Do bed stiffeners just transfer stress somewhere else?

Notice the deliberate failure mode. That notch was intentional to create a predictable stress path, so rather than create random carnage, it stays relatively under that bulge

 

I have the Total Chaos ones, and they are annoying for carrying 48" wide items. I think they are around 49.5" at the narrowest point between the tie down loops. The relatively thin edge of the metal stiffener tends to damage the edge of whatever I'm carrying, particularly while loading or unloading. Note that some 4' sheet goods are actually 49" wide (MDF in particular).

 

(1) A flush-mount option was created by a TW member, if you want to change out TC (2) Get some harder foam that can slide over the thinner edge of the stiffener to try to remove that stress-point.

 

Foam is a good idea. Or maybe some rubber edge trim.

I think the internal option was created after I bought mine. I don't want to buy them again, but I suppose I could sell the ones I have and buy the internal ones.

I'm planning on selling my topper anyway, so I guess I could just go without stiffeners.

 

Hmm the total chaos ones seem to be higher than some of the others. I picked some cali raised ones up a year or so ago but have been back and forth on install. I wonder if they are lower and would allow sheets to easily go over top of them.

 

Its always fun to read through these types of threads. There are so many walks of life, professional opinions, very knowledgeable tid-bits that get shared here; yet no one believes the other and is always right lol.

I've always had a tough time understanding the "need" for bed stiffeners. I can justify the need for a camper shell, because its fiberglass and flexible, and I understand how they'd work exactly as intended. What I can't understand is the "need" for stiffeners if you're running a steel bed rack (with any amount of weight on top) or a diamondback bed cover (this one strangely comes up alot in these threads, I guess it weighs alot). Would a steel bed rack or bed cover not serve as a giant bed stiffener/internal cage? If the goal is alleviating outward spread, how does a steel bed rack thats bolted to both sides of the bed tracks, distributing the mounting surface over nearly the entire bedside on both sides, not serve BETTER as a bed stiffener than actual bed stiffeners? Given the design and bracing of most any steel bed rack, I don't see any of them physically being able to 'spread outwards' from any amount of pressure/forces a truck driving on or offroad could simulate, and both bedsides spanning the entire length of the bed are bolted to it. Maybe if the truck were flipped upside down and fell 15 feet or so on its top. I don't imagine any downward force/weight on top, other than a rollover could cause a bedrack to spread/widen. Same idea for bed cover (assuming it mounts using the bed tracks). Does it not just act as a stiffener, given it doesn't really have any flex? Even though a bed rack sits above the bedrails and can incur additional side forces, is it still not the same idea as an internal cage bolted to both side bedrails that would sit within the bed?

FWIW, I have bed stiffeners, and don't need to be convinced that they serve a purpose; I've just never been fully convinced they do what they're (usually) advertised to do. But I'm open minded, just having fun discussion!

 

It's the Logical side of the mind that's trying to figure out something...what that is? Logic? lol

I'd say "peace of mind" but would probably get online ridiculed/bullied. (I'm exaggerating) lol

Now, back to my explanation of viewing the back/side of the bed through driver's side mirror.

For those that don't have Bed Stiffeners...have you ever glanced through driver's side mirror to see if your bed has any movement (bouncing around) while you're driving?

Of course, PLEASE do this carefully...I don't mean for anyone to stare at it until you see movement and take your eyes off the road.

Also, I'm one of those who installed them because I'll eventually get that 135lb DB SE Tonneau cover.

I'll feel better knowing there are braces in the back end where there is no other support to keep edges from bowing.

I've yet to have a need to buy sheets of plywood where I'd notice the width is limited by the Bed Stiffeners.

 

A rack does not change the load through the corner. Sure, it might be a bit stiffer from mounting point to mounting point, but it is still weight being supported by the bed sides, where the load is high up and still pivoting through the flawed area.

Weakness spreading open is equal and opposite. We obviously don't put pressure inward and don't see that being a problem, but it is the same area reacting the load.


Also, not all racks are the same. Some are strong through the corners, some are just a couple bolts.

 

I think I understand what you're getting at, but would imagine that if one bedside is flexing outward, the opposite bedside (if attached to a bedrack/camper shell mounted between them) would be flexing inward. Is the concern actually that the structural support of the rack/shell and opposite bedside structure flexing inward under side forces (not actually any concern downward) are putting additional stress on the opposite outward flexing bedside structure?

Also agree, just speaking in general to a 'well-made' steel rack. Wouldn't apply the same principle to any aluminum thin guage material rack, holding on for dear life by a couple small bolts.

 

Yeah. I feel the rear corners are weak in both directions. Loads inward might possibly add to the spread that we sometime see. A bit ridiculous that it was never fixed in production, esp given the hidden solution that 4WheelParts had.

I agree that a Backflip might not need stiffeners, but not the worst idea for the price.


Agreed on the rack quality. I mainly think of good ones as bent hoops with good moment continuity.

 

I have a toolbox in my truck and I added bed stiffeners for that reason. I totally understand the concept behind camper shells putting more stress on the top of the bedsides and therefore transferring the energy throughout the bedside and to the weakest link. And for that same reason my logic was, any additional stress on the bed outside of being STOCK STOCK (no aftermarket accessories whatsoever) should warrant the need for stiffeners.

I’ve even went as far with that thought as to use my utility trailer when hauling heavy loads. I haul 1 ton of feed monthly, occasionally pallets of flooring materials, etc. All of those scenarios I could easily use the bed of my truck and it would actually be more convenient to do so instead of hauling a trailer… but with the bed being so fragile and temperamental I don’t want to create a bigger issue due to hauling heavy things in the bed of my truck.

Actually kinda silly and sad if you think about it, but hey, if there’s a bright side my stiffeners have multiple additional tie down spots and I use them often!

 

Agreed. I got my stiffeners as I was hoping for a wedge camper than never came. But one day, I had a useless helper and firmly believe that the stiffeners saved my bacon on this delivery.

 

Been to lazy to go out and take a picture but years ago I built my own bed stiffeners. I used 1/4 x 3 inch bar. They also have plates on the inside. The stainless tie down rings came from Harbor Freight.

 

Stiffeners work to combat "racking", that is the distortion that produces a rhombus.

 

DRT offers a fantastic solution as well!

https://www.drt-fabrication.com/product/2005-2021-tacoma-bed-support-brackets

 

Thanks!

 

New products are fire, Derik!! Simply amazing what DRT has become. Nice work!

 

bed stiffeners are pretty inexpensive insurance to prevent a more expensive issue BUT im curious if anyone has had cracking after they’re installed? Or seen other issued?