Rod Clips for the Truck Hero Armor Flex Tailgate Cover

Update 2024-01-13: Re-designed the rod retaining portion as my last one seemed to get loose over time. Also fixing the portion that clips into the track on the truck bed to no longer push in but just rotate it in. I found ~6.5mm was the sweet spot the strength & still being able to twist it in with some force. New design retains that support rod MUCH stronger. Hoping it doesn't crack/break in the cold. Including the f3d file for those that may want to keep working on it.

This is a small clip used for securing the rod that holds up the Truck Hero Armor Flex Tailgate Cover when it's being stored (see picture). The OEM part broke identically on both sides, it appeared to have been injection molded and had a narrow section. This left me with those two rods just swinging around in my tailgate getting banged up. I had called the manufacturer and they promised to send me a replacement that never showed up so I designed this one!

I've reverse engineered the original part as much as possible while strengthening the areas where I could see it breaking. I've included a 5mm, 7mm, & 10mm part. I found the 5mm was a bit thin but could be installed by just rotating the piece in the channel. The 10mm was too thick for that but could be pushed in with some force. Pieces feel very secure.

Print Settings

Printer brand:

Creality

Printer:

Ender-3 S1

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

Normal/0.2mm

Infill:

100%

Filament brand:

Inland

Filament color:

Black

Filament material:

PLA+

Notes:

Recommend printing piece laying down as this layers it in the strongest way. Rafts/supports are not needed as there are no overhang pieces. I went with a 100% infill as I wanted the part as strong as possible to avoid needing to print more of these.

Print time for the 5mm was about 15min, 10mm was about 30-40min.