Bed Stiffeners

i have an ARE CX HD she’ll coming in soon and have debated getting bed stiffeners. Not sure if I will put a RTT on top.

The shop I ordered the shell through said absolutely not needed.

The HD has an internal frame under the shell.

I see a lot of shells out there and wonder how many have bed stiffeners.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks

 

How beefy is the frame?

The GFC guys pretty much told me the same thing when I got it installed. The space frame is extremely rigid and will prevent the bed from spreading under the weight. Seems legit to me so my stiffeners will be up for sale soon. I originally purchased them for a different setup (bed bars and RTT) but never got around to installing them.

If you are on the fence or if you wheel really hard, I would say it certainly couldn't HURT to have them. I like that they provide additional tie down points too.

 

It looks like the frame is very strong but will know when it is ready to install.

I am looking for real life experiences like yours to help me decide.

Might be safe insurance but I don’t really want to put more holes in my bed if not necessary.

Thanks for replying. Maybe I don’t really need them.

 

Probably not needed but the extra tie down points are nice.

 

Bed bars would be more rigid than the gfc.

 

I am new to all this but aren’t bed bars the same for the most part as an internal frame?

 

Most bed bars would be a solid tube, typically 1.75", with a relatively broad bend to make the vertical portion. Also, depending on the height you go with they are typically shorter than a shell or GFC.

The shell and GFC, from what I understand, would have a less robust section of steel for the internal structure. Much taller, so more leverage on the frame when you start throwing weight on it. And both are most likely welded to transition from horizontal to vertical profile. The GFC does have the space frame section up by the cab of the truck which would be stronger than the bars, but the issue with the bed separating isn't at the cab, it's at the tailgate.

 

No matter how stiff a canopy or GFC is, there is still side to side forces to counteract at the bed rails. There's been plenty of pics of spread beds. The info is out there.

I will get a canopy or GFC someday, but I have stiffeners now. The tie downs have proven handy time and again.

 

Also this. Ultimately it doesn't matter which one is stiffer because the bed is the common weakest link between gfc/shell/bars.

 

Lemme know if you're trying to get rid of those stiffeners.

 

I had the kbvoodoo cross bars and they seemed quite flexy. I can see how a full bed rack would be pretty solid though.

 

Oh, those. GFC is way more robust than those. I'm talking about a regular tubed bed bar like on my truck.

Edit: I would also like to add that the KB rack system has been know for flopping on the trails when it has weight on it.

 

I don't have a shell, but I've used my bed stiffener tie-down points many, many times. Can't hurt from the pics of spread beds I've seen.

 

Here is a link to the internal structure - not sure how this compares to what everyone is talking about - tap on internal frame if interested.

https://www.4are.com/product/hd/features.php?bx=t&tm=t#

 

All the cool kids have them

 

That helps provide rigidness to the shell to support additional weight. Doesn't do much in terms of the bed sides.

 

I did @At The Helm stiffeners after my shell install and now I have less to worry about and two bottle openers!

 

Starting to think for under $200 I just might put them on as cheap insurance.

 

This ^^^ and stronger is better than stock everyday for your need.

Looked at ATH but no sale = no sale. went with Cali Raised - functional, solid, well finished - but do have ATH front bed corner gussets which are equally useful.

Just do it.