Tie-Down Shackles for Utilitrac

[VShortt]

For those of you that have the utilitrac system, do you ever leave your shackles on? I'm basically asking if anyone has had any issues pertaining to theft as a result of leaving them on. I personally don't leave mine on so I figured I would ask those that do. Call me "paranoid", but I have always feared that someone would remove them and use them as a tool for vandalism...of my truck!

[gedunk]

I leave them on mine but am well aware that they could be swiped at any time. I just take that risk and try not to worry about it.

[honeykeeper]

Hi VShortt,
By the way...the four sliding tiedowns are called "CLEATS"...not a shackle!!!
Someone would have to have the correct size wrench.......I leave the four on my top rails.one on each end.....and have the track-locks cranked down on all four ends.....someone would have to remove those also.....just "crankit on and forget it"
They look best on the upper tracs and are ready for use and don't bang around in a box somewhere in the cab. My ARE Z top will be here in a few weeks....then no-one will ever see or get to the cleats or anything stored.

[honeykeeper]

Just got a sliding lower box for the trac....gonna make a drop-in box that is secure to increase the storage of the shallow lower box from Nissan.....has a net to tie over it from Nissan.

[TitanicSE]

Right size wrench? My "cleats" can be removed by simply unscrewing the black tightening screw and turning em' sideways. The track locks won't keep the cleats safe...just some of the other items made for the Utilitrac system...like maybe the sliding trays...etc. So....sure they can be stolen but.....anyone with the Utilitrac systems should have their own. Stolen just for the hell of it?....well...I guess so but, not around here I don't think. I'm sure there are areas where they'd steal your wheels too!...lol

[tnbowhunter]

I leave my cleats in all the time also, I also leave my bed divider in.
I know some a$$ hole could steal them, but I like the convenience of having them in when I need them.

[moore101]

I am very, very close to getting a Titan KC but I know that I will be installing a 5th wheel hitch with the rails.

I have looked at the cleats and it appears that they need to be installed from the tailgate end of the truck. Does anyone know if some one has designed cleats that can be installed from any part of the rails? If not I guess I could put 2 cleats in the cab side of the bed before installing the 5th wheel hitch rails.

Thanks,
Loran

[VBPOD]

Titanic SE is absolutely correct. The cleats can be installed and removed at any position on the Utilitrac. Putting the track locks at each end of your trac will not prevent theft. They only help you reinforce the cleats from sliding during transport.

I have a sliding bed divider which cannot be removed if I lock the tailgate. The tailgate can be opened and bed divider removed even with the truck locked and alarm activated if you do not use your key to manually lock the tailgate.

This is clearly stated in the manual and any knowledgeable salesperson should be able to demonstrate this for you.

[Gig'em]

Originally Posted by moore101

I am very, very close to getting a Titan KC but I know that I will be installing a 5th wheel hitch with the rails.

I have looked at the cleats and it appears that they need to be installed from the tailgate end of the truck. Does anyone know if some one has designed cleats that can be installed from any part of the rails? If not I guess I could put 2 cleats in the cab side of the bed before installing the 5th wheel hitch rails.

TitanicSE was correct when he mentioned above that the cleats can be inserted or removed from anywhere on the rails by turning them 90deg. They just have to be loosened all the way up.

[loufish]

I leave a couple of them on, betting that most people won't figure out how to remove them. I sometimes keep them in the storage box, along with 4 tie downs.