Toyota Tacoma’s are renowned for their longevity across a variety of tasks. From a work truck to an off road capable vehicle, this truck can truly do it all. One thing that’s important to bear in mind however, is the bed of the Toyota Tacoma. Regardless of the trim level or length of the bed, the Tacoma bed can be a sore spot for those who frequently bear weight, tow, haul or overland/offroad. This isn’t to say that there is anything wrong with it per se, but practical improvements can and should be made if you find yourself doing any of the aforementioned tasks in your Tacoma frequently.
What is the Purpose of Tacoma Bed Stiffeners?
A bed stiffener is a durable accessory designed to reinforce and support the structure of your Tacoma's truck bed. Its primary purpose is to prevent sagging, bending, or any form of deformation that may occur due to heavy loads, rough terrain, or prolonged use. By installing a Tacoma bed stiffener, you're not only extending the lifespan of your truck bed but also ensuring that it maintains its original shape and functionality for years to come.
Tacoma bed stiffeners prevent wracking your truck bed under heavy loads or challenging off camber conditions. With the Tacoma Truck bed stiffener, you can confidently haul, transport, without compromising the integrity of your vehicle. Investing in the protection and longevity of your Tacoma will yield dividends on top of their renowned reliability.
What are Toyota Tacoma beds made of?
Since 2005, every single Toyota Tacoma has a composite bed and Toyota was one of the first to do that. A composite truck bed replaces steel bed panels with rust-resistant materials for added protection against the elements. However, with the loss of the steel there’s likely to be less structural integrity which can easily be resolved by adding Tacoma bed stiffeners.
Do Tacomas need Bed Stiffeners?
Yes and no. It truly depends on the type of driving you’re using your Tacoma for. If it’s a pavement princess and just a daily driver with the occasional moonlight of towing or hauling then probably not. Would it still be a smart move, yes definitely.
If you’re frequently towing, hauling, placing weight on the bed/bed railings, or hitting the trails frequently then absolutely you should invent in bed stiffeners for your Toyota Tacoma.
Short and sweet, if your Tacoma is a pavement princess (nothing wrong with that by the way) then NO. If you use your Tacoma for towing, hauling, bearing heavy loads or off-roading then yes purchase some Tacoma bed stiffeners.
Benefits of Bed Stiffeners for the Tacoma
Bed stiffeners for Toyota Tacomas are aftermarket accessories designed to reinforce and strengthen the truck bed, particularly in the area where the bed meets the cab. Here are some benefits of installing bed stiffeners:
1. Prevents Bed Flex or Racking: One of the main benefits of Tacoma bed stiffeners is that they help reduce bed flex. Bed flex occurs when the bed of the truck bends or flexes during off-road driving, heavy loads, or when towing. This can lead to premature wear and tear on the bed and potentially cause damage over time. Bed stiffeners for the Toyota Tacoma provide additional support to prevent this flexing, ensuring the bed remains sturdy and intact.
2. Enhances Load Capacity: By reinforcing the bed of the truck, bed stiffeners can help increase the load capacity of the Tacoma. This is especially beneficial for those who frequently carry heavy loads or tow trailers. The added support from the stiffeners helps distribute the weight more evenly, reducing strain on the bed and frame of the truck.
3. Improves Handling: Bed stiffeners can also improve the overall handling and stability of the Tacoma, especially when driving with a loaded bed. By reducing bed flex and improving structural rigidity, stiffeners help maintain better control of the vehicle, particularly in challenging driving conditions.
4. Protects Against Damage: In addition to enhancing the structural integrity of the truck bed, Tacoma bed stiffeners can also help protect against damage from rough terrain, bumps, and vibrations. This added protection can extend the lifespan of the Tacomas bed and prevent costly repairs down the line.
5. Easy Installation: Most bed stiffeners are designed to be easily installed with basic tools and minimal modification to the Tacoma. This makes them a convenient and cost-effective upgrade for Tacoma owners looking to enhance the performance and durability of their truck. If you want to see how to install Tacoma bed stiffeners, check the YouTube video below!
Overall, bed stiffeners are a practical and beneficial accessory for Toyota Tacomas, offering increased durability, improved load capacity, and enhanced performance both on and off the road.
What are the Best Tacoma Bed Stiffeners?
If you’ve made it this far you’re probably wondering “Ok, great I know I need bed stiffeners for my Tacoma but what are the best Tacoma bed stiffeners.” We all want whats best for our Tacoma, but “best” is subjective. Below are three brands that are well known for their quality Tacoma Bed Stiffeners
Cali Raised LED Tacoma Bed Stiffeners
The Cali Raised LED Tacoma bed stiffeners offer a minimalist design that allows for maximum protection without sacrificing valuable bed space that you'l need for typical truck stuff. You can still load up a standard pallet or standard plywood sheets or even toss in a Decked Draw system. The Cali Raised LED Tacoma bed stiffeners are powder coated with all zinc-coated hardware for installation.
Total Chaos Bed Stiffeners
The Total Chaos bed stiffeners for the 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma offers structural rigidity and helps to prevent long term damage from taking place. In addition to securing the bed, the Total Chaos bed stiffeners have integrated tie down points offer more ways to keep your cargo secure while securing your bed for the long term. The Total Chaoes bed stiffeners come powder coated but it's important to note they may interfere with bed extenders and other accessories mounted around the tailgate end of the bed. I'd recommend reaching out to Total Chaos to confirm if your specific modifications will continue to be accomodated before ordering.
All Pro Offroad Bed Stiffeners
The All Pro Offroad Tacoma bed stiffeners add 7 tie-down locations to each side. This means you'll no longer need to worry about damaging your truck bed by over-tightening the straps near the tailgate or from racking the bed when off-roading or hauling. If you're looking for a great place to mount your CB antenna whip their brackets are topped with an accessory mount that makes a great location for your antenna, lights, or off-road flag. Personally, I'd rock an American flag but I digress.
Tacoma Vibe Bed Stiffener of Choice
For my 2019 Toyota Tacoma Build I chose to go with Cali Raised LED. They have zero lead times, employ American welders, build everything in house, and in my opinion are one of the best companies in the industry. They’ve earned my trust and business time and time again. They offer all the resources you need for DIY installs and are always available to answer any questions you may have.
Tacoma Bed Stiffeners for the WIN
To reiterate and drive this home, bed stiffeners for Toyota Tacomas are a highly beneficial investment for truck owners looking to enhance the durability and longevity of their vehicle. By reinforcing the bed structure and preventing damage from heavy loads and rough terrain, bed stiffeners not only protect the Tacoma's integrity but also maintain its resale value over time.
With easy installation and a relatively low cost compared to potential repair expenses, bed stiffeners offer a practical solution to common issues faced by Tacoma owners. Investing in bed stiffeners is a proactive step towards ensuring the continued performance and reliability of your Toyota Tacoma for years to come.