Bed stiffeners - Rago, etc. - pros and cons?

Well, since one of the major improvements from the 2nd gen to the 3rd gen was bed, tail gate and frame stiffening. So they all need it more than the 3rd gen

 

I just installed my Total Chaos stiffeners this afternoon actually. Can confirm definitely drilling through steel. Maybe 3/16" thick.
Don't know if they're necessary, but my cap should be arriving soon, and I figured they're not going to hurt anything.

 

if you opt to keep the topper there are other antenna options. As for mounting the boards I’m not much help, best of luck!

 

Yes I know about antenna options.. I have seen those mounting kits.

I have to find someone (or a company) who can fabricate for me for the sides.

 

Bed stiffeners are a solution in search of a problem, IMO. I am more than happy to reconsider if/when I see the cracked beds that purportedly occur without them. I run a cap and will keep y'all posted.

 

I ended up switching to the Total Chaos bed stiffeners. I forget the first set I had on there but I distinctly remember having to get a second set sent to me; first set was not level when welded together. On the second set it the holes did not line up to the predrilled holes on the bed. For the life of me I can't remember the first brand but the Total Chaos set lined up perfectly to the bed and side rails.

 

My buddy in my shop made me a plate to put over the bolts i drilled thru the bed to not only stiffen up the bracket even more but to reinforce the area i drilled three holes in. I sprayed them with black rustoleum paint and set them in place.