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Just How Useful Are the Bed Platform Notches on a SB?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by pgtr, Jan 24, 2015.

  1. Jan 24, 2015 at 3:15 PM
    #1
    pgtr

    pgtr [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I really don't know what to call these things... the 'notches' in the sides of the bed that allow for cross supports to be set in them and provide a 'platform' of sorts...

    I happened to have some '5/4' treated decking leftovers which are beveled and perfectly dimensioned for the cross support notch depth/width. So I cut them and keep them loose in the bed thinking they might be handy if I need to pick up some 4x8 sheets of something...

    However I've got a DCSB and really the rear most notch isn't far enough back to make for a decent support of an 8' sheet w/ tailgate down. So I typically leave the bed up and 'tilt' 8' sheets up and out the back (and don't use the cross support platform setup.

    Chevy had a similar issue w/ the 1st gen Colorado SB but had a slick solution - they incorporated a 1/2 way up tailgate lock position - it allowed the tailgate to be at the same height as the top of the fenders and provided adequate support for a 4x8 sheet...

    Short of a custom tailgate cable - my only other ideas was an extra block of lumber that could set on the tailgate and support 8' sheets or something for the receiver hitch that comes out and up to the right height...

    Comments, suggestions, solutions for SBs?
     
  2. Jan 24, 2015 at 3:25 PM
    #2
    CaptAmerica

    CaptAmerica Asphalt Avenger! TTC#13

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    My brother just bought a 2014 F150 not that long ago, and dropped some 2x8s he had laying around down into the channels for dividers. I then mentioned notching the tops of the dividers, which he did, and then cut notches into two more 2x8s. They fit in the top of the dividers. Now when they take trips, he loads the bed in layers. He puts the dog supplies and luggage in the lower level, fits the cross members, then lays his poles across the top. Nothing slides, and the poles don't get hit by anything rolling around in the bed.

    That might work for hauling flat stock above the wheel wells.
     
  3. Jan 24, 2015 at 3:45 PM
    #3
    Roundarc

    Roundarc Former Tacoma Owner

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  4. Jan 25, 2015 at 8:09 PM
    #4
    pgtr

    pgtr [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for mentioning the Northerntool thing - I'd seen those long ago and completely forgotten about them. I need to double check the adjustability but I 'think' it will raise up high enough to be level w/ the tops of the wheel covers.

    FYI: '5/4' pressure treated decking boards are perfectly sized to fit flush in those slots. It comes in 6" wide boards. Edges are radiused or beveled. Typically it's available pressure treated.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2015
  5. Jan 26, 2015 at 8:16 AM
    #5
    RickG

    RickG It seemed like a good idea at the time...

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    Even with a long bed there isn't a lot of support for sheet goods that'd be damaged by bouncing, like wall board. Usually I just pick op a few extra 2x4's (...they always get used for something) and put them on the crossways boards first. A ratchet strap from the 2 rear D rings, over the load keeps everything in place.
    You could also just frame up a rectangle from say 2x6's that'd sit on the tailgate and support the back of the load.

    The Northern Tool thing is a great solution. For me though, it'd just be one more thing I needed to find a home for while it wasn't being used.
     
  6. Jan 27, 2015 at 7:27 PM
    #6
    pgtr

    pgtr [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yep 2x4s help support a lot - good reminder. Now you strap over the rear D rings with the tailgate closed or opened?

    A simple wood support on the tailgate is a good idea but load should be well cinched to hold it of course.

    I agree - N.Tool gizmo is cool but I don't have the space (and would likely forget to bring it sometime).

    Thanks
     
  7. Jan 27, 2015 at 7:29 PM
    #7
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Beveled 2x8's fit best
     
  8. Jan 27, 2015 at 7:33 PM
    #8
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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  9. Jan 27, 2015 at 7:43 PM
    #9
    DanceswithWolves

    DanceswithWolves palabra a tu madre

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    I used plastic deck boards. My buddy does decks so i used his scraps. My deck runs just to the back edge of the rearward notch. It's a dog platform. My first iteration had screwed in front cross board. I changed it using decking to make stays then front crossbar is not attached, fits into notch on platform. so two pieces and it comes apart and drops down on the bed.
     

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