Help needed- bed rail cap holes???

[Ramtastico]

didn't see this anywhere- and apologies for the long winded post as not quite sure how to ask.

Are there standard rectangular access holes in the box side (top edge of the box near the cab)????

The factory plastic rail cap has molded openings ONLY on the back near the tailgate, and a rectangular outline stamped into the plastic on the front near the cab. Unfortunately the only way I can maybe tell is to remove the new dualiner to get under the lip to tell if there is an opening under the rail cap (and I don't have extra plastic plugs on hand to reinstall).

I want to buy some bed rails that mount in these access holes, however not quite sure how to proceed- is there a standard hole in the box under the rail cap.. and if so, do I need to remove the plastic cap and then cut it to access the hole in the bed (it doesn't appear like it would punch out)

I have no idea why there is a molded hole on one end and not the other. Makes no sense to me... however guessing there is some reason for it.

 

[crash68]

Yes there is holes in the front also. I know BullRing sells a router bit cutter for installation of the bed tie down rings that mount in those holes.
I think only the 8' bed has all the bed rail(actually has 6) holes open, the 5.7' and 6.4' beds only have the rear holes.

 

[Ramtastico]

Cant thank you enough crash68!!!!

Must be a reason they don't cut those open from the factory... but like bigfoot and ufo's... some mysteries just may never be solved.

Adding- those bullring tie downs look great and a bargain imho... giving me pause on ordering rail bars. Rail bars have their place and add a visual element; however these bullring tie downs look great and maybe more practical for hooking in ratchet straps or webbing... hmmm.

 

[Ramtastico]

Adding the vid for the bullring... pretty slick product and good info on the railcap. My next thread might be be 'bullring or rail bar"

BullRing Installation Video for 2009-2018 Dodge Ram Truck

Our classic Raised model sits just above the railcap, and requires a rail cap trim to be installed. Sold as a pair.Can be installed in 3 strategic placement ...

youtu.be

 

[MarineBSP]

I have the BullRing tie downs on my '18, and I like them. I use them frequently, and they've survived two Minnesota winters without corrosion.

 

[NJMOPAR]

I put these in my 2010. My rail covers still had the cutouts in place front & rear, used a Dremel to remove the back ones only as my Leer tonneau prevents using the fronts anyway.

Amazon.com

 

[Different Drummer]

I, like the OP thought it odd that the forward end of the rail cap was not cut for the bed openings.
I thought I read somewhere that if you cut along the outline on the rail cap that the hole you end up with will not match the opening in the actual metal bed.
Anyone who has cut into the rail cap experience this?
Edit: Just watched the Bull Ring installation video and I see they address the misalignment of the cap rail front scribe marks with the metal bed underneath.

 

[Rado]

didn't see this anywhere- and apologies for the long winded post as not quite sure how to ask.

Are there standard rectangular access holes in the box side (top edge of the box near the cab)????

The factory plastic rail cap has molded openings ONLY on the back near the tailgate, and a rectangular outline stamped into the plastic on the front near the cab. Unfortunately the only way I can maybe tell is to remove the new dualiner to get under the lip to tell if there is an opening under the rail cap (and I don't have extra plastic plugs on hand to reinstall).

I want to buy some bed rails that mount in these access holes, however not quite sure how to proceed- is there a standard hole in the box under the rail cap.. and if so, do I need to remove the plastic cap and then cut it to access the hole in the bed (it doesn't appear like it would punch out)

I have no idea why there is a molded hole on one end and not the other. Makes no sense to me... however guessing there is some reason for it.

FYI If you cut out that front pocket """DO NOT""" follow the outline !!! It is oversized to the hole. At least on mine. I used a Razor knife to cut mine out ! Start in the middle and cut a small hole then feel for the edges then cut slowly with that sharp razor knife. That is how I installed my Back Rack Rails