Best choices for bed stiffeners

Open the tailgate and take a look at how the stanchion on either side is attached to the composite bed. That stress relief undercut at the bottom may start to crack. You can see the undercut on the bottom left side of my pic below. Folks have seen the bed spread from either heavy offroad use or from a canopy.

The extra tiedown locations are also a big positive:

 

that's why i went with TC. some folks prefer the folded top like the Cali and Atthehelm ones. they mount stuff to that top cap like antennas or flags.

 

I figure this is a good thread to ask.
Other than bed stiffners, is there anything else that can help the stability of the bed?
Something like this? Or anything
http://www.kbvoodoo.com/shop/toyota-tacoma-bed-bracket-fits-years-05-pair

 

The bolt together ones are going to flex, you probably want a one piece like these

https://m.ebay.com/itm/2005-Toyota-...tem2ab1a169ef:g:5h8AAOSw~RFaz276&_pgn=1&rt=nc

 

Will need to make sure the “one piece” bed bars are sized just right too. My C4 bed bars are half-inch too narrow and causes the sides of the bed to pull inward.

 

Yes. I have a cap tho i found c4 makes low pro ones but i think theyd get in the way when loading the bed up. Id need something that bolted into the bed rails on each side

 

Could you put a 1/4” shim on each side?

 

Yep. I ended up adding washers. Maybe C4 meant to make it a tad narrower. Better to be a little narrow than too wide.

 

I vote Total Chaos. I love mine

 

Bed Stiffeners - What do they do? Do I need them?

This is a very common question we get at TOTAL CHAOS. If you're running a camper shell, bed rack w/ RTT, or just putting your truck through serious off-road abuse then you should consider Bed Stiffeners.

On 2005 and newer Tacoma's the composite bed is very weak. Over time they can fracture or crack causing issues with tailgate alignment and possibly lights. We reinforce the rear bed channels at the tailgate which is ideal for preventing bed flex and avoiding issues that come along with it.

The TOTAL CHAOS Bed Stiffeners also feature additional tie-down points. Adding a set will give you 6 tie down points and 2 light or whip mounts. *no load ratings are implied. Constructed of 3/16" steel these are built to last. We finish them in a durable black powder coat and include grade 8 hardware for the install

TOTAL CHAOS
WWW.CHAOSFAB.COM

 

Correct - US Patent #D820,180 S

 

With bed stiffeners installed, can you still use a bed extender?

 

I went with Total Chaos. Whenever I have the option I go with Total Chaos. I have their UCA's and bed stiffners. They make some quality product.

 

you can, but you'll need to drill through the stiffener to mount the extender brackets which will need to be mounted with a spacer, and you'll need to trim off a corresponding amount of length from the extenders tubing so it will fit with the brackets' new location. there's a pic somewhere but i'm not gonna try to find it for you. maybe look in what did you do to your 3rd gen today, posted probably 3-4 months back.

edit: holy crap i found it..
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-4726#post-18209157

 

Well alright, looks like TC or is. I like how they go all the way up the bed. Thank you all for your input!

@TOTAL CHAOS any TW group discounts or coupon codes?

 

I made my own version of those.

 

Those look nice. I wouldnt mind some without the bracket over the top because my cap overhangs down on the inside. Right to the bed rails would be nice

 

I've bought two sets of Total Chaos stiffener. One for my 2nd gen and one for my 3rd. I like how you can reinstall the factory tie down and the way they fit. Also add some good tie down points with good fit and finish.

 

Thank you, the reason I put the angle brackets on was to allow for them to hold heavier weight and I obviously do not have a Cap either.

 

We don't offer any Forum Discounts or Specials. Occasionally a dealer will run a sale or special, here is our Authorized Dealer locator:
TOTAL CHAOS - Authorized Dealers

email info@chaosfab.com if you have any questions!


TOTAL CHAOS
WWW.CHAOSFAB.COM