What size plank fits in the bed slots?

With all of the "likes" & kudos, I'm going to blush...

Sound like I need to get a patent going quickly on installing 2 screws to the bed side!

 

I wonder if @OZ-T could use that tip.

 

Possibly, but you should for sure put it in the "cheap/free mods" thread... It's a great idea!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-free-mods.4838/

 

Make a bench. I since have a more elaborate one with seat back and umbrella holder for Buffett concerts.

 

I suspect you and I made a similar contraption.

 

wut

 

Two 2x4s at 57" is the correct answer.

 

My answer to that problem:

Most expensive part is the Herculiner smeared all over the top.

 

Ummm...I'm no rocket engineer, so explain how this is better than the tailgate flat and sheet goods on the bed floor?

 

Well, my '13 doesn't fit a 4X8 sheet of plywood on the floor of the bed. Hence needing to raise it up with the boards to clear the wheel wells....

Edit: what the tailgate does when partially raised is support the material farther back making it less likely to fall out on the road. The boards are maybe 5' back from the front of the bed leaving 3' to hang in the wind. Even with the sheets tied down, they still can move a bit.

Only improvement I would suggest is to get the actual cable bolts from the dealer and use those with washers & lock nuts.

 

Ahhh....glad my life doesn't depend on my engineering of rockets.

 

I used ONE 2x8 in both locations. Fits great.

 

Wonder if we could get a set of shorter cables made and then just use the factory point, or attach another end part way down the existing cable so that there is a loop at the end same as factory and one in the middle to hold the tailgate at the plywood height.

If that makes sense???

 

This is how things are improved on! There's always a better way.

I had thought about both of those ideas. I couldn't find a loop that I could put in the middle of the cable. Going with a shorter one requires unscrewing the existing cable from the tailgate and then attaching the shorter one. By having the secondary mounting point, you just unclip the cable from the stock point and clip it to the new one. Easy to do without tools in the lumberyard parking lot. Not trying to discourage anyone - just giving some thoughts on why I went that particular way.

 

Yeah there is definite limitations, I think I will buy the Total Chaos bed stiffeners and add the factory style bolt/ clip to them.

Thanks again for the great idea!

 

Okay finally finished. Also I found some bins that fit under the 2x4s with about 1/4 inch to spare, Hefty brand. It says on the side of the bin they are impact resistant. I am going to reorganize my camping supplies into a couple of these bins, it should work out great.

 

Makes me really want a camper cover!!!

 

.
...^^^... Found this great idea ... in the old archives ... from you guys ...

 

42"s between wheel wells.

Colorado's do this from the factory I need to do this though.

 

I like this idea.. but what about using some of these https://autoplicity.com/2753941-amp...nqNV_uy1mXyHm8Dk9XOjOhM2TXG_AxnRoCz1AQAvD_BwE and a strap that goes to my bed stiffeners.. 2 less holes that I have to put into my truck