Bed stiffeners...yay or nay??

Has anyone without stiffeners had issues with their bed that does not have a camper shell, 4 wheels hard, or major loads ?
$170 bucks for 2 brackets is pushing it. Wonder if it's necessary in only specific situations ?

 

About the only thing that I can add here is that after I installed the stiffeners, I heard and felt less shimmy on bumps that shake the truck. Similar to what folks say about the suspension after installing Hammer Hangers.



Because TW: I am not equating these to upgraded suspension parts, just that they made a difference along those lines.


Of course, that could just be in my own head?

Beyond that, there equivalent or better stiffeners for an even $100.

 

I would have gotten it by now if i didn’t need the bed extension. I’ve seen some mods that were done to have both Work together but just haven't had the motivation to mod the bed extension.

 

Good point.
What would be interesting is tie a string taught across the back and see if it loosens in different situations with and without the stiffeners.

 

Which stiffener would you recommend for less than $100 ?
Thks.

 

You're welcome!

It does look like prices have crept up a bit, but certainly not $170.

CaliRaised:
https://caliraisedled.com/collectio.../2005-2020-toyota-tacoma-bed-channel-supports

AtTheHelm:
https://athfab.com/product/bedside-reinforcements-tie-downs-for-05-17-toyota-tacoma/

RagoFab: And, some others. What I like about those is the meaty, solid section at the corner. Not a big loop and very little metal.



I have the CaliRaised ones. The antenna mount on the top works well to support wide pallets:

 

I run a kbvoodoo 10" steel rack with a tepui 3 person tent which sleeps me, the gf, and 2x 70bs dogs. The bed is constantly under like at least 400lbs load, ranging up to like 1000lbs at times. I'm concerned i'll cause damage to the bed, so i'm looking into this. My major concern is that i slide all our camping totes and stuff in and out of the bed. These all seem to inhibit that in their own way with the funky lips. Wondering what the most low profile option is?

 

I do that myself. Camping gear, bikes, kayak, or whatever else. First, those flanges are important. Otherwise, they look bigger in pics, just like my _____ .

This was my earlier setup when I had the tonneau. The stiffeners helped secure stuff and still allow easy grabbing of stuff in arms reach. The cooler is filled with beer and easy to access tied down or to get it out.

 

$170 for Total Chaos

https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/2016-2020-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48676

 

I'm salty because i still think they'll be a pain, but i also know this is a necessity for me at some point. We pack my truck bed to the BRIM. i know those are gonna be knuckle busters and they'll be a pain to slide stuff around. I see them getting in the way
i have the pace edwards switchblade on my bed with the kbvoodoo tonneau brackets

 

These actually look like the most low profile i've seen so far

 

The others look stronger to me though.

 

of course i go back to the.... "do i REALLY" need these

 

Yeah. I know their price. Not worth it and I don't like their design. Just my opinion there and why I didn't list them above.

No problem. Just keep that stuff in mind when you get to the point of buying.

After two years of decent use, I have yet to brush against them, let alone causing a leak of the red stuff. Maybe fold up a piece of cardboard and see for your situation?

 

The Victory4x4's are pretty low profile. I have a few nights in with them camping (I too load stuff in and out off the bed below my Tepui)...no issues at all. They are low profile and offer plenty of strength. No issues with them not going higher. Super happy with them. In my rear view mirror I def notice less side-to-side wobble of the rack/tent when driving.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-8154#post-23550029

 

IMVHO, I'd like to see that bottom flange further inboard. The outer d ring fastener is not as stout as the bed bolt location for a tie-in.

The Victory ones certainly have their purpose.

Myself, I cut my bed mat to fit the stiffeners and the bed bolt locations for the added d rings.

 

Bingo - they might be a winner when the time comes -> https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VT23-BST-PC.html thanks!!

I just ordered my URD stage 2 and flywheel... sooooo i'm broke as f

 

One of those things that you might say one day I should have bought them.

 

In my minor research, Rago and Victory appear to have the 'lowest' profiles.