DIY cargo floor bracket repair

[dtbaker61]

There have been a number of people, including myself, that have had the brackets holding the cargo floor in the 'upper' position shear right off. In my case I had only a moderate amount of weight in the cargo area, but I hit a 'speed table' (hiding in the shade without the usual warning sign or striping) which bounced my cargo.... and came down with enough force to shear off one of the brackets.

Turns out that this is a REALLY CRAPPY design with small plastic stubs taking the load in shear, and basically just poked thru the side panel, NOT screwed in frame or anything substantial. I would hope that @Ford Motor Company is noticing, and redesigns in the future, and/or designs a 'repair/replacement kit' that isn't the replacement of the (expensive) side panels and the associated labor cost, which is significant since you'd have to pull out the rear seats to pull off the side panels for remove/replace. Seems incredibly stupid to require a whole new panel rather than screw the brackets thru to a solid tab on the body so you could replace just the bracket if needed.

To PREVENT breaking, I'd suggest cutting a 2x4 to fit lengthwise between the brackets and support the floor from underneath when the floor is in the upper position. Or, use the lower floor position as your default.

I thought I'd post a quick fix.... literally 10-minutes, that seems to work 'ok' in the meantime.
Tools: drill with 1/8 bit, 1" roofing screws, nut driver

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[Varman]

How's this holding up? I had the same issue (picked up too much mulch!). Called Ford dealer.. seems like you would have to replace the entire panel to fix that bracket (circled in the blow up part image). I may go with a 4x4 repair instead, as suggested by RP_GT (https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/diy-additional-support-for-your-cargo-floor.24352/).

 

[dtbaker61]

How's this holding up? I had the same issue (picked up too much mulch!). Called Ford dealer.. seems like you would have to replace the entire panel to fix that bracket (circled in the blow up part image). I may go with a 4x4 repair instead, as suggested by RP_GT (https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/diy-additional-support-for-your-cargo-floor.24352/).

The 'quick fix' drilling thru bracket is holding up fine... Although I leave the floor in the low position MOST of the time since I throw a lot of heavy tools and equipment in the back.

If you want better support in the 'upper/flat' position, I would recommend wooden block spacers between cargo floor and foam 'organizer' underneath.

 

[Varman]

 

[ericstrains]

Little late here but I had this happen recently to my 2022 MME and I fixed it with toggle bolts. They worked great and I actually think it's stronger than before.

-Eric

 

[wmonroy323]

This post is golden. thanks for the toggle bolt idea.
I just bought my mme and i thought there might never be a solution.

 

[Adventureboy]

Good info on this thread. If there is room for toggle bolts, I will try Rivet Nuts when mine breaks. They should be even stronger than toggle bolts with no play.

 

[HuntingPudel]

Good info on this thread. If there is room for toggle bolts, I will try Rivet Nuts when mine breaks. They should be even stronger than toggle bolts with no play.

Please don’t use Riv-Nuts. The side panels are plastic and cannot withstand the pressure that the Riv-Nut places on that small area. It is more advisable to make a metal backing plate that is threaded to accept your screws (you can Riv-Nut the backing plate). ??

 

[dtbaker61]

Good info on this thread. If there is room for toggle bolts, I will try Rivet Nuts when mine breaks. They should be even stronger than toggle bolts with no play.

I doubt rivnuts will work very well in the plastic panel, they are designed for metal they have very shallow ridges to "bite". I just used roofing screws and they have held up fine since the weight is in shear, not "pull out".

You could goop up toggle bolts, or roofing screws, with a silicone or rubber caulk or epoxy if you are concerned.....

 

[Adventureboy]

Please don’t use Riv-Nuts. The side panels are plastic and cannot withstand the pressure that the Riv-Nut places on that small area. It is more advisable to make a metal backing plate that is threaded to accept your screws (you can Riv-Nut the backing plate). ??

Good point. I didn't realize the panel is plastic. Backing plate is a great idea and would give much more support than screws in plastic.

 

[Ahlarict]

"Good as new - Still weak design" Love it! ;-)

 

[chariotquant]

Has anyone done the wooden spacer blocks mod? What dimensions did you use?

 

[kens]

Has anyone done the wooden spacer blocks mod? What dimensions did you use?

I've seen folks mention just using a 4x4 block. A 4x4 is actually 3.5" to a side.

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