Bed stiffeners

Good afternoon all.

I have a question about bed stiffeners do they really work an are they worth the money

 

There’s probably 25 posts about these exact questions with suggestions as to which brand to buy and why…

 

Just if there was some sort of search function on the top right of the forum!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/best-choices-for-bed-stiffeners.562531/

https://***************/2022/01/18/tacoma-bed-stiffeners-what-and-why/

 

While I agree on the importance of using the search to find topics that have been beat to death, sometimes a new thread is better than reviving an old one... sometimes

 

I like mine

 

I seen posts about which bands to go with but the question is do they really work am i going to see a change

 

Depends on your setup. I ran an RCI bed rack with an RTT and it was definitely causing some bowing. I'm sure any of the stiffeners are great, but I use the total chaos ones and it pulled it back nice and taut. If you don't have a rack/shell or whatever sitting on your bed sides you shouldn't need anything.

 

I think their effectiveness at doing what they're advertised to do is controversial, so I wouldn't feel confident telling you they do or do not work. I have my opinion, and others have theirs.

 

The only thing the stiffeners really help with is if you have a lot of weight up on the bedsides. Like a camper shell, lumber/ladder rack, rooftop tent, things like that. It just keeps the metal parts at the back of the bed from cracking or bending outward. Nothing you can feel while driving. I have a set and like them because they pulled the bedsides back straight (they weren't bent much though) and give me a few more tie-down spots for my dirt bike and hauling stuff. Also mine have a bottle opener but you can open a bottle with almost anything.

 

Why would hundreds of new posts, by new members be better than one consolidated thread by experienced members?

 

With irrelevant, off topic posts like this, it wouldn't be...

 

Unless you race the Baja 500, stiffeners are a gimmic.

 

i guess the better question is what you mean by 'do they work and are worth the money'?

i love my total chaos 'bed stiffeners'.

do they stiffen the bed? hell if i know.

but they offer a dozen more places to tie stuff down, especially stuff that's longer than the bed when i'm using the truck like a truck.

that is absolutely worth the cost to me.

 

Or unless you have enough weight on the bed rails to bend the metal parts at the back of the bed out like mine did (some people's have even cracked). Then they help pull the bedsides back straight

 

Those Total Chaos ones look super useful!

https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2016-2022-Toyota-Tacoma-Rear-Channel-Bed-Stiffeners-48676

Cali Raised are a little less expensive.

https://caliraisedled.com/products/...MIy82179H5-wIVhtzICh1PvANQEAAYASAAEgJgZfD_BwE


I thought about another question regarding the strength of the bed-walls...what about the opposite end? (the front)

I guess it wouldn't need support because there's no bed-gate there! DOH!!!

Disregard my question...lol!

 

I have seen numerous posts from people with toppers that would suggest otherwise.

 

They're a good idea if your bed is bowing outwards, or you're going to be putting a lot of weight resting on the bedsides as mentioned before. They're also good to just have more tie down points but you can go other routes for that.

If you don't plan to put any weight on the bedsides, there's no point really.

 

I don't have weight on my bedrails anymore, but I like them as additional tie down points. the 4wp ones ore the way to go. Not sure what change you are looking to "see" OP.

 

I like mine just for all of the extra tie down spots.