So About Those Bed Stiffeners...

I've owned my 2017 Tacoma AC for awhile now without a single issue and just want to be clear (are we CRYSTAL CLEAR?) regarding Total Chaos bed stiffeners. I don't use a cap, don't off-road and don't use a bed tent, etc. I do however use the bed for hauling tools, lawn mowers, bags of mulch, lumber, etc.

I keep my vehicles for 10-14 years. Do I need bed stiffeners? I understand that some of the brethren here suggest that this is yet another example of getting torqued-up attempting to find a solution to a non-existent problem.

You're the Tacoma experts, do I need them?

Many thanks.

TacomaDad17
2017 Super White TRD Sport 4x4 AC

 

Welcome to the forum. I think that bed stiffeners would be a good idea, IF the way that you use the truck puts a lot of stress on the bed rails. Otherwise, I don't see a need for them.

 

I am not going to put them on mine and what you said dosen't sound like you need them either unless you going to haul dirt or stone up high on the side that would put pressure there .02 .

 

Nope. However they do provide additional tie down points. I actually use them a lot to secure loads, way more than the previous Drings in the bed.

 

Honestly, why not? Peace of mind, especially if you do end up stressing the rails. Keeping vehicles for that many years, seems like $160 is chump change. Extra tie down points as well.

 

They are very likely unneeded in any truck that does not stress the bed sides. And they get in the way for certain types of loads.

But. A way to start a check is evaluate your bed and gate fitment, it should be an even gap top to bottom on both sides. If that's off, it could be gate adjustment, or a crooked bed.

On level surface, are the bed sides where the braces would go plumb? If not, consider if the braces would correct that.

 

I got them (Cali-Raised Version) mostly for the tie down points. I found the left side of the bed actually was pushed out a bit, maybe 1/8 - 1/4” at the top, and the stiffener drew it back to plumb.
I don’t carry heavy loads, no RTT, but I do go off road some.
Worth it to me, especially since I got them when they were on sale.

 

Yep. This is what I was going to say. I use the tie down points all the time. Mine also have a bottle opener that sees a fair amount of use as well...for non alcoholic raspberry juice of course.

 

Use the D-rings on the floor instead of the bed rail cleats for any serious tie down needs.
If you use a bed bar to hold stuff then yes.
If you cross tie to the rails then yes.
Otherwise no since you don’t have a shell or racks that put outward pressure on the bed walls.

Keep in mind the only support for the fiberglass bed is the existing steel risers at the rear corners and the folded shape bent into the tops of the bed walls.

 

I added them for peace of mind, but like you, I get a ton of use out of the tie down points. I have a net bungee that I put across the stiffeners and use it when the tailgate is down.

 

NO!

 

If you have hundreds of pounds supported by the bed sides then yes.

 

My bed rack is my bed stiffener. It sorta ties everything together.

 

Thank you all very much for the expert advice. I will forgo the bed stiffeners.

This site is more valuable than a Toyota Dealership!

TacomaDad17

 

I hauled heavy objects like milling machines and lathes and motorcycles for ten years with my previous tacoma and never even knew bed stiffeners were a thing. All I did was get a couple extra mounts for the bed rails for extra tie down points. The D rings at the tailgate were pretty bent up by the time I sold it, though.

I agree.. not necessary.