Abstract: A vehicle roof structure assembly includes a mounting bracket having a first aperture disposed therethrough. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a roof bow having a longitudinal body portion defining an inner channel. The longitudinal body portion includes a bottom wall having a second aperture axially aligned with the first aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes an insert block disposed within the inner channel of the roof bow. The insert block defines a third aperture disposed through a thickness of the insert block. The third aperture is axially aligned with the first aperture and the second aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a fastener disposed through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture to rigidly secure the roof bow to the mounting bracket, and to rigidly secure the insert block to the roof bow.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed. The truck bed includes a side member, cross-member, and an extruded member. The side member has an upward extending pillar that defines a central cavity. The cross-member forms a cradle and extends laterally toward the pillar. The extruded member is secured to the cross-member within the cradle, extends laterally outward from the cross-member into the central cavity, and is secured to the pillar within the central cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle roof structure assembly includes a mounting bracket having a first aperture disposed therethrough. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a roof bow having a longitudinal body portion defining an inner channel. The longitudinal body portion includes a bottom wall having a second aperture axially aligned with the first aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes an insert block disposed within the inner channel of the roof bow. The insert block defines a third aperture disposed through a thickness of the insert block. The third aperture is axially aligned with the first aperture and the second aperture. The vehicle roof structure assembly further includes a fastener disposed through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture to rigidly secure the roof bow to the mounting bracket, and to rigidly secure the insert block to the roof bow.

Abstract: A tailgate cover assembly may include a first panel having a beaded side and a flat side, and a first ledge extending from one end of the first panel, and a second panel having a beaded side and a flat side, and a second ledge extending from an end proximate to the first panel, the second ledge configured to overlap the first ledge to attach the first panel to the second panel wherein the flat side of the first panel aligns with the flat side of the second panel to form a tailgate cover having a beaded side and a flat side.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed, first docking plate, second docking plate, first bracket, and second bracket. The truck bed has first and second side panels extending upward from a floor panel. The first and second docking plates are secured to opposing internal surfaces of the first and second side panels, respectively. The first and second brackets have upright members secured to the first and second docking plates, respectively, and horizontal members extending from the upright members inward relative to the truck bed.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a tailgate, a left workpiece holder, and a right workpiece holder. The tailgate is elongated along an axis from a vehicle-left end to a vehicle-right end. The tailgate includes a left pocket at the vehicle-left end and a right pocket at the vehicle-right end. The left workpiece holder has an L shape and is configured to slidably engage the left pocket along the axis, and the right workpiece holder has an L shape and is configured to slidably engage the right pocket along the axis.

Abstract: In one example, a tailgate assembly is provided that includes a front panel and a top panel adjacent to the front panel. A top cover is disposed on the upper panel and extends along the tailgate. A cover on the tailgate defines a T-shaped track that extends along the tailgate. The T-shaped track is configured to slidably receive a fastening element, and includes opposing lips spaced above a bottom track surface. The lips are configured to retain the fastening element.

Abstract: A pickup truck box assembly may include a truck bed, a header, an upper rail, and first and second body side panels. The header is mounted to a forward end of the truck bed. The upper rail is mounted to an upper portion of the header. The first and second body side panels are mounted at opposing sides of the truck bed. The upper rail defines a continuous and fixed cross-sectional profile. The upper rail may include an upper wall, a forward wall extending from the upper wall, a rear wall extending from the upper wall, an angled wall extending between the forward wall and the rear wall, and a mid-wall extending between the forward wall and the rear wall spaced from the upper wall to define a pair of channels extending a length of the upper rail.

Abstract: A pickup truck box assembly may include a header, an extruded upper rail, and a toolbox. The header may include a first flange extending at an angle away from a tailgate. The extruded rail may include a second flange for securing to the first flange. The toolbox is integrated with the rail and includes an extruded body having a rear wall, a forward wall, and a lower wall. The walls are arranged with one another to define a cell therebetween. A lid may be mounted to the forward wall for pivotal movement between at least a closed and an open position. Each of a pair of lateral channels may extend laterally beneath the cell and may be formed by an extrusion process with the walls. Each of a first and second truck bed side panel may be arranged with the forward and lower walls to form sidewalls of the toolbox.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a tailgate, a left workpiece holder, and a right workpiece holder. The tailgate is elongated along an axis from a vehicle-left end to a vehicle-right end. The tailgate includes a left pocket at the vehicle-left end and a right pocket at the vehicle-right end. The left workpiece holder has an L shape and is configured to slidably engage the left pocket along the axis, and the right workpiece holder has an L shape and is configured to slidably engage the right pocket along the axis.

