Bed stiffeners...

Sup folks,

Just added yakima bed rack/rtt system to 07 TRD sport. I have noticed that the tailgate is not closing smoothly and that there is a gap between bed and tailgate. Based on reading it looks like I need bed stiffeners to fix/prevent further problems...

1. Will they fix/prevent this issue?
2. What are some recommendations you have tried/tested for 2nd gen bed stiffeners?

Thanks!

 

I’m a big fan of these:

https://athfab.com/product/bedside-reinforcements-tie-downs-for-05-17-toyota-tacoma/

They’ll definitely help snug up the bed and remove that gap you have.

 

Im running total chaos and theyve been great. The extra tie downs really come in handy

 

Seconded

Total Chaos, from what I know, is the only one that extends all the way up the bedside. CaliRaised and ATH both stop where the inner shell widens up.

Not sure how much of a difference it would make, but the more coverage the better IMO.

 

If that doesn't work you'll have to loosen the bed bolts & lift the bed. Then get rid of the plastic pins under the bed if it doesn't sit right & square. Then you attach the bed stiffeners.

Cali raised ($110) here because they were priced the best. TC are more $$$ ($180) though they do come all the way up.

https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/2005-2015-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48675
https://caliraisedled.com/products/2005-2021-toyota-tacoma-bed-channel-supports


Might be helpful to not get TC stiffeners if you have a shell My shell also helps keep it square. You might need the extra height though

 

I've got a shell, that's why I got stiffeners. Mine got all the way up like TCs, but mine aren't made anymore.

 

Yup, after installing my bed stiffeners the gaps I had between the tailgate and bed sides disappeared. I have bed racks which carry heavy kayaks off-road. So a lot of shifting and torque on the bed sides.
I also have the Total Chaos bed stiffeners and they're just great. The additional tie down points are a huge plus and use them every weekend.

I'd say all the bed stiffeners accomplish the same thing, so you can't really go wrong with the brand. The Total Chaos is a bit more functional for me though since there's a high tie down point for each.

 

Thanks, thinking the same about all of them accomplishing the same thing. Pretty simple component. Appreciate the advice! Just about finished with the build!

 

I put Cali Raised on my truck. Since the Leer cap was on my truck I used a rachet strap to "sinch" the side walls of the bed in just a bit. Once the walls were sinched, I proceeded with installing the Cali Raised bed stiffeners. Price was part of the reason I went with them. They are well made and I'm very happy with them.

 

Leitner

 

Mine will be here by monday...talking with buddy last night about cinching with ratchet strap...where did you anchor it? Did you wrap it around entire rear of bed?

 

The main anchor points were the latches for the tailgate. I used the bed rail cleats as secondary anchor points, only with less tension. It didn't take much tension on either one to do the job.