Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reinforcement assembly for a truck bed is provided. The method includes roll-forming an aluminum sheet to form a cross-member having a base, a pair of opposing sidewalls extending from the base, and a pair of flanges each extending from one of the sidewalls and substantially parallel with the base. The method includes extruding an aluminum reinforcement member, and attaching the reinforcement member to the cross-member to space the cross-member from a frame rail of the truck.

Abstract: A reinforcement panel for the floor of a pick-up truck bed. The reinforcement panel is assembled between the floor of the pick-up truck and a fifth wheel cross member. The reinforcement panel includes transversely extending reinforcing or stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs resist deflection in the area of the gooseneck ball receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle-bed storage box includes a container having an interior volume, an interface plate disposed within a vehicle-bed sidewall that selectively receives the container against the vehicle-bed sidewall and over a vehicle-bed wheelhouse, the interface plate including a securing recess and an interface bracket extending from at least one sidewall, the interface bracket including a rotating mechanism operable between a plurality of rotational positions, including an engaged position and a secured position when the interface bracket is received by the interface plate, the engaged position being defined by the rotating mechanism being free of engagement with the securing recess and further defined by the interface bracket being at least partially operable within the interface plate, and wherein the secured position is defined by the rotating mechanism being engaged within the securing recess and the interface bracket being substantially free of movement within the interface plate.

Abstract: A reinforcement panel for the floor of a pick-up truck bed. The reinforcement panel is assembled between the floor of the pick-up truck and a fifth wheel cross member. The reinforcement panel includes transversely extending reinforcing or stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs resist deflection in the area of the gooseneck ball receptacle.

Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed that is constructed of components made of aluminum alloys. A hinge reinforcement and hinge plate reinforce a lower corner of the tailgate. A transversely extending reinforcement, including a U-shaped body, is provided within the tailgate that reinforces the central portion of the tailgate. An access panel is provided on the inner panel of the tailgate and includes a hem and fasteners that are assembled to the inner panel through holes formed inboard of the hem.

Abstract: A sill reinforcement assembly is provided for a sill area of a pick-up truck bed that is supported on and connected to a pair of frame rails. A unitary one-piece aluminum reinforcement is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed by a frame bolt fastener. The unitary reinforcement includes a continuous tubular receptacle for the frame bolt. One or more transverse walls of the reinforcement are connected by one or more bridging walls to the tubular receptacle. The transverse walls are connected by one-sided fasteners to a laterally extending wall of transverse beams. The frame bolt extends through the truck bed floor, the tubular receptacle, the transverse beam and is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reinforcement assembly for a truck bed is provided. The method includes roll-forming an aluminum sheet to form a cross-member having a base, a pair of opposing sidewalls extending from the base, and a pair of flanges each extending from one of the sidewalls and substantially parallel with the base. The method includes extruding an aluminum reinforcement member, and attaching the reinforcement member to the cross-member to space the cross-member from a frame rail of the truck.

Abstract: A reinforcement panel for the floor of a pick-up truck bed. The reinforcement panel is assembled between the floor of the pick-up truck and a fifth wheel cross member. The reinforcement panel includes transversely extending reinforcing or stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs resist deflection in the area of the gooseneck ball receptacle.

Abstract: A sill reinforcement assembly is provided for a sill area of a pick-up truck bed that is supported on and connected to a pair of frame rails. A unitary one-piece aluminum reinforcement is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed by a frame bolt fastener. The unitary reinforcement includes a continuous tubular receptacle for the frame bolt. One or more transverse walls of the reinforcement are connected by one or more bridging walls to the tubular receptacle. The transverse walls are connected by one-sided fasteners to a laterally extending wall of transverse beams. The frame bolt extends through the truck bed floor, the tubular receptacle, the transverse beam and is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed.

Abstract: A cargo bed assembly for a pickup truck includes an aluminum truck bed above a pair of frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed 6000-series aluminum cross-members extend along a width of the truck bed and contact the underside of the truck bed. The cross-members include longitudinal channels. Each cross-member contacts a pair of extruded 6000-series aluminum spacers underneath the cross-member at spaced locations to align with the frame rails. The spacers contact the frame rails and at least partially surround a portion of the outer surface of the cross-members to separate the cross-members from the frame rails.

