Best choices for bed stiffeners

off topic but are those just standard ammo cans or custom built/bought? how do they mount?

 

This thread is pertinent to me. I am almost 100% sure that I will be putting a fglass topper on. So after reading all the posts in this thread I googled the makes that were mentioned. I'm leaning towards the Rago Fab stiffeners. I like that they are stainless and shorter than the Total Chaos and CaliRaised. However they don't seem to be all that popular. Any reason why?

 

Pretty standard, just bolt them to the bed rails after drilling holes. Great alternative to a large tool box and keeps the bed floor open.

https://www.quadratec.com/products/44036_0011_07.htm

 

Others may disagree, but if it’s JUST for the topper alone, I don’t know that they are needed. I had a Snugtop on my 08 for 10 years and never had an issue. I don’t think there is a lot of difference structurally between the gen 2 and gen 3 when it comes to the bed.

 

What is the little triangle stiffener called? I’ve seen it on some trucks, it goes in the front corners of the bed? They are stiffeners, I assume, for the front of the bed?

 

Bed tie downs

http://bayareametalfab.3dcartstores.com/Bed-Tie-Downs_p_21.html

 

What Michael Scott would say...

 

Looking at the TC stiffeners. What is the cheapest site to buy them. Wheeling on a budget.

 

I bought mine from summit. I think they were 150 shipped when i got them

 

Not 100% sure who is currently offering the best price out the door, but here are a few options


PURCHASE NOW




Other TOTAL CHAOS Authorized Dealers also carry the bed stiffeners or can order them for you. Check out our other Authorized Dealers
https://chaosfab.com/media/dealers/


TOTAL CHAOS
WWW.CHAOSFAB.COM

 

Could someone share how long it takes for caliraised stiffeners to be shipped from time of order?

Its been a week since ordering and haven't heard back yet. Are they fabbed to order?

 

The pics that I have seen in the past show that they are fab'ed in batches. I got mine as part of their first offering, but it was only a few weeks then.

I'd ping them?

 

probably a stupid question but what do these do?

 

Not a stupid question

Bed Stiffeners - What do they do? Do I need them?

This is a very common question we get at TOTAL CHAOS. If you're running a camper shell, bed rack w/ RTT, or just putting your truck through serious off-road abuse then you should consider Bed Stiffeners.

On 2005 and newer Tacoma's the composite bed is very weak. Over time they can fracture or crack causing issues with tailgate alignment and possibly lights. We reinforce the rear bed channels at the tailgate which is ideal for preventing bed flex and avoiding issues that come along with it.

The TOTAL CHAOS Bed Stiffeners also feature additional tie-down points. Adding a set will give you 6 tie down points and 2 light or whip mounts. *no load ratings are implied. Constructed of 3/16" steel these are built to last. We finish them in a durable black powder coat and include grade 8 hardware for the install.

 

I've been thinking about getting them for the additional tie down points. The stiffening aspect would be a bonus.

 

Tracy CA?

Hit up Vagabond Outdoors, we're a vender here and carry Total Chaos.

 

This works well enough for me. I am sure others can come up with an even better solution.

 

Here's my take on the whole thing. People say oh i can fab them for cheap, but unless your truck bed is perfect all ur doing is keeping the already flexed out bed in place. When i put my TC's in it did help pull the sides back in a bit. The problem with Cali Raised is that they relieved their corners....which makes no since for a product designed to remove flex......granted there is a much higher chance of the TC's cracking compared to the Cali raised because of the hard joined corner...but to each their own i guess. TC all day every day..... you get what you pay for.

 

Sorry, but I have the opposite, personal take. The load isn't flowing through that corner. It flows from the attaching bolts and into the upstanding area. The CaliRaised ones have much more material in that area, esp the corner, which I feel is more effective. The first couple bolts are most effective. Anything above that is just metal for other purposes.

Yes, the weld in the corner helps a bit, but the upstanding web is much more effective. Moment of inertia calcs.

If the TC stiffeners were continuously welded with a beefier corner, not a big tie down hole, I would feel different and make another choice.

 

Copy that. Thanks.