Any reason not to install nutserts in bed floor?

[MILT]

I'm looking at installing nutserts on the elevated ribs of the JT bed floor. I would use these as mounting points for a bed storage system (similar to the goose gear bed plate). Any reason I shouldn't?

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[WillysMeow]

Why not proper sized flat washers underneath the bed?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm looking at installing nutserts on the elevated ribs of the JT bed floor. I would use these as mounting points for a bed storage system (similar to the goose gear bed plate). Any reason I shouldn't?

If I was doing that, I'd use reinforcement below.
OR
Use enough that you have any forces spread out over enough - strength in numbers.
There's probably not a lot of "force" on such a thing unless it takes some really hard knocks..

I added them to my side rails in addition to what the factory had, as well as other places.

 

[RubiDukkie]

I'm looking at installing nutserts on the elevated ribs of the JT bed floor. I would use these as mounting points for a bed storage system (similar to the goose gear bed plate). Any reason I shouldn't?

I did something like that. Just be careful to only drill deep enough to break through the floor. I went too deep on one and nicked a wire harness which I was able to repair.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...tics-no-gun-talk.23705/page-1860#post-1255886

 

[SanTan38]

I did rivnuts on the side to install mole panels without issues.
As long as you positively know what is on the other side……. And install with a good RTV on the faying surfaces to prevent corrosion.

 

[RubiDukkie]

I did something like that. Just be careful to only drill deep enough to break through the floor. I went too deep on one and nicked a wire harness which I was able to repair.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...tics-no-gun-talk.23705/page-1860#post-1255886

BTW, it might be worthwhile to buy a "drill bit stopper collar" to ensure you don't punch through too deeply.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

BTW, it might be worthwhile to buy a "drill bit stopper collar" to ensure you don't punch through too deeply.

Absolutely.

 

[1stXMan]

I did rivnuts on bed floor for a bed slide. It worked, but the metal is really thin. If I did it again I'd probably use washers or cook up some kind of reinforcement.

 

[SanTan38]

You could always cut some aluminum doublers. Use some blind rivets (pop rivets) to fasten it to the beds areas to reinforce the attachment points then install the rivnuts. At least if you are comfortable doing something like that. I get the feeling most people are not comfortable doing sheet metal work on their truck. Maybe a fab shop somewhere…..

 

[ShadowsPapa]

What I have done -
I have made the hole in the bed, the on the other side, used RTV or similar to adhere a backup, such as a thin washer or similar, then installed the rivnut so it cinched on both the washer (or similar) and the bed. This way you are spreading the load out a bit. It doesn't take much at all to make it a lot stronger. Doesn't have to be really thick material or very large as far as "square inches".
Just about anything to prevent the rivnut from being ONLY in the sides or floor of the bed.
However, with enough of them - and we don't know the load or the number of fastening points here at all - you could be fine anyway.

 

[MILT]

i appreciate all the ideas and experiences

 

[TRUKEMAN]

Glad to see this thread. I am adding a bed slide as well and had the same question. Thanks everyone.

 

[brsnow2585]

I'd definitely echo the reinforcement and rtv mentions. My tonneau clamps flex the edges of my bed rails if I have them twisted down too tight, reinforcement is on my list of things to get around to also. I'm also thinking about doing rivnuts in places. The linex clogged up most of the threaded holes and I figure trying to tap them back out will probably just shred the thin metal.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm also thinking about doing rivnuts in places. The linex clogged up most of the threaded holes and I figure trying to tap them back out will probably just shred the thin metal.

Use a thread chaser. No reason to turn them to toast. I've done it on 2 JTs, about ready to reinstall my home-brew system to the bed sides of my 25 and will put in additional nutserts as well as clearing the factory bed liner out of the factory holes.

 

[ttn333]

I've got m8 stainless steel rivnuts holding down a fridge/kitchen slide for the last few years. I actually ripped out one of the M8 accidentally with the rivnut tool. Just didn't know how hard I was supposed to press that nut with the tool. I just replace it with an M10.

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