Bed stiffeners

Sigh. Here we go again. I have a topper on my 3rd generation, and had one on my second generation for 17 years. You don't need one. It's nonsense. And I do a ton of offroading.

 

So, because nothing has happened to you, means nothing will happen to me? I drive thousands of kilometers each year on washboard roads and trails. Spending $100 for some extra peace of mind is fine by me. It also provides some extra anchor points which is a bonus. I also consider the fact that I will be including the added weight of a Prinsu rack and other accessories to the topper. I would like to get your genuine thoughts on what has caused some of the issues fellow members have experienced, considering you content there will be no issues!

 

I’ve only seen one example of a failed bed on this forum, and it’s from a guy who liked to use his truck to catch air.
You are welcome to spend your money wherever you like, but washboarded roads will not make your bedsides bend! Good grief.

 

There are plenty more examples than just one.

 

I would love to see some actual data justifying bed stiffeners, especially from the brands claiming that they are beneficial.
Vehicles are designed with the understanding that there is some amount of acceptable frame and body flex under load.
Just because you see your truck flexing doesn't mean that it's weak.

My 2009 tacoma has 300k+ miles on it, I drive it off-road, fast. Sometimes even leaving the ground with all 4 wheels.
I have a mid-rise Sungtop shell that isn't light. My bed has been fine, yours will likely be fine too.

If you want extra tie-down points then go for it.
Otherwise, save yourself the money and keep your bed freed up so you can slide your stuff out without it getting caught on a bulky bed stiffener.

 

I would also like to see some data.

And if you want to save money, seems like they would be cheap and easy to build.

 

Those 4wp ones do look bedder than some of the others, I like the stealth design.

 

Here's the link to the one you mention:

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/4-wheel-parts-factory-tacoma-bed-stiffeners-61748w/_/R-4WPBR-61748W

That's 3 different types...I'm sure there's more.

The question of justifying stiffeners & seeing actual data is a tedious search.

I have seen threads in the past where members have shown the effects of weight distribution bowing out/kinking the area at the tailgate.

Whether or not an actual time test/eval is out there....good luck finding it.

EDIT: Here are the other two vendors:

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

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

 

I use them as a secure point to lock down bikes (or other stuff that needs securing). Great for that and for extra cargo tie down points.

 

I had a topper on my 2nd gen and it did zero off roading prior to me owning it and the bed was bowed out where there was a gap on both sides of the tailgate. My total chaos bed stiffners completely fixed it, I didn't even use ratchet straps to "true" it and has stayed like that with my go fast camper on it. Black magic fuckery perhaps

 

Yes.
I installed my @At The Helm stiffeners, the first to have integrated bottle cap openers (which work Very well) before I installed my Snugtop Sport Hiliner shell. I also use them to lash down coolers, gear bags, bikes, etc so the stuff isn't sliding around my bed. There are many threads about these Tacomas with torn and cracked sheet metal. Cheap investment.

 

I’d like to see pictures of the problem.
I’ve seen pictures of others who have said that the tailgate gap was widened with a shell, but the gap was completely normal. Stiffeners will narrow that gap, but that does not mean the gap needed fixing. A shell acts as a brace for the bedsides, btw, so my guess is that your problem and solution was indeed magical.

 

bed failing at weak point due to load applied on bed side that likely would have been avoided with stiffeners. Shells are not a perfect brace. It will help keep the bedsides from spreading, but it won’t keep them from moving laterally.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anyone-else’s-bed-cracking-here.603580/

 

I don’t see the crack.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-your-failed-damaged-bed.678445/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...bout-integrity-of-composite-truck-bed.762083/

 

You might want to open your eyes...

 

Please. I’ve read and engaged in these debates. Still waiting.

 

where is this crack? Can you draw an arrow to it?