Question about tapping holes in bed for tie downs? Gas tank issue?

[AutobahnSHO]

Given the info in this thread, I'm not sure how that fuel tank recall early on was a thing?!?!

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[Johnkn]

Given the info in this thread, I'm not sure how that fuel tank recall early on was a thing?!?!

Because the fuel tank sits inboard and behind the front tie-downs, but the drain holes on the bed floor (that were originally drilled out to clear spray-in bed liner) are directly above the tank...


.

 

[jpv74]

Fortunately in accordance with laws of physics your gas tank shell is a solid! Ergo you could take a thin, also-solid object like a straightened coathanger and insert it into the hole to see where it stops. Congratulations! You now know how far you can go before hitting the gas tank.

I will reply to you yet again because now I feel a little stupid. In my defense I had already covered the holes on the floor with the protective tape in the bed liner kit......the bed liner was also installed and a bed mat. So its not like I was looking at a bare hole. That said the use of a simple pick is all it took to confirm there was no issue. Your tie downs were already installed so you probably have no idea about the protective tape or bed liner install. Anyway....I accept the emoji funny faces....I deserved them. Bring em on!!!

 

[jpv74]

So I tapped the holes with no issue. I went ahead and temporarily installed the beefy tie downs so I could complete this thread. The reason it is just a temp install is that I need to razor knife some of the bed liner away so the tie downs will sit flush and I also need some stainless steel washers. Again given the height buildup from the drop in bed liner and the bed mat these tie downs lay flush.

 

[icegradner]

Given the info in this thread, I'm not sure how that fuel tank recall early on was a thing?!?!

It was on the EB only, IIRC, fuel tank is in a slightly different spot than the hybrid I think.

 

[adsandiego]

Hello all.......Just a quick question. I am installing some beefy bed tie downs in the bed of my XL. As many of you know the front bed floor holes are not tapped at the factory so you are supposed to use a M8 or 8mm X 1.25 tap to thread the holes. So I was tapping the first hole tonight and I just couldnt get past the thought of that gas tank being right below this location. The first recall was about the spray in bedliner guys drilling into the gas tank as I recall. Anyway if someone could just give me a clear mind and let me know that I can tap to the moon with no issues I would appreciate it.

no, don't tap to the moon unless you can walk away like this

 

[jpv74]

Already tapped to the moon.......unfortunately no fireworks......

 

[AutobahnSHO]

So I tapped the holes with no issue. I went ahead and temporarily installed the beefy tie downs so I could complete this thread. The reason it is just a temp install is that I need to razor knife some of the bed liner away so the tie downs will sit flush and I also need some stainless steel washers. Again given the height buildup from the drop in bed liner and the bed mat these tie downs lay flush.

Nice!

I would be careful about how you tie stuff down- and look at the owner manual- remember that the bed is part of the "unibody" and manual specifically says something about not tying heavy stuff straight across as it could damage the bed- to go diagonal.

 

[jpv74]

Thanks for the tip. I have the manual sitting right by my chair for some good reading.

 

[Poultrygeist]

If you plan to install extra tie downs in the XL you'll need these taps. 6mm for the side holes and 8mm for the bed floor holes. I found the correct metric bolts at Home Depot and Lowes which were M6 ( 1.0 x 25mm ) and M8 ( 1.25 x 25mm ).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TPHPPG6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

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