensive addition, no matter what you have going in your bed. I've already used them several times, and they come in handy.