If not, as soon as you get it treat it and you should be good to go. It's a pain, but worth knocking it out in my opinion before it gets bad. I'd be surprised if your dealer didn't paint it before you got it as this point. However, if they do you may want to see if they use anti-rust...
I did that. I still think its worth following. My truck with the under carriage fully painted and it rusted through the paint in 2 weeks or less - bit stunning as I am in Texas, not upstate New York. It's worth asking Ford what that is and following the situation.
I definitely agree that...
I did a quick job to get on it quickly spent about an hour on it. I will do a more comprehensive job when I get more time.
Here is a quick before and after. Not perfect, but I got some more rust protection paint where needed and coated most things liberally in fluid film. Between the black...
I am putting together some wrenches and sockets to keep in the truck. Is there any reason to put any SAE sized tools in there? Or are they truly all metric at this point.
@Smitdog The Rack 88 installation videos shows two options that might work, if it does not fit as is...
1. The Ford Adaptor Bracket:
2. The Hanger Cross bar:
Based on your pics, I think there is a chance it would fit "As is."
How is your Ride88 Bracket secured to the bed? Is it pressure mounted on the sides? If so you might mount it an inch away for the inside of the bed to offer more clearance if required.
Sure thing here is a shot from the side angle from the front of the bed and one from the middle of the bed to the inside front bed wall under the cover. Based on these, it seems like it just might work. Might be close.