Bed Stiffeners: overkill or useful?

I got a set from 4WP before they quit making them for under $100. Only ones I know of that don’t intrude into the bed.

 

So depending on the load that is placed on the bed wall, it could deform to where it is no longer square. Got it. Thank you.

 

You should make a CAD file on that, I'll buy it from you if you do.

 

For the aftermarket installation, yes. If Toyota were to design this to stiffen the bed, then I would like to think that it would be something less intrusive, and less visible.

 

This was from my first set over 2 years ago for a friend



And after installing a set



He said the difference was much more noticeable in person than in the pictures

 

I like them if for no other reason for the extra tie down locations. I've had them on both my 2nd and 3rd gen, both Total Chaos. I don't see how they could hurt the truck, but I have nearly broken a knee cap or two on them.

 

What truck do you own?

 

I was only given 2 kneecaps. I hope you have more in reserve than I have.

 

2006 Tacoma

 

Op, yes it’s worth it and do yourself a favor and buy them from @Kwikvette .

Cheers!

 

Appreciate the tag as that means a lot!

I have yet to test these on a 2nd/3rd Gen but I have a candidate that is waiting for me to send him a set to try

 

Fuckennnnn send it broooooooo

 

Table is currently having issues; I may cut some tomorrow though so we'll see

Trying to see if I have an issue with the VIM box that takes divided (or raw if used) voltage to tell the torch height controller if it needs to move up or down as it cuts to maintain a specific torch height

If it cuts tomorrow with IHS/THC unprogrammed, then I'll have to further diagnose by running raw voltage

If it runs with raw voltage, then I'll have to test continuity from my CPC port for divided voltage

If it passes that test, then I can conclude its the VIM box and will need to see if raw voltage works for me anyway (all while requesting a new box)

Growing pains

 

This is an interesting design. I'm curious if anyone who has these actually has a load on them. Not just normal wear and tare mileage. I'm curious if I could replace my bed stiffiners given I'm running a bed rack (100 pounds) and a tent (200) .. would this be sufficient? I hate the extras space my bed stiffening brackets take up. It's just enough to cause strife

 

Sounds like multiple beers and the good playlist kind of thing. Keep up the good work!

 

I put total chaos ones on mine. Less bed flex for sure

 

I wonder if modifications could be made to the tailgate latching so the tailgate could basically become a brace.

 

Replace the tailgate.

I had a Wilco tiregate on my 1st Gen which acted like a huge bed stiffener.

 

possible, yes. but at some point, the costs would well exceed the gains.

basically need to re-design the truck-side latches as either loops, or larger exposed latching pins with a flared washer to help support the load. that's going to require an entirely new latching design and a larger opening on the tailgate.

it would probably be easier to make the tailgate 4" smaller, and run 2" DOM as a perimeter frame around the opening...

 

The bed stiffeners were definitely needed for my setup (Leer camper shell and a Prinsu rack on top of that). I found that the Total Chaos stiffeners were best for my application.