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Truck Bed - Made from Composite material?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by easyrider, Jul 16, 2017.

  1. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:31 PM
    #1
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just recently installed L-track on the bed up against the cab. This part of the bed is a composite material. Is the bed "floor" also made of the same type material?
    Planning to put L-track on it also.

    Did toyota do this just for weight reduction? Or did they have something else in mind?
     
  2. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:36 PM
    #2
    moondeath

    moondeath Well-Known Member

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    Entire bed is composite. Lighter weight and stronger than a steel bed.
     
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  3. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:38 PM
    #3
    txmxer

    txmxer Well-Known Member

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    Yes, the whole bed is composite. Easy to drill into at least!
     
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  4. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:39 PM
    #4
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I had not even thought about it until I started drilling the holes. I knew the front part was different just didn't know about the bottom.
    On the front part I used expanding nuts to mount the L-track since I couldn't get between the bed and cab. I guess I'll do the same on the bed floor. I'm using it more to keep stuff from shifting than anything else anyway. Not trying to use it to tie down a quad or anything like that.
     
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  5. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:43 PM
    #5
    Sterdog

    Sterdog Offline

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    Toyota went to a composite bed because its stronger than steel at the same weight. It's also nice in that it keeps its color and doesn't rust when scratched.
     
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  6. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:50 PM
    #6
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That is a plus. At first I thought it was a bed liner. Now I know..
     
  7. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:51 PM
    #7
    moondeath

    moondeath Well-Known Member

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    Just be mindful where you drill, there are supports that are part of the composite. Not that one hole will compromise the bed, but you won't be able to get your bolt through. Just look under the bed to see where they are.
     
  8. Jul 16, 2017 at 3:59 PM
    #8
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the heads up! I will certainly keep that in mind. Near the Cab I put in 2 12" pieces and it seemed to work out nicely. It's nice that they fit inside the ribs and not stick up. I attached a rotopax plate to it to hold a 4 gal can. I ordered two 4 ft sections that I plan to bed on the bed floor.

    This is what I'm using.

    http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-Straps-Tie-Downs/Black-Painted-L-Track/Airline-Track-48-Piece

    http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratch...ine-Track-12-Aluminum-Finish-Logistic-Track_2

    http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratch...ries/L-Track-Double-Lug-Threaded-Stud-Fitting
     
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  9. Jul 16, 2017 at 4:01 PM
    #9
    Sandman614

    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    @Crom has added a lot of extra tie downs
     
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  10. Jul 16, 2017 at 4:01 PM
    #10
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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  11. Jul 16, 2017 at 5:18 PM
    #11
    JoefromPTC

    JoefromPTC Well-Known Member

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  12. Jul 16, 2017 at 5:22 PM
    #12
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I did have an avalanche it had a rubber mat in the bed. And it didn't keep anything from sliding around in the back. And it was a pitb. when you tried to put something heavy in the back it would roll up on you.
     
  13. Jul 16, 2017 at 5:57 PM
    #13
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    image.jpg image.jpg
    I put extra thick fender washers on the back side with nylock nuts. Yes, it's a pain to dodge the reinforcing ribs.
     
  14. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:06 PM
    #14
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I like the connectors you used. I haven't seen those before. I did find the end caps.
    The track I put down is black. It blends right in with the bed. Hard to tell it's even there.
     
  15. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:11 PM
    #15
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    I made that corner piece. In hindsight, I wish I would have cut the track ends at 45 degrees and butted them together. I have a bandsaw that will cut angles. Oh well, I made it work.
     
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  16. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:18 PM
    #16
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It looks good!
    I want to run a couple on the edge near the tailgate like you did. But I'll run 2 straight up closer to the center.
    The ones I put in the front run up and down.
     
  17. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:21 PM
    #17
    SonnyBones

    SonnyBones I VOID WARRANTIES

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    Really like how you tackled that corner part of the L-Track. Is that corner piece something they sell?

    Nvm, read further in the thread lol
     
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  18. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:27 PM
    #18
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    I am also going to put 2 pieces just inboard of the wheelwells. There are a lot more reinforcing ribs there though, so exact location of the track will be critical.
     
  19. Jul 16, 2017 at 6:31 PM
    #19
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'll have to remember to take pictures tomorrow. If I remember right I put the ones in front inside the 4th and 5th rib up front. I did it that way to match my rotopax mount. I was going to run them along the same track on the floor. But now that you guys have given me new info. I'll have to climb underneath and take a look.
     
  20. Jul 20, 2017 at 6:53 PM
    #20
    easyrider

    easyrider [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is a closeup of it behind my rotopax mount. I have a 4 gal rotopax cel attached to it. The tube is part of another project. something I found on the honda foreman atv forum. I just need to find a way to be able to attach it.20170720_2007023.jpg 20170720_2008201.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2017

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