Stake Pockets near cab

[JasonKushner76]

Just purchased my first truck 3 days ago and I'm going to install a Backrack as well as the Gator FX3 tonneau cover.  I've watched all of the installation videos and read the instructions so I'm pretty confident that the install will be pretty simple.  However when looking at the bed rails, I noticed that the stake pockets near the cab don't have a removable cap (like my work F150's did).  I'm assuming that i can just cut this out with a razor knife or dremel tool.  Has anyone had any issues with removing this?  I don't want to screw this step up and have to replace the entire rail since i just put a good chunk of money down for the truck.    Any and all suggestions are appreciated.   Thanks!! 

[Artie61]

They Are not removable ?? ! I seen them and thought they popped out ,  I do not need to use the fronts yet but good to know

[m3n00b]

Yup, gotta cut them. Super soft plastic. Follow the outline. Could probably do it with a butter knife.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Waterfowler41]

I cut mine for a headache rack, now I have those pop up tie down hook in them. The plastic is super soft, i used a rotozip.

Also had an F150 and I really miss the removable caps...

[Ravenkeeper]

Yeah, utility knife does a great job with them.  Whatever you do, do NOT use a handheld router, very messy and trashes the paint in the stake hole.  Cut them out along the inside edge of the marking for the hole, then go back and clean it up at the outer edge of the markings.  Also, don't rush it.

[newdude]

Cut as close to the raised center as possible.  Tight clearance to the painted portion of the pocket. 

[JasonKushner76]

Thank you all for the advice!!!   I’ll post some pictures after I cut it this weekend.  

[truckguy82]

maybe consider using something like this

 

 

[Donstar]

^ That is one serious saw!  

[reardiff]

Are there any options for covering the rear stake pockets?  Seems odd why the rears would be open and the fronts covered and require cut out?  

[cbrsilv15]

55 minutes ago, reardiff said:

Are there any options for covering the rear stake pockets?  Seems odd why the rears would be open and the fronts covered and require cut out?  

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142603309513

[redwngr]

59 minutes ago, reardiff said:

Are there any options for covering the rear stake pockets?  Seems odd why the rears would be open and the fronts covered and require cut out?  

Rear ones are open and shaped as they are for a hand hold when using the corner step.

[ram1067]

9 hours ago, redwngr said:

Rear ones are open and shaped as they are for a hand hold when using the corner step.

yes you are correct! but i still would like to install some bull rings.....

[ram1067]

9 hours ago, cbrsilv15 said:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142603309513

now i wished someone made some with bullrings for the rear stake pockets....

[redwngr]

For tying stuff down, i still like the moveable rings that can replace the plugs on the inside walls of the box.