I don't get this

simple · January 30, 2005

Why does GM, Ford, and Dodge make stake pocket holes on top of the rail? Yes, this would come in handy for those that have those metal lift carriers, but I would say 80% of truck owners just leave it open. Here's a better idea: instead of making the stake pocket holes, why not just make tie downs inside the bed like the way they do it on the mid size trucks? This way we could have a nice smooth bed rail without seeing those ugly square holes.

Ape0r · January 30, 2005

I, for one, like my ugly square holes.

lrymal · January 30, 2005

....This way we could have a nice smooth bed rail without seeing those ugly square holes.

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Well, maybe I'm one of the "few", but we mount sideboards made out of composite for hauling farm stuff on a regular basis. It allows the hauling of much higher loads than would be accomodated by the pickup bed itself. "I use a pickup as a truck".

Sorta like this:

71GMC_3/4T · January 30, 2005

I recently used mine for clamping my rails down for the fold-a-cover. It would have been a lot more difficult if they hadn't been there.

I'm gonna miss those holes now when I'm climbing into the bed... They were a perfect handhold to pull yourself up.

You can weld 'em or cap 'em if you don't like 'em. I don't think they'll ever go away, or at least I hope not!

mcreyaufmiller · January 31, 2005

I think they are there because they are a habit and people are used to seeing them. Besides, if you removed them, our trucks would look the same as the smaller import POS trucks.

az'03Silverado · January 31, 2005

The kids in my neighborhood use mine for trashcans. They use the bed too.

jt1872001 · January 31, 2005

a truck is a truck.made for useage. the post holes ure usefull.trade yours in for a new tacoma, that bed sucks you might like it .... j/k

jeffbf89 · January 31, 2005

I like having them, except my crew cab came from the factory with the plastic rail protectors and I wish it would have the plastic pieces that pop in over the holes when not in use.

robot225 · January 31, 2005

An advantage to the stake holes on the rails is for people like me who have a toolbox that's the whole width of the bed (sitting in bed, not up on the rails).

That kills the use of the tie down hooks on the inside.

I've got the GM flip-up stake pocket tie down hooks and they work great.

Still use the tie-downs rings down inside the bed in the back though too.

gnutruk · January 31, 2005

I'll come in to support simple on this one, mostly because he seems to be taking a beating.

Perhaps it best way to go would be both stakes AND tie-downs. Putting them both together shouldn't be too hard a design.

I agree with 71GMC_3/4T about using the stake hole to grab for climbing into the back. -- LOL.

Ever seen one of these trucks after the stake hole has been used, like with a 2X4 jammed in there to make a cage? The paint all around the holes gets all chipped to he** and gone. Rubs through the primer (undercoat) pretty quick, too. Best plan is if you're going to use those stake holes, tape them off real good to protect your paint. Or something like that.

gnutruk

asilverblazer · January 31, 2005

I haven't used mine for anything in particular, but I might, I am indifferent if they were to stay or go, I don't like how they look but I could use them also.

Wingnut · February 1, 2005

If it bothers you that much, go buy the plugs.

Better yet, go down to the local auto body gurus, and have them fill them in, and smooth 'em out. Probably cost a couple bills, but it will look nice and clean.

Me? It's a pickup, I'll keep the stake holes. They're a great place to smash beer cans into.

99-2door · February 1, 2005

Why does GM, Ford, and Dodge make stake pocket holes on top of the rail? Yes, this would come in handy for those that have those metal lift carriers, but I would say 80% of truck owners just leave it open. Here's a better idea: instead of making the stake pocket holes, why not just make tie downs inside the bed like the way they do it on the mid size trucks? This way we could have a nice smooth bed rail without seeing those ugly square holes.

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Don't all the new body style trucks have tie downs inside the bed?

jeffbf89 · February 1, 2005

Why does GM, Ford, and Dodge make stake pocket holes on top of the rail? Yes, this would come in handy for those that have those metal lift carriers, but I would say 80% of truck owners just leave it open. Here's a better idea: instead of making the stake pocket holes, why not just make tie downs inside the bed like the way they do it on the mid size trucks? This way we could have a nice smooth bed rail without seeing those ugly square holes.

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Don't all the new body style trucks have tie downs inside the bed?

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04 CC 4x4, Mine came with loops at each corner near the bottom of the bed. My 03 had them also.

Scgtpcpe · February 1, 2005

My 04 Silverado has both also. If you don't like the way they look, then put a tonneau on it. A tonneau will cover the holes and keep people from filling the truck with garbage.