New Trucks' Stake Bed Pockets? Really?

[jage]

So in looking at a 1/2 ton late model pickup for my dad, I keep collecting anecdotes about how the bed will bend, the bed will tear off, the stake pocket will tear out if you even think about using a stake pocket tiedown. But I can't find anyone it's actually happened to. Even online, it's always a neighbor, friend, cousin, or coworker. What is more I've found no google images of stake bed pocket damage from the stake pocket inserts. You'd think there would at least be a rant about good old steel somewhere.

So my question is- is it really an issue, or did everybody just hear it was? And if it is really and issue what is really the worst that is going to happen, short of a wreck?

And we're specifically talking an 1,100lb popup Viking (even though I can't find any giant hardside evidence either).

 

[UHAULER]

I don't think you will find much evidence, 99.99% of camper owners use Happijack or Torklift tiedowns. Sure the metal is thin on new trucks but you will probably be fine. Run it.

 

[brian90744]

Viking camper weight

that 8ft Viking must weight 1600lbs or more dry. your Chevy truck has stake pocket hold downs, any problems??? just FYI
brian

 

[jage]

It's 1100lb dry weight, if you're talking about this one

and it's a 93 chevy. to be fair it would be hard to say if any part of the truck is undamaged, but no- the bed stake pocket tiedowns have been more than fine, even with mild off-pavement driving- and everything that made the truck look like it does now (including a T-bone collision)