Abstract: A vehicle-bed storage box includes a container having an interior volume, an interface plate disposed within a vehicle-bed sidewall that selectively receives the container against the vehicle-bed sidewall and over a vehicle-bed wheelhouse, the interface plate including a securing recess and an interface bracket extending from at least one sidewall, the interface bracket including a rotating mechanism operable between a plurality of rotational positions, including an engaged position and a secured position when the interface bracket is received by the interface plate, the engaged position being defined by the rotating mechanism being free of engagement with the securing recess and further defined by the interface bracket being at least partially operable within the interface plate, and wherein the secured position is defined by the rotating mechanism being engaged within the securing recess and the interface bracket being substantially free of movement within the interface plate.

Abstract: A structure attached to a tailgate of a loading bed of a vehicle includes a first planar portion that positions substantially over a gap created between the tailgate and the loading bed, in a horizontally laid position of the tailgate, to prevent debris from falling into the gap. A second portion of the structure includes a first surface attached to a lower portion of the tailgate, and a second curved surface adapted to face the loading bed in the horizontal position of the tailgate.

Abstract: A reinforcement panel for the floor of a pick-up truck bed. The reinforcement panel is assembled between the floor of the pick-up truck and a fifth wheel cross member. The reinforcement panel includes transversely extending reinforcing or stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs resist deflection in the area of the gooseneck ball receptacle.

Abstract: A cargo bed assembly for a pickup truck includes an aluminum truck bed above a pair of frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed 6000-series aluminum cross-members extend along a width of the truck bed and contact the underside of the truck bed. The cross-members include longitudinal channels. Each cross-member contacts a pair of extruded 6000-series aluminum spacers underneath the cross-member at spaced locations to align with the frame rails. The spacers contact the frame rails and at least partially surround a portion of the outer surface of the cross-members to separate the cross-members from the frame rails.

Abstract: A pick-up truck tailgate is disclosed that is constructed of components made of aluminum alloys. A hinge reinforcement and hinge plate reinforce a lower corner of the tailgate. A transversely extending reinforcement, including a U-shaped body, is provided within the tailgate that reinforces the central portion of the tailgate. An access panel is provided on the inner panel of the tailgate and includes a hem and fasteners that are assembled to the inner panel through holes formed inboard of the hem.

Abstract: A sill reinforcement assembly is provided for a sill area of a pick-up truck bed that is supported on and connected to a pair of frame rails. A unitary one-piece aluminum reinforcement is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed by a frame bolt fastener. The unitary reinforcement includes a continuous tubular receptacle for the frame bolt. One or more transverse walls of the reinforcement are connected by one or more bridging walls to the tubular receptacle. The transverse walls are connected by one-sided fasteners to a laterally extending wall of transverse beams. The frame bolt extends through the truck bed floor, the tubular receptacle, the transverse beam and is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed.

Abstract: A cargo bed assembly for a pickup truck includes an aluminum truck bed above a pair of frame rails. A plurality of roll-formed 6000-series aluminum cross-members extend along a width of the truck bed and contact the underside of the truck bed. The cross-members include longitudinal channels. Each cross-member contacts a pair of extruded 6000-series aluminum spacers underneath the cross-member at spaced locations to align with the frame rails. The spacers contact the frame rails and at least partially surround a portion of the outer surface of the cross-members to separate the cross-members from the frame rails.

Abstract: A sill reinforcement assembly is provided for a sill area of a pick-up truck bed that is supported on and connected to a pair of frame rails. A unitary one-piece aluminum reinforcement is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed by a frame bolt fastener. The unitary reinforcement includes a continuous tubular receptacle for the frame bolt. One or more transverse walls of the reinforcement are connected by one or more bridging walls to the tubular receptacle. The transverse walls are connected by one-sided fasteners to a laterally extending wall of transverse beams. The frame bolt extends through the truck bed floor, the tubular receptacle, the transverse beam and is secured to the frame rails below the pick-up truck bed.

Abstract: A bull ring for a vehicle comprises a top plate coupled to a rotating plate having a tie-down. Two opposing rail flanges extend from the rotating plate and a fastener selectively couples the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. The rail flanges extend beyond an outer edge of the top plate to define a clamping region with the top plate.

Abstract: A bull ring for a vehicle comprises a top plate coupled to a rotating plate having a tie-down. Two opposing rail flanges extend from the rotating plate and a fastener selectively couples the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. The rail flanges extend beyond an outer edge of the top plate to define a clamping region with the top plate.