I have a question about the three holes on the left and right side of the bed walls, just inside of the tailgate. More specifically, the center hole. It looks sleeved. I purchased a bed extender ( http://www.ezloadgate.com/rnt_be.php )...one that wants me to drill into the truck...well, that ain't happening. I'd like to try and leverage the existing holes to use this bed extender. Is there a special bolt needed for this center "sleeved" hole? I can fashion this together, no problem, I just want to be able to secure the center. The rest should be easy. Thanks for any help you can help you can provide.

 

If I remember correctly, the mounting bolt (pivot bolt) is there. It is either a 45 or 50 torx head. Let me take a look outside and I'll let you know.

 

OK, I took a look at mine. The middle hole is the pivot bolt. The bottom hole is used to secure the extender when not in use. The top hole is used to secure the extender when the extender is together and folded out on the tailgate.

Based on your link, I'm not sure the extender your looking at will work the same way. With the Ford extenders, you can opt to seperate the extender, which leaves a piece on each side of the bed, and stores up against the bed wall. I hope this makes sense to you.

 

I'm basically wanting to use the existing holes and not drilling. I will still use the brackets that came with the one I linked to above. Is there a bolt I can use in the pivot slot?...one that will stay?

 

You can get the bolts from the dealer. Once installed, you won't have to worry about them again, unless you want to remove the extender all together. You'll need two bolts - one for each side. The top and bottom holes are used for the pin that secures the extender in place. The pin has a "t-handle" - you simply push it in to secure it, and pull to disengage.

 

Thanks, ib. If things go as planned, I'll be gluing centering plugs for the top and bottom and using the center as the main securing support. Maybe I should take pictures of the bracket itself so you can see what I'm talking about.

 

Here's the mounting bracket. The BE slides into the bracket. The left side of the bracket is the top. This BE doesn't swivel.

 

You will probably have to drill out the middle hole.....the factory bolt is pretty stout and has a big head on it.

 

That's what I was thinking. Thanks for your help...I'll let you know how it goes.

 

if you get the correct folding bed extender for your truck there is no drilling involved. i have seen them put in a it takes about 15 mins. i know i wouldn't be drilling out holes on my new truck.

 

I picked up this bed extender from JCWhitney. I had an online coupon code that I had to use by 4/30 from a previous purchase. I got this thing for $99 shipped. I am determined to make it work without drilling the truck.

 

good luck i hope you get it to work correctly.

 

Please keep us posted on your progress. Thanks!

 

I'm going to the dealer tomorrow to get the bolts...or order them. I'll take pics as I go along.

 

Why would you want a bed extender that doesn't swivel? That would mean it's either permanently inside the bed (so no real extension to the bed length), or permanently outside the bed (so your tailgate is always down and you will never have any security of your cargo).

At least those are my observations.