Abstract: A pickup truck box assembly includes a truck bed, an inner side panel, and a D-pillar. The truck bed is secured on a rear edge to a rear cross-member. The inner side panel is mounted to the truck bed. The D-pillar includes an inner part secured to the cross-member and inner side panel, and an outer part secured to the inner part and disposed between an outer side panel and the inner part. The D-pillar inner part includes a U-shaped portion and a first flange extending rearward substantially ninety degrees from the U-shaped portion in a plane substantially parallel to the side panel and a second flange extending from the U-shaped portion outboard of the inner side panel.

Abstract: A check strap assembly for a pickup truck tailgate may include a truck bed, a tailgate, and opposing side panels. The tailgate is mounted to the truck bed for pivotal movement. The opposing side panels are secured to the truck bed to partially define a truck box when the tailgate is in a closed position. The check strap assembly includes a member extending from a D-pillar of the truck box to the tailgate and a lock mechanism having a component with an overhang to prevent access to a fastener securing the member to the D-pillar or the tailgate. The D-pillar may include a flange defining an aperture and the member may be a rod having a first end sized for extending through the aperture and a second end with a striker for engagement with a latch mechanism of the tailgate.

Abstract: In one example, a tailgate assembly is provided that includes a front panel and a top panel adjacent to the front panel. A top cover is disposed on the upper panel and extends along the tailgate. A cover on the tailgate defines a T-shaped track that extends along the tailgate. The T-shaped track is configured to slidably receive a fastening element, and includes opposing lips spaced above a bottom track surface. The lips are configured to retain the fastening element.

Abstract: A tailgate pivotally mountable to a vehicle includes a tailgate body comprising first and second sidewalls, and a strainer disposed between the first and second walls and extending in a longitudinal orientation. The tailgate further includes a stake pocket disposed between the first and second sidewalls and extending substantially orthogonal to the strainer. The stake pocket includes a channel body defining an interior channel.

Abstract: A tailgate includes an internal panel, external panel, upper panel, lower panel, latching mechanism, and access panel. The internal and external panels are each secured to the upper and lower panels. A cavity is defined between the upper, lower, internal, and external panels. The latching mechanism is disposed within the cavity and is linked to a handle located on the external panel. The access panel is secured and extends adjacent to the internal panel beyond the upper panel. The cavity is exposed when the access panel is removed.

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate includes a retractable step including a pair of step support members. The attachment brackets include a workpiece support bar and a riser that are attached to the step support members and to each other at a right angle. The workpiece support bar and riser may be fixedly attached to each other or attached by a pivot connector. Detachable connectors are provided to connect a workpiece support bar and riser detachably to the step support members.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed, tailgate, and a locking device. The cargo bed has a floor panel. The tailgate has an inner panel and is rotatably secured to the cargo bed. The tailgate is configured to rotate downward to an opened position such that the inner panel is substantially parallel with the floor panel. The locking device is secured to the tailgate. The locking device has a tumbler that is configured to advance a latch to engage the cargo bed and lock the tailgate in the opened position.

Abstract: A truck box assembly includes a truck box and a tailgate. The truck box is mounted to a vehicle body. The tailgate is mounted to a rear portion of the truck box for rotation between at least closed and open positions and includes an inner face and an upper face. The upper face defines a first clamp pocket sized to receive an external clamp to secure an item to the inner face when the tailgate is in the open position. The tailgate may further define a latch receiver pocket sized to receive a latch of the truck box to secure the tailgate in the closed position. The first clamp pocket may be located proximate the latch receiver pocket. The latch receiver pocket may be located adjacent a rear pillar of the truck box when the tailgate is in the closed position.

Abstract: A tailgate cover assembly including a first panel and a second panel fixed to a vehicle tailgate and connected to the first panel by a first hinge assembly, the first panel being pivotable with respect to the second panel. The tailgate cover may also include a third panel fixed to the second panel by a second hinge assembly and being pivotable with respect to the second panel, wherein in an extended state, the first panel and third panel provide a flat surface on the tailgate.

Abstract: A fuel filler housing opening includes a segmented flange for attachment of a fuel filler housing. A fuel filler housing opening insert is provided, configured for attaching to the segmented flange. The fuel filler housing opening insert includes a body surrounding a central opening dimensioned to receive a fuel filler housing therethrough. The body may be dimensioned to fully overlay the fuel filler housing opening segmented flange. The fuel filler housing opening insert body includes one or more retainers configured for capturing the segmented flange.