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

Just ordered a set of stiffeners, how long should I expect before shipping? Also, when you drill the holes and insert the hardware are we just threading the bolt straight into the bed? Like a self tapping screw?

 

No, you have to remove rear tail light so you can place the nut on the bolt.

 

Oh, Duh. Can't believe I didn't figure that one out.

 

Don't forget, you can always purchase these at an Authorized Dealer instead, here are a couple of options:

 

@TOTAL CHAOS exactly why would I need these? I intend to get a topper at some point, so is that likely to cause bed stress? And if so, is this location the only one that fails as a result of the extra weight/ stress?

 

Its in the original post!

 

It’s not, it’s pretty vague and does not address the addtiknal points I brought up.

 

"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."

It is saying that if you get a camper shell which is a heavy object and actually intend to offroad hard the bed flexes pretty bad. This causes stress overtime and will separate your bed. Especially if you are running a tent ontop of the shell.

To answer your question yes i would go ahead and get them if you plan on wheeling your truck. If you are riding around town with the shell then you will be fine. Though i do have friends that dont have them with the shells and they haven't had problems.

 

The added weight of a topper will provide increased strain on the bed. If you go off-road, the effects are worse

We have personally experienced the rear channel cracking near the tailgate. We haven't seen any other failure points unless the bed was in an accident or suffered a severe impact

 

Is there a discount on here for TW members? Or you haven't updated your prices? The website quotes $170.83 for the 2005-2015 without shipping..

 

No TW discount. I'll get pricing and info updated

 

I have had these for some time and finally put them on a couple of weeks ago. Look great and very usable. When the day came to install I was missing some nyloc nuts from the package. A quick run to the local hardware store solved that.

 

do these come OEM bed extender compatible, or can it be made?

 

@_gray_knight_ how did you get your bed extender to work with bed stiffeners?

 

Good eye there because I don't remember posting about making my bed extender working haha. That was the main reason why I chose these TC stiffeners because of their design and I saw a way i can make the bed extender work. The only con is that you lose the function of being able to flipping the extender back into the bed. You'll have to unmount it. Since I had my bed extender mounted, I had to drill a hole in the stiffeners and use whatever washers and longer bolts i had at the time to make this work. So far it has done the job when I need to use my extender.

 

Want to see a HOW TO video on installing a set of TOTAL CHAOS Bed Stiffeners? Check it out below

2016-2020 Tacoma Bed Stiffeners | $170.83

https://youtu.be/AbYanL1pP70

 

I noticed that there is an Amazon listing @

TACOMA REAR CHANNEL BED STIFFENERS (2016+)

amazon.com/dp/B01MQEGMHJ/?coliid=I2011XIKS8UJIM&colid=11JYLACXMHJXD&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it for the 2016 + Tacomas. It indicates that the product is currently unavailable. Do you plan on doing a resupply? I have some Amazon points I want to use.

Thanks,
Joel

 

What is the diameter of the holes for radio/whip mounts?

 

Are there any things you need to be aware of when installing on a 2nd gen Tacoma, or is the install identical? (I know the 2nd gen uses a different set of stiffeners.)

 

Just got a run back from powder coat, should be up in a few days.