Just an FYI use bed stiffeners with your topper

I recently sold my snug top and after removing it it was a pretty ugly sight. I went against better instincts and didn’t get the bed stiffeners prior knowing I’d be doing a decent amount of off-roading and paid for it. Even with the cap being centered equally all around (a fingers worth of gap from the bed to shell) it rubbed on the paint all the way down to the primer. I had the SnugTop Hi- Liner Sport so it was a little heavier than the smaller models but probably better safe than sorry to get some stiffeners. I didn’t think the bed would flex as much as it did.... hopefully my stupidity saves someone else on here from the eye soar.

 

1. Get bed stiffeners
2. get a looong ratchet strap
3. wrap around the entire bed (near the back)
4. ratchet bed Inward
5. Install bed stiffeners
6. Drink beer

 

Besides prices are any bed stiffener better than others? I was looking at these two for my '21 shortbed:

1. All-Pro Offroad $140 -
2. Total Chaos $170 - https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/2005-2015-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48675

 

If you are fixing this, be sure to pull the bed rail caps and look under there. There will be paint rubbed away also. Put down some heavy duty foil tape and sealant under the rails to help.

 

I just bought the Total Chaos one because
1) they make great products
2) I have a pull kitchen and they’re the only ones that looked like the kitchen would clear when it’s extended.

 

Thanks for the heads up, I’ll have to do that. I’m getting a GoFast installed and if it covers the marks I’ll most likely end up just leaving it since it’s not down to the metal.

 

I got the Hooke Offroad ones for like $60 on Amazon.

 

You're welcome!

I believe the GFC panels just go to the bottom of the frame. The V2 looks like a big improvement. The weight reduction is killer.


You'll definitely want to seal the rails before that as the live loads up top will be worse than a canopy.

 

Theres also these:

$110 Bed Channel Stiffeners Fits 2005+ Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/Cali-Raised-...flag+rail&qid=1613499264&s=automotive&sr=1-24

 

Yeah luckily we got upgraded to the V2 and they are ready a few months early. I guess I’ll be taking care of all this this weekend hah.

 

@tonered when you say sealer what are you referring to? As far as the foil tape I’m pretty sure I have a bunch of hvac tape that’ll cut it for that.

 

That is lucky. I haven't been following much lately and was surprised by the change.


The sealing doesn't take long. An hour? I did it just before installing my Softopper.

 

Here's some pics from my Softopper install. In the 12th pic down, you can sort of make out where I sealed the rail corners as well.

 

In preparation for having my topper installed, I did the following things:
--- Installed bed stiffeners.
--- Removed the side and front bed rails (caps), put lots of silicone sealant under them, and reinstalled them.
--- Obtained and installed the OEM rubber plugs in the front corners of the bed, using silicone sealant.
--- Set up the wiring for the topper brake light and dome light. I didn't want the installers messing up my new truck's wiring.

All these things are important for avoiding future problems.

 

I have the Total Chaos ones. I liked them because they’re one of the few that go all the way to the top of the bed side. Adding extra support. But, it looks like the all pro go to the top as well.

 

I got https://athfab.com/product/bedside-reinforcements-tie-downs-for-05-17-toyota-tacoma/ before I installed my Sport Hiliner.
@At The Helm cuz Bottle openers FTMFWBBQ!

 

I got ath fab ones they are 115 shipped but you’ll have to paint them

 

Thanks! I think both have the same smooth/flat design that is flush on the bottom, so I might go with the AllPro they look/appear to be very identical and same strength (save $40?) Starting to price building a RTT setup for mine, and stumbled across a few "Bed Stiffener" posts, and seeing yours wanted to make sure I get something to keep everything aligned.

 

Haha beat me to the punch

 

Well the post was worth it if it saved someone else the headache of a problem down the road. With everything else people have said in here alone it looks like all I had to do was a quick search prior to getting my shell installed and I wouldn’t be where I am right now. If only I had known about TW prior to buying the truck and shell. Haha