2021 Doublecab long bed, bed questions.

New 2021 long bed 4x4 double cab owner with some questions about the bed.

I had a 2014 tacoma prior to this one, a single cab, 2wd, 4cyl engine one. It used to have a bed rail along the back wall of the bed (like the same rail that is along the side, on the front of the bed too, opposite the tailgate).... now there is like a large protruding square metal box type thing.... it has 2 open screwholes in the center or it, no rail for cleats there. what is this thing and whats it do/whats it for?

Also, I have the soft-fall tailgate.... it.... kinda annoying coming from being able to drop the gate in half a second flat in the old bed.... I noticed if I just kinda push down on it while its soft-falling, it goes quicker.... is that an issue/problem? is there a better answer?

thanks!!

 

You can buy a front bed rail for about $40 from a Gen2 that’s a perfect fit. The top rail with the two screw holes is where a gizmo mounts if you have a cover on your bed. As far as the soft open tailgate goes you can remove the dampers and it will fall like a rock.

 

I never actually used my front rail on my old truck, I was just saying that this 2 screw thing is in the place where the old trucks front rail WAS and was wondering what it was for.... With screw holes it may actually be better/more secure for what I want to add (DIY headache rack to protect back window, plus side stakes). I was not planning on adding a cover, but family/friends with a tacoma say they couldn't imagine NOT having a tonneau cover.... so may consider it.

And as far as the tailgate, I may leave it a while and see if it grows on me.

 

The front rail attaches with the 5 existing Torx screws that fasten the top cap. The 2 threaded holes in the middle are meant for the OEM tonneau cover.

Adding the front rail was one of the first things I did for my 2021. It's come in handy for additional clamping for my camper shell.

 

I would love to get a front bed rail for my 2017 Tacoma OR/DC long bed.........where is a good place to get one? If you don't mind sharing. Thanks

 

Soft fall tailgate is one of my favorite features..
I'm constantly loading and unloading my ladder, so it's nice to walk up, pop open the tailgate and just let it drop. By the time I get 2 hands on the ladder, the gate is down.

 

, Amazon is where I got mine but I’m sure there’s cheaper options.