Best choices for bed stiffeners

I just put on the Total Chaos bed stiffeners and couldn’t be happier. I posed pics in another thread but you won’t be disappointed if you get these.

 

Rago fab
Stainless steel

 

I like the lower profile look of the Rago fab version. For me it's a toss up between that and the TC version.

 

My choice is TC, but only wanting these to stiffen up bed ends.
Use a tri tonneau cover

anyone else simply use these to strengthen up bed ? And to get couple other tie downs ?

 

I bought Total Chaos because I wanted tie down points for my kayak other than just on the floor of the bed. If they also stiffen the bed in some way, that’s great too.

 

I did like the Victory4x4 ones since like the TC ones they are slim and would fit under my bed rug but unlike the TC ones they don't require the upper bolt which I wanted to use for a CB antenna mount (TC’s mount doesn’t work with a tonneau). However when I called them to place an order they told me that these are made to order with a 3-4week production time and they will use ground shipping to send it over. Wow!

Here is my problem with some custom fabricators: I understand the need to have orders in place to start production on big items like bumpers, sliders, skids etc to keep operational costs in check and everything but a small piece like a bed stiffner and you can’t keep it in stock? Thats why I am gonna go with TOTAL CHAOS because they always have stuff in stock and they are confident in their product and their ability to sell them so they can mass produce them. Plus no shipping, can pickup at a few places here in SoCal. I’ll have to figure something out about the antenna mount later

 

If I'm running a metal bed cover that should add some strength as far as keeping the bed sides together right?

Otherwise a unistrut with appropriate hardware mounted from rail to rail going across the back of the bed should help too

 

Nope. The accessory rails are not strong enough and you are not really fixing the issue. In rough terms, you have this:


Top left is stock. Top right is your idea, no real triangulation.

Bottom is stiffeners bracing the weak spot.

The weak spot:

 

But are the durable?

 

My opinion is yes, esp in stainless. It would be better without the logo.

The only ones that I struggle with are the TC ones. The big round loop right in the corner, where the load is going, is not ideal. Neither is the partial welding. And, the height certainly isn't needed. The height needs to only equal the width for the most part. The rest is waste.

 

I have the TC ones already.

Got a good deal, buying em used.

 

Sorry! Just my opinion.

 

No need to be sorry. I didn't make em haha. I rarely haul stuff so I haven't had an issue yet. It's nice having the upper hole to tie stuff down. I have a pre measured length of Paracord at the top / middle that holds my Plano box. When u shut the tailgate it puts the right amount of tension to keep it secure.

 

I was originally planning on a canopy or wedge camper, but since that all changed, I still see value in them. I've used the tiedown holes many times, and like you, I use it for storage near the tailgate. I borrowed a cargo net that my wife wasn't using:

 

I need one of those nets.

 

There are a bunch of cheap ones on Amazon. I wish mine was a bit wider as stuff gets around the corners sometimes, but it has worked well enough.

 

Weave some shock cord vertically up? I got some 1/4" white I can drop in the mail if u want.

 

Thanks! That is a really good idea. I have a bunch of 1/4in bungee from a kayak mod as well as some paracord.

 

Easy lil weekend mod

 

Total Chaos for me...I like them.