Bed Stiffener Question

Looking at options for bed stiffeners and am looking for peoples thoughts on what they have. I am looking at these 3 (links below), I like that they are all the taller version. I'm leaning toward the AOD its both the cheapest and the only one I've seen with a backing plate (unclear how needed that is but seems like it can't hurt). I couldn't find where anyone else on here has them though. If anybody wants to share their experience, please do.
Total Chaos
All Pro Offroad
AOD Fabrication

 

looks like the backing plate is required - goes on the outside of the bed box - bolts pass through box side stiffeners / through box / through exterior stiffeners w/ lock washer/nut on back side for retention. I have type which does not use this method, but hey - they look like they should work fine. Maybe look for reviews and see what those who have them say. FYI - the others like the ones you are considering require a hole to be drilled - for a bolt / washer / nut fastening connection through the side of the bed. So either way you go you will have to drill for installation.

 

Only thing a backing plate would do is prevent tear through of the bolts (not likely). There’s no real frame beyond the opening of the bed, just the thin web the exterior is bolted to that forms the tail light pocket. It might be possible though much more difficult to install a bracket on the outside and though a welded option there would possibly be better it’s not nearly as plug/play as the few holes we do have to drill from the inside. Mine are an improved copy of the total chaos version and are discontinued. TC goes all the way up and uses one of the top most bolts that connect to the web plus the 2 bed bolts and some intermediate bolts you drill into the sides.

 

I'm sure they'll all be fine. I have the TC. Very well built and does it's job of keeping things straight and adding useful tie points.
If I had to be picky of your choices, I'd still pick the TC. I like that the L is connected compared to the AOD. Also with the All Pro I can see debris getting stuck between those two angle supports at the bottom. I'm always washing down my bed from sand or dirt and things get caught enough as it is with the TC bed stiffeners.

 

Tttacodan is a user on Tacomaworld that makes stiffeners. Relatively affordable. Great service. I love mine.

 

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

ATH
Easy install plus he makes other great things for your truck.

 

^^^ what matt said...plus it has built in bottle opener!

 

I like/have the Total Chaos version myself for no other reason than it goes up higher, and as a result has more extra tie down points. Functionally, I'm sure they all stiffen just as well.

 

I saw these along with a 1/2 dozen other short variety. I prefer the long extended variety.

 

As much as I hate on All Poo, they're design seems to be the best with the most tie down points.

 

I have the TC stiffeners and I have no issues with them really.

One thing I did notice when installing them is that the metal in the bed where stiffeners go is pretty thin and although large washers are used to spread the load out more, the back plate of the AOD is a nice touch and would probably provide a bit more rigidity by sandwiching the bed completely.