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Old 04-17-2014, 07:25 PM   #1
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I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

I need to install a couple tie down points in my new van. Its a passenger van and I plan to install just 1 on each side. I will be transporting my photo booth in the van and just need something to keep it from falling over. Total weight of the booth is maybe 150lbs. I was thinking something like this:
http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-S ... astic-Base

If I use something like the mounts listed above, can I just use self drilling/trapping screws, or would I need to drill and secure them with nuts and bolts?

If anyone has other recommendations, I'm all ears. I just need to get this done by next weekend.

Thanks!

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Old 04-17-2014, 09:05 PM   #2
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

Those look nice and a good deal too. I would recommend nuts/bolts through the van floor personally. Even fairly light stuff moves in the event of a panic braking situation. I would think anything you could screw through the fairly thin sheetmetal floor of a van could rip out. Just beware of rear air lines, the fuel tank, wiring and other things that might be underneath where you are drilling.

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Old 04-17-2014, 09:07 PM   #3
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

So you think nuts/bolts with some wide washers?
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Old 04-17-2014, 10:55 PM   #4
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

Those are rated 400 lb. I think a 1/4" or 5/16" bolt nut and washer would be plenty. I recommend using a nylock nut so it won't fall come loose. If you live in a wet area, maybe use stainless steel.

If you want to be able to easily remove them, consider Rivnuts.
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Old 04-18-2014, 06:49 AM   #5
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikracer
So you think nuts/bolts with some wide washers?
Yes, that's what I would do. Rivnuts look pretty slick too. Dhally, do you have to have a special tool to install them?
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Old 04-18-2014, 09:26 AM   #6
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

I'm going to load the booth in tonight after work and see where I should mount the rings. Do you guys know if the metal on the wheels wells would be strong enough to hold these? I'm thinking the D rings might be easier to access on top of the wheels wells when the van is loaded but looking at a picture of the wheel wells, it looks like the drivers side is covered in plastic. I don't remember if mine is like that too, but I'm guessing it is. I guess I'll know more when I get home and look at it myself.
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Old 04-18-2014, 10:14 AM   #7
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

Yes, the wheel wells are fine. Use about 2" fender washers if you can. That's what SMB used on my van to anchor the seat belts and all cabinets. I'm removing them today, in fact, to replace my carpet.
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Old 04-18-2014, 10:36 AM   #8
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

Quote:
Originally Posted by 86Scotty
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikracer
So you think nuts/bolts with some wide washers?
Yes, that's what I would do. Rivnuts look pretty slick too. Dhally, do you have to have a special tool to install them?
There are different types. I got some to mount tie downs on the floor of my aluminum trailer. They came with a hardened screw to expand them and a simple tool to stop them from rotating during installation. There are other types that do require a special tool.
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Old 04-18-2014, 12:24 PM   #9
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

How strong are rivnuts? I would think they'd handle 150 lbs, but I'm curious. I imagine it depends on what you're putting them in, but I would think a bolt and fender washer would be stronger.

And in putting in cargo holds, make it as strong as you can. You never know when you might have to haul something heavier, and doing it again might be a pain.

Rob
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Old 04-18-2014, 03:32 PM   #10
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Re: I need to install some tie down points. A little help??

mikracer,

I have those same D-rings on my other van. I have them fastened to the floor using the existing threaded holes where the bench brackets would normally mount. You'd have to enlarge the hole a little on those D-rings before using the original bench bracket bolt (or equivalent). I'm guessing it would be really secure.

You can also use the shoulder belt mount point. (You have a passenger van right?) Even though I've re-configured my van I still use the rear most bench's shoulder belt mount point for a sturdy place to faster unruly objects.

Hope this helps™,
Ray
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