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Do I Need Bed Stiffeners?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Drew12, Sep 23, 2017.

  1. Sep 23, 2017 at 7:38 PM
    #1
    Drew12

    Drew12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Literally just noticed this walking behind my truck a minute ago... Looks like the top of the bed rails have a pretty wide gap from the tailgate. My leer shell is probably 300 pounds or so, so I am sue thats the culprit. What I wana know is if I absolutely should get some stiffeners and if they will correct the gap, or just keep it from getting worse.

    Thanks

    IMG_0097.jpg IMG_0096.jpg
     
  2. Sep 24, 2017 at 4:40 AM
    #2
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    I doubt a Leer cap for a short bed is 300lbs. It's probably under 200lbs (unless you have a roof rack and the storage locker etc)

    Bed stiffeners might be your only option to help correct this. From what understand the composite bed isn't very strong, so heavy caps will force everything to come in over time. Not sure if it will fix the problem 100% forever.

    Total Chaos looks like they make a pretty hard core stiffener that goes all the way up the bed side.
    http://www.chaosfab.com/2005-2015-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffiners-48675
     
  3. Sep 24, 2017 at 4:42 AM
    #3
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    It should correct the gap when you bolt them down. These are on my short list of things as well, because I have a rack and RTT on my cap, so a little over 300 lbs.
     
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  4. Sep 24, 2017 at 4:52 AM
    #4
    HolyHandGrenade

    HolyHandGrenade NOOB

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  5. Sep 24, 2017 at 5:19 AM
    #5
    fixnfly

    fixnfly Well-Known Member

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    How are those 4 side bolts attached on the inside??

    On a side note, it's a real shame that Toyota can't build a bed strong enough to support a cap.
     
  6. Sep 24, 2017 at 5:21 AM
    #6
    doorsidedown

    doorsidedown Well-Known Member

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    They're awesome. @At The Helm makes some too. Little cheaper than TC. I've had both brands and they're both top notch.
     
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  7. Sep 24, 2017 at 5:23 AM
    #7
    SuperBad

    SuperBad Well-Known Member

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    Drill holes out and attached with nuts and washers.
     
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  8. Sep 24, 2017 at 5:23 AM
    #8
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    You drill the 3 holes. If you take out the taillight, you have access to the other side for the nut.
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2017
    At The Helm and fixnfly[QUOTED] like this.
  9. Sep 24, 2017 at 5:25 AM
    #9
    IronPeak

    IronPeak PermaLurker

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    I would recommend the total chaos as well, those other ones are more ornamental as the upright only ties into sheetmetal. They will open a beer in style though.
     
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  10. Sep 24, 2017 at 5:56 AM
    #10
    fixnfly

    fixnfly Well-Known Member

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    I would think a piece of flatbar would be stronger than nuts and washers..
     
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  11. Sep 24, 2017 at 6:23 AM
    #11
    Ruffus

    Ruffus Well-Known Member

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    I'm not seeing a huge gap between the box & tailgate, looks like a straight uniform gap top to bottom. Wouldn't it be more of a cap issue than a box issue?
    Have you measured the gap top to bottom?
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2017
    TacoTuesday!! likes this.
  12. Sep 24, 2017 at 7:51 AM
    #12
    Drew12

    Drew12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've got an access cab so it's a regular sized bed. The cap may not be 300 pounds but it's gotta be dam close. It's super thick fiberglass with a carpet lining. All I know is that it's a pain in the ass even with two people to get on and off.
     
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  13. Sep 24, 2017 at 7:52 AM
    #13
    Drew12

    Drew12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Haven't measured yet but I don't think the pictures do it justice. Looks worse in person. I will measure to confirm though.
     
  14. Sep 24, 2017 at 7:54 AM
    #14
    Sudsman44

    Sudsman44 Well-Known Member

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    Your gap Doesn't look to bad. The gap on mine was way worse than that. I installed the bed stiffeners and got some of it back, not all, but hopefully it will prevent it from spreading in the future..
     
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  15. Sep 24, 2017 at 8:26 AM
    #15
    Drew12

    Drew12 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What does everyone think about making their own stiffeners? I mean they are basically just reinforced 3/16 L brackets right? Couldnt I just Cut/Weld up some steel, paint it and boom - done?? Anyone ever do this themselves?
     
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  16. Sep 24, 2017 at 8:31 AM
    #16
    SuperBad

    SuperBad Well-Known Member

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    I've seen someone on here make there own. I dont have any skills to attempt it so I just bought mine.
     
  17. Sep 24, 2017 at 8:33 AM
    #17
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Yep, exactly. If I could weld these would be pretty easy to make.
     
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