Ideas to extend wheel well lip to front of bed?

Hi, I'm working on a wooden camping bed frame in my 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport and would like extra support at the "head" of the bed. See attached rough sketch of an L bracket. It doesn't have to be full width, it could be 4 smaller L brackets, for exampe.

Any recommendations on bolt sizes, number of bolts, bracket sizes are welcome. Also, how best to ensure that it is waterproof.

Thanks Tacoma World!

 

Angle iron, unistrut,kindorf, a frame together that friction fits in that section front to back. easily removable and not neccesary to bolt thru

 

Run a 2x6 or 2x8 across the slot in the front of the bed? No mods needed and should be plenty strong.

 

Thanks RX1cobra. Already did that. Using 3/4" plywood. Considering removing it to fit a water tank underneath. I need the extra .75 inches of vertical height. I know this may see strange, but just brainstorming ideas.

 

Thanks CBChief. Looks involved. Will investigate it more though.

 

Got ya. Maybe just leave it as far as you can to help locate the bed and keep it from moving around. 3/4 ply is pretty strong and probably wont need support? Or notch the 2x? 3/4 of inch should only be about half of the 2x.

 

Make that center support "T" in the back, closest to the cab, then set your carpeted panels on top.. kind of like this...

 

Install a front header deck rail and make hangers to support the front.

 

That, sir, is an excellent idea.

 

Simple & effective, serving the purpose intended, while not having to permanently modify the truck in any way.

 

Didn't know those existed for the front. Thanks for the tip. Found this: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/adding-a-front-header-deck-bed-rail.574146/