Composite beds.

Hi folks, my first post here.

I just got a 2010 about a week ago after going thru Toyota's buyback of my 98 Taco. That was an extra cab, I upgraded to a double cab long bed this time around so my boys would fit in back again.
Was pretty tight stuffing a 13 and an 11 year old back there.

Anyway I use this truck for work & was wondering about the durability of the plastic bed. Figure its been tested by now since its been around almost 5 years but would like opinions & experiences.

Also wondering if 2009 window vent shades will work for me, cant seem to find any 2010s.

Thanks & I look forward to spending some time here, seems like a good bunch.

 

I remodel homes for a living and have everything under the sun in my bed....its held up well..........the only thing I have come across is that most truck rack dealers around here will not install a full size rack on these trucks...........I have seen pics of stress cracks in the corners due to heavy loads on the rack...........Thier is really no support under the bed rails as well................so I bought a trailer...........like it this way vrs having a ladder rack and tool box mounted to the bed.......enjoy that new truck!

 

Thank you!

I found a rack by US Racks that uses the factory track system. http://www.usrack.com/rail_rack.php
Generally I'll only have a 24' or 32' ladde on it & sometimes it'll go weeks without anything up there. Thats another plus for these racks, they come on & off quickly. I'll likely just remove the back half like I did on my old one. I had System One racks on it & really hoped I could adapt them to this one, but thats life.

I like the trailer idea, is yours enclosed?

 

Supposidly, they are stronger than the a steel bed. I've never heard of anyone damaging their bed...

I had a 100lb left front axle from a tractor, about 2 feet long, solid iron, and I dropped it about 6 inches into mine and it didn't even make a ding, then I slid it off the back and it didn't scratch at all. I was surprised, had been being gentle with it because I thought it would scuff up easily.

I know in some of the other trucks we have it would have left a dent in the metal and scraped away some paint.

 

I was looking at this rack for awhile..................

http://www.thuleracks.com/product_pro.asp?dept_id=92&sku=375

 

Also the 2009 and the 2010s are exactly the same, the absolute only difference is the 2009 had adjustable cup holders and the 2010 doesn't.

And about your window vent visors (made a post on this a day or two ago), if you're getting in-channel ones, stay away from the Weathertechs on this truck. EGRs are great, and someone said the Westin in-channels fit good too.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/9277-cracked-bed.html


Try contacting this member................he had a crack in his bed...^^^^

 

There actually is metal under the plastic bedrails. I have a photos of it and took my own off to prove to myself..

I made this:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29760

 

I cracked my bed transporting a slot machine. It slid forward and cracked the upper corner driver side. When I had my Frontier w/steel bed I would just throw anything in it without securing it, now I make sure everything is secured in my bed. Me being careless or a weak bed, take your pick.

 

Apparently you really wanted to find someone who had cracked their bed if you went and searched for an occurance


I don't think the beds are weak...I'm sure you could break it if you weren't being careful, never said it was perfect.

But, I would wager something that would break this bed would atleast damage a steel bed on a truck in the same class. We've got a ranger and the steel bed is easily dented by putting something in it carelessly.

Also don't have to worry about it rusting ever, a silverado we have thats 10 years old has rust all the way through the bed underneath the bed liner in a couple places.

 

I was thinking of them, Trac Rack makes something similar. But they all talk about clamping to the bed rail, I dont see how thats possible with these composite beds and cant find pictures showing them utilizing the Tacoma's track system.

are the Tundras plastic too now?

 

Thanks! Only been a week and I already miss my vent shades.