I called Happijac directly with this question and got an ambiguous answer. The new Ford F series now have aluminum truck beds. I guess to save weight. I have a Happijac tie down, the type that bolts through the bed bulkhead. I'de like to switch it over but wonder if theres a difference if the bulkhead is aluminum rather than sheetmetal in strength? Im picturing the bolts ripping through the aluminum like it was a soda can. I've been somewhat out of touch latly so if theres already opinions out there on this I missed them. It seems the 2017 F series is a redesign, there arn't even the bolts in the rear bumpers any more that used to secure the rear turnbuckles. Any input?

I tried the search function again after posting and got some hits with "aluminum bed". Which suggests frame mounted tiedowns. If anyone has comments on the subject they wish to share, please do . Otherwise I'll chase down framemounts :)

From what I heard bed-mounted brackets have been judged inadequate, even some Happijacd come with rod extending to frame.For my new Ford I spend $350 for front tie downs and manufacture hitch-mounted rears myself.

Kayteg1 wrote:From what I heard bed-mounted brackets have been judged inadequate, even some Happijacd come with rod extending to frame.For my new Ford I spend $350 for front tie downs and manufacture hitch-mounted rears myself.Thats phooey. I've had mine with 2 TC's over 18 years now, no issues.Not sure about the aluminum bed situation but I do know that the metal in new trucks is thinner than in older trucks.I do like the HJ Qwik Loads. About 1/2 the cost of the TL Fast Guns. Do the same thing for much less cost and the handles are removable and can be used without attaching them to the cam action mechanism.It's HappiJac btw, not Happijacd...duh.Tell us, where did you 'hear ' that bit of phooey or was it made up for the moment?

Can stainless bolts be used on the bed or is there a risk of galvanic corrosion?Mike

In my opinion, the anchors on the TC will fail, or the framework around the anchors will fail, before the material on the bed will fail. As you know the happijac system using clamping force to secure itself to the front of the bed; so it is spread across a large area. As opposed to a small point trying to puncture or tear the material. The bolts provide the clamping force, and don't necessarily carry the load like you are imagining that will rip through the metal. It also bolts through the floor of the bed and hits a crossmember. I personally would do it if I could afford a new truck that had an aluminum bed and/or body.

Happijac tiedown system and the new Ford Aluminum beds

33 Replies

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Nov 03, 2017
Kayteg1 wrote:
From what I heard bed-mounted brackets have been judged inadequate, even some Happijacd come with rod extending to frame.
For my new Ford I spend $350 for front tie downs and manufacture hitch-mounted rears myself.

Thats phooey. I've had mine with 2 TC's over 18 years now, no issues.

Not sure about the aluminum bed situation but I do know that the metal in new trucks is thinner than in older trucks.

I do like the HJ Qwik Loads. About 1/2 the cost of the TL Fast Guns. Do the same thing for much less cost and the handles are removable and can be used without attaching them to the cam action mechanism.

It's HappiJac btw, not Happijacd...duh.

Tell us, where did you 'hear ' that bit of phooey or was it made up for the moment?
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2017
From what I heard bed-mounted brackets have been judged inadequate, even some Happijacd come with rod extending to frame.
For my new Ford I spend $350 for front tie downs and manufacture hitch-mounted rears myself.
nycsteve
Explorer
Nov 03, 2017
I tried the search function again after posting and got some hits with "aluminum bed". Which suggests frame mounted tiedowns. If anyone has comments on the subject they wish to share, please do . Otherwise I'll chase down framemounts :)

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Happijac tiedown system and the new Ford Aluminum beds

33 Replies

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