Bed stiffener?

Anyone use any of the bed stiffeners from Amazon?

Like these?

$53 NORTHYUN Tacoma Bed Channel Stiffener Rear Bed Channel Support Bracket Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B4656YL1?smid=AP10ZZ8HCHNEF

 

I use these: https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2016-2022-Toyota-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48676

In theory "steel is steel" ... but TotalChaos is recommended too much to complain about the price. You choose for yourself.

 

If they dont say the thickness of the metal I would expect it to be rather thin so not as stiff as some of the other options. If you dont really need the stiffness it would be lighter though.....

 

American made, veteran owned and operated. @Kwikvette

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/internal-bed-stiffies-for-2g-3g-tacos-faq.846412/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/closed-internal-stiffeners.837114/

 

OP, my Amazon bed stiffeners look to be the same. Very thick metal, pretty beefy kit.

I like that the open side of the angle faces inward toward the cab. Many name brand stiffeners point the open side facing the tailgate, which effectively shrinks the length of your bed. I also like the many tiedown points in this design.

I sprayed Rust-Oleum high heat Grill paint Satin Black finish before install. Obviously don't need the high heat in your bed but that's what I use to touch up everything else like skid plates

 

I have a set like OP posted. Thick metal, and easy install. Happy with them for my application.

 

i really think that any bed stiffeners will do just fine.

the major difference is how you use your truck. personally, i went with the total chaos versions specifically for the limited intrusion into the bed space, but also with as many attachment points as possible--i specifically use the upper-most, and lower-most holes all the time for loads. upper-most is for taller and tailgate-up loads, where the lower-most works best for tailgate-down loads like planks. i specifically run the stiffener not because of any bed stiffness, but for the load carrying tiedown points.

the option you posted will work fine, but tends to intrude into the bed more, which can limit the size/shape/orientation of anything that goes into the bed, which can be mildly infuriating to have the bed space, but have a singular bracket prevent access to use it.

 

Thanks for the plug!

This.

I can't see any bed stiffener as being "bad", some just offer more in one area than another.

Some are obtrusive but inexpensive, others more expensive but with multiple tie down points and an excellent finish, others being quite a bit more discreet but very limited as far as tie downs go and so forth. There's even one that replaces the tailgate and offers a means of holding your jack! Pretty badass if you ask me.

Set a budget, and pick your poison.

Any bed stiffener is better than none at all.

 

How are the RCI bed stiffeners?

I like the looks of them.

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/b...NUHcb3PnXyAyoqlcd8EbnibuTVycTNrRoCnScQAvD_BwE

 

TotalChaos lists the top "dog ears" as decorative, so that is not a structural consideration. The RCI has larger/more-square holes, but the TC has one hole higher than RCI. I am sure that in-depth analysis just muddied the waters.

I would compare the size/shape/position of the tie-down holes instead of comparing and significant strength advantage.

 

This turned up even cheaper when I looked at what you posted but look identical. And $10ish cheaper.
Under what circumstances are bed stiffeners needed?

$38 Pindex Tacoma Bed Channel Stiffener Solid Steel Rear Support Bracket Compatible with 2005-2022 Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSCP2KSW

 

The bed-sides are only held in place by small braces at the tailgate end. Caps of almost any weight flex them and can crack the ,etal at the bottom of the bed. Carrying lumber high on bed racks can flex the bedsides. RTT and GFC will flex the bedsides.

Many run them (I do) anyway just to reinforce, but also so I do not have to add that cost if I decide to use bedracks or other products. But some say "I do not because not needed if the bed is left alone and un-weighted" ... I hope they are right.