Anyone running bed stiffeners? I haven’t used my GFC (on a 2017 Toyota Tundra CMOR) too many times yet, as I just got it four months ago, so I can’t say I can tell whether it’s twisting or doing anything wrong without stiffeners.
Just wondering from the brain trust whether this is something highly recommended? I do fire roads, very occasional off camber to find camp spots off grid. Nothing crazy.
I was looking at the Rago’s. thanks
Thanks.
Why wouldn’t you do it for the added benefit and peace of mind?
Bed stiffeners were the very first thing I added to my Tacoma. Cheap insurance and peace of mind was worth it to me.
Did not say I would not do it. Just asking for personal experience from those who have them. I’ve owned several tacos, chevy and tundra. Never used them before but never had a GFC until now. So just an inquiry. I guess the fact that I’ve never done anything in my truck that a bed stiffener would have prevented is my peace of mind.
Have you ever had any canopy on the Toyotas?
Just a truck shell or cap. While isn’t much lighter than a GFC. It’s a moot point, as I ordered bed stiffeners last night. Given how top heavy the GFC is comparably, and I do carry lots of gear when I’m hunting or fishing, just seemed dumb for me to even ask about it. Hopefully they’ll be here soon.
They are more utilitarian than I expected. You can tie to them, mount on the little flat surface on top like a water spigot, or put a false wall for a diesel heater inlet against them. The Tacoma has a reputation for having weak bed walls so it’s worth it to me.
Holy crap!!! I just ordered the Rago bed stiffeners for about $130!
But yeah, seems like a no brainer now that the bed is more top heavy. And I did consider the fact that you can use it as a tie down point, or place where you can hold things too.
I will say, little surprising how much some places are charging. Given that I know how to weld, I should have just ordered some angle iron and flat stock and made my own. These are stupid easy to make. Not sure they’re $36 easy, but still easy to make if you just have a mig welder.
Lots on Tundra forums about the benefits of adding stiffeners, whether or not using a cap/shell/camper. I’ve had the Total Chaos ones on my '18 Tundra CM for a few years and won’t go back. Peace of mind, as others have said, is totally worth it. (Decked drawers can be modified to co-exist with bed stiffeners, FWIW.)
Installed Rago fab stiffeners. Very beefy. Not super hard, but not as easy as they look. Sprayed some primer in the holes that I had to drill out. May back screws out and add some silicon to further help with rust protection. I’ll be out this weekend. If there’s a noticeable difference, I’ll post up. If I don’t post up, then no difference at all…