2nd gen bed rail system

Has anybody installed a factory 2nd gen bed rail system on their 1st gen?

Ive seen a few people use unistrut. I know that stuff is strong, but I'd like to see if anyone has installed a 2nd gen rail.

Like this I know its for a Tundra, but I haven't found a Tacoma factory kit yet online.

 

I've seen a few that have done it. Should work great. There is probably some minor trimming to make it fit just right but it'll work.

 

I'd imagine some trimming. But thats about the only feature on the 2nd gens I envy.
Im sure they could be had on ebay/CL/TW but they are hard to search for.

Do you have any pictures of your bed set up?

 

Thread revival

I’ve been thinking about this project as well, would increase my bed storage, plus I do like how bed racks can be secured to the bed rail.

Added to the project list

 

Ive been thinking about doing this for a while. 2nd gen rails are hard to find, but I was thinking about using low profile Unistrut or Aircraft fuselage mounting tracks.

 

Yeah, I’ve seen a few references the the uni struck just haven’t seen any pics. Tossing around the idea of a 1/8 Wall c channel with the unistruct underneath for the top of the bed then maybe an additional unistrut on the bottom of the bed, so I can load them in tension.. @Box Rocket mentioned trimming so maybe the vertical portion of the bed lip is trimmed, with the rails mounted flush.

Just throwing out ideas

 

A friend of mine has a 2nd gen 5 lug, and I don't really trust those tie downs on the sides of the bed. While we've never lost a motorcycle from it, I cringe when he tightens the straps as I can see the mounts bend. He also drives like a grandma...

I much prefer the corner tie downs in my 1st gen, especially for the motorcycles... but I would go with aftermarket rack system that's mounted to the floor if you want something adjustable to secure various junk, like this (link below) before going with the 2nd gen factory style.

http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ancho...MIvpD7mKDT2gIVw56zCh17XAE_EAQYASABEgK9K_D_BwE

 

I took some tie downs from a Toyota Matrix trunk that I plan on adding to my 4Runner for misc stuff.
It's a pretty stout rail but only like 3ft long.

I agree with jbrandt though. I much prefer the stock corner tie downs for heavy loads.

 

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https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...tacoma-today-1st-gen-edition.138573/page-4458

@boostedka looks good! how’s the unistrut set up holding up to time? Any down side from you experience

 

I’ve liked it. I ended up putting in a bed bar from Low Range Off-road and mounting the front piece to that by welding on some mounting tabs. It developed a little movement after a while. This is what it looks like now:

 

Thin sheet metal, isn't strong enough like the 2nd gen.

 

Looks Gouda! thanks for sharing