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Built A Better Cargo Management System

jdonnelson

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jdonnelson Enthusiast

jdonnelson

Posted
Posted

Well, I was pondering adding the factory CMS to my truck two tie things down, but it just looked weak to me and there where not many options for adding things later. I had a Titan in the a previous life (it got bought back) and liked there system much better. I was told that it was designed off a common construction part. So after doing some research here is my version:

 

P7200027.JPG

P7200028.JPG

P7200029.JPG

 

 

The rails are Electrical Conduit brackets, you can pick them up at most hardware stores. I used the mounting nuts that you normally put into the rail, but I will get to that. The mounting nuts are rectangular and fit in the holes perfectly, then you turn them to lock in place. They come in 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 inch sizes. I used the 1/2" to make sure I had plenty of strength. I think the factory ones are only 1/4".

 

Anyhow cut the brackets to the length I wanted, gave them a quick paint job (I think I may powercoat them) and bolted them in. That process took 2 hours with waiting for the paint and all.

 

Now as for the tie downs, they are Nissan tie downs for the trucks. You can find them on Ebay for about $25-40, I had mine left over from the Titan.

 

They are fully adjustable and hold very well.

 

Now here is the best part. Those nuts that I am holding the rails in with are actually designed to go inside the rail and because they some in different hole sizes you can bolt in nearly anything. For instance, I do a lot of mountain bike riding and want to mount the front forks to the front rail. I just picked up some fork mounts and I will be using the 1/4" nuts to bolt them in the rail. (I will add pics when I install them this week) and because the tie downs can just be loosened and removed quickly and relocated I don't have to worry about taking up space in the rail.

 

Anyway... Hope you all enjoy!

 

JD

asilverblazer Senior Enthusiast

asilverblazer

Posted
Posted

Looks like it works pretty well. I'm not a big fan of the cargo management system, mostly because it looks cumbersome.

 

Could you (pleease) take some up close pictures of the Tie-downs, and the mounting point/hardware?

 

Not sure how you mounted it, but I'd think a bolt and a large washer behind the thin sheet metal of the box side?

jdonnelson Enthusiast

jdonnelson

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Looks like it works pretty well. I'm not a big fan of the cargo management system, mostly because it looks cumbersome.

 

Could you (pleease) take some up close pictures of the Tie-downs, and the mounting point/hardware?

 

Not sure how you mounted it, but I'd think a bolt and a large washer behind the thin sheet metal of the box side?

 

I will take some this week when I mount the bike mount. I thought about adding a washer to distibute weight but the factory one just use a toggle bolt. I will continue to test and let you all know.

99silveradoz71 Senior Enthusiast

99silveradoz71

Posted
Posted

Now this is good stuff here. I always love to see folks on here that solve an issue or come up with a good idea on their own then are willing to share it with others to help out.

Tucson_02Silverado Senior Enthusiast

Tucson_02Silverado

Posted
Posted

I've had my cut/powder coated electrical C channels in my garage for 4 years now. Mostly because I have never really been able to find a functional off the shelf tie down hook system that would adjust yet secure within the channels.

 

Are those Titan tiedowns a "perfect" fit/function solution?

 

It' also been a while, so I've forgotten how I was going to mount the channels in my 02. The GMT900's definitely make it much easier now.

jdonnelson Enthusiast

jdonnelson

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I've had my cut/powder coated electrical C channels in my garage for 4 years now. Mostly because I have never really been able to find a functional off the shelf tie down hook system that would adjust yet secure within the channels.

 

Are those Titan tiedowns a "perfect" fit/function solution?

 

It' also been a while, so I've forgotten how I was going to mount the channels in my 02. The GMT900's definitely make it much easier now.

 

Titan tiedowns are Perfect! I was told by a Nissan design guy they where designed off the c-channel.

 

You could just use toggle bolts like on the factory CMS. Drill and hole and pop them in.

 

Jd

ak63 Enthusiast

ak63

Posted
Posted

Very creative and looks fantastic. But if you don't have the Titan cleats already I wonder if this is any less expensive for the 2007 NBS?

 

The least expensive Titan/Utilitrack cleats I could find were $44.78 each. A set of six would be nearly $270. These have a load capacity of up to 200 lbs. Plus you would need to buy and paint the C-channel.

 

The GM CMS system for a set of rails and six tie-downs from Chevrolet Parts People is $264, although shipping might be more due to the length of the rails. They don't specify a load capacity but do look "weaker".

 

Are there less expensive alternatives to the Titan tie-downs that could be used? That fit into similar C-channel?

 

Also what is the height (or is it width?) of that C-channel. Is there only a single size for conduit?

Black02Silverado Senior Enthusiast

Black02Silverado

Posted
Posted
Now this is good stuff here. I always love to see folks on here that solve an issue or come up with a good idea on their own then are willing to share it with others to help out.

 

 

I agree!

jdonnelson Enthusiast

jdonnelson

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Very creative and looks fantastic. But if you don't have the Titan cleats already I wonder if this is any less expensive for the 2007 NBS?

 

The least expensive Titan/Utilitrack cleats I could find were $44.78 each. A set of six would be nearly $270. These have a load capacity of up to 200 lbs. Plus you would need to buy and paint the C-channel.

 

The GM CMS system for a set of rails and six tie-downs from Chevrolet Parts People is $264, although shipping might be more due to the length of the rails. They don't specify a load capacity but do look "weaker".

 

Are there less expensive alternatives to the Titan tie-downs that could be used? That fit into similar C-channel?

 

Also what is the height (or is it width?) of that C-channel. Is there only a single size for conduit?

 

I have seen very small C channel, but you will normally not see them, I will do a complete breakdown later today. As for the Nissan Cleat they are on Ebay like crazy - Check out 280135898641 and this is all 4 cleats.

 

My options is definately cheaper, but it wasn't the cost it was the versatility I wanted.

 

I work for Chevy and get the OEM CMS for $180.

 

JD

ak63 Enthusiast

ak63

Posted
Posted
My options is definately cheaper, but it wasn't the cost it was the versatility I wanted.

 

JD - I've not seen the GM CMS system, so do you mind explaining your versatility comment? I understand why your options is flexible because I can visualize that, but not why the GM system is not as flexible. Also thanks for the eBay cleat options - I missed that.

jdonnelson Enthusiast

jdonnelson

Posted
  • Author
Posted
My options is definately cheaper, but it wasn't the cost it was the versatility I wanted.

 

JD - I've not seen the GM CMS system, so do you mind explaining your versatility comment? I understand why your options is flexible because I can visualize that, but not why the GM system is not as flexible. Also thanks for the eBay cleat options - I missed that.

 

 

 

Ok it's really dead at work, so I had time to finish this.

 

Cargo Management System Page

 

Alt Link if other does not work.

ak63 Enthusiast

ak63

Posted
Posted

JD - Thanks for that fantastic write up and photos. You have me convinced. Unfortunately I had my LineX applied with the CMS caps on, so I'll just have to cut them out.

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