Hidden Bed Stiffener

I have a '17 Taco TRD Pro with an OEM bed extender. I'd like to install bed stiffeners but would love to keep the bed extender. From what I can tell, it's not possible to keep both. Do you know if someone makes an internal bed stiffener for the Tacoma, much like this one for the Tundra?

https://sdhqoffroad.com/products/07...de-support-system?_pos=7&_sid=b95593e4f&_ss=r

 

I looked for something like this about a year ago. No luck. It should be possible with some trial and error fitting, there is some space forward of the tail lights. It might require making new holes, though. At the least it would be a pretty complicated shape to get where it needs to bolt to provide support AND be out of the way of other things.

External gusset is the design I would try first. The adjustable style with rod end like the tundra one is nice because it will adjust to fit any hole variation or already spread out bed sides.

 

You’ve seen this write-up, no? I’m not sure it’ll be of use for your extender.

 

Thanks! I didn't see this. I'll check it out.

 

This is another take I used to mount my Bed Extender (AMP Research). I am using ATH Bed Stiffeners. Luckily I was able to use the existing holes (mid tie down points) which didn't bother me as I can still use the top and bottom. I got some aluminum angle cut down to size to use as brackets, used stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers. You can drill holes in your bed stiffeners if you don't have any but I am not sure how comfortable you would be doing that. I would have drilled them if ATH didn't have any. The bed extender width can be adjusted to accommodate the narrower opening because of the bracket. The link that Malvolio provided gave me the idea. Sorry for the large photos.

 

Mokeiko, great mod. As I also have ATH stiffeners, I'm going to copy your idea : ). What dimension angle did you use? Looks like 1 1/2 x 1 1/2. thx.

 

You are correct. 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 aluminum I picked up from a local hardware store.