Bed stiffeners - Rago, etc. - pros and cons?

I used silicone on the inside of the taillight housing and rust oleum on both sides of the drilled holes! Rustoleum first then let dry then silicone around the bolt ect.. i was worried a bit as well. Just take time do it right. The hardware they provided is quality and has no rust buildup at all. My only warning is the top bolt. Do not over tighten its plastic so be careful or you will snap it in half… like I did. A trip to home depot fixed it though.

 

Just bought Cali Raised LED Bed Stiffeners this past week and looking to install as soon as we have a nice day. Almost a must have on composite beds says popular opinion.

 

Great feedback - thanks guys. Overall I am not really too worried about the holes. The stiffeners are really beefy and I think the net effect will be significant lateral stiffening/strengthening. Since I recently put a shell on the truck (~200 lb), and I do go off road pretty frequently, my sense is this was a good modification.

 

Does your wife work for a big rocket name?

 

Bed stiffers …just a band aid…the composite bed will still flex..I have a 2019 TRD Long bed…with a Cali-Raised bed stiffeners…with a Leer camper top..

when I use the Ratchet Cargo bar..it pushes my composite bed outwards…causing a jam on my camper locking bar….couldn’t figure why? ..till I climb in the bed close the camper window , extend the cargo bar…NOT good..
I place the Ratchet cargo bar on 2x6 holder ,very rear of bed…to hold bags, groceries, etc..to keep sliding to front..

Now I see the weakness, plus if you take the fender off, look at how composite is design? Not very strong , flexible ..reason Only Tacoma trucks have aftermarket bed stiffeners! NO one else need them, chevys, GMC, Nissan, Ranger trucks…..only the composite bed of Tacoma trucks!

drilling extra holes will not weaken the truck bed….it is a plastic tub…NO real strong metal enforcement ..
I am sure years from now? This problem may become bigger ? …the flexing , cracking…

Most of you do not use or purchase the factory roof rack….BAD design too… WIND NOSE! Nasty!
You would think they would have tested it out for aero dynamics? NOT!

So I am NOT surprised of the flexible Tacoma beds….
Aloha

but we learn to except what it is…cause it is a Toyota truck…

 

Well maybe because it's a long bed you need the rear corner units.

 

My vote is yes to the bed stiffeners, the peace of mind to me is worth it if you plan on adding weight up top. After tons of research on available options on the market, I went with the chassis unlimited and couldn’t be happier. Super beefy. Added antenna mount points and tie down locations as well.

 

who made those? They look like part of a high rise building's structural steel wotk.

 

https://chassisunlimited.com/2016-toyota-tacoma-bed-support-stiffeners.html

 

Thanks. That's the one I am gonna get. Uses existing hardware with no drilling.

 

RatDaddy… What is a rear corner units? Short bed may have less flex…but it still flex’s…. Never seen or heard of anyone with corner units? If it works for long beds..should work for SB’s

I may need to add a bar on top of the bed stiffeners connecting both (boxing it) or a cable with turn buckles…
Has to be removable quickly when using the Cargo extension bar….

Will the composite bed expose to sun light , UV rays…heat….will it last? And the flexing…like bending wire…you keep bending back and forth..it will break…unless made like … Tupperware..lol. ?

 

It's these. They look like they would work to stiffen the rear up as well.

https://athfab.com/product/bed-corner-tie-downs-for-05-15-toyota-tacoma/

Wish someone would make a metal bed insert, lol. I prefer steel.

 

Those stiffeners look good.

The cb antenna mount on it is good idea..

 

they are made by chassis unlimited. They were linked in the comment below yours

 

I’ve had them on for a few months now, no issues and the tie down points have really come in handy. If you aren’t planning on putting a lid (folding cover or shell) then the antenna mount location is decent too. Top of roof is best for function though

 

correct. No drilling, but for added performance it has the holes in it required to add additional through bolts for increased strength.

 

I had my 2nd gen for 11 years and only had one issue with the composite bed, I bent the tail-gate loading motorcycles (fixed under warranty when Toyota realized the issue). Granted I never had a cap on that truck and when I did add one to this 3rd gen I added the gussets at the same time.
TLDR - the composite bed is plenty tough for normal usage.

 

The issue may be a little overblown but what does ot hurt to add stiffeners.

 

I know that. I don't have antenna yet. But I do have a topper and stiffeners.

I am considering to sell my topper and get bed rack instead. I don't know. I can't find the mount kits for topper sides (from the rack to the bed rail) that I can mount my traction boards on there. I had them on my roof rack for awhile but I took them off. I prefer them on the sides. Just like the mounts on the sides of bed rack.

 

I can't speak for the other GENs, but if you use your truck like a truck...the GEN 3 definitely needs bed stiffeners.