Re: BED STIFFENERS ... Necessary?

Looking to add about 250lbs to the bed with (rack/rtt) with no hardcore wheeling

Are stiffeners necessary?

 

Depends... I have a set on order.

Read this: https://www.tundras.com/threads/bed-stiffeners-what-do-they-do-do-i-need-them.28369/

 

I would. nothing wrong with a little added security/insurance when your adding extra weight above, about $150 give or take 10. These beds aren't made the way they used to be.

By the way if you do order some, and you have a @DECKEDUSA system, the only stiffeners I have confirmed to work are @ragofabrication

I put em on my truck the other day. Had to return my previous ones due to interference with the @DECKEDUSA system.

 

I agree. But drilling into the truck is a big turnoff for me. Are there any direct bolt-on stiffeners?

 

With that added weight, your bed sides may want to move outside of its alignment.
Drilling into the bed isn’t that bad, and you are likely to keep the stiffener on for the life of the truck.

 

True that, I felt the same. I went back and forth awhile(months...lol) before I ordered them. I looked for no-drill options, but never found any. I think because there isn't enough strength with the factory bolt locations, to make it worthwhile to buy and install a bed stiffener. I will say though, the kit is well thought out, and even with the drilling it's a very fast install.

It does suck to drill holes in your truck, but you shouldn't need to take them off for any reason, and they have additional tie down points.

 

I'm glad you understand. i guess allow me to go back and for months too. haha eventually i'l probably give in.

I would be interested to see if there was actual data that suggest if the load is (x) amount of weight or more than you need it, if less than you don't.

 

If not off roading hard it maybe ok. But are you willing to chance that? Others that ride hard have evidence that these are needed. I was in the same boat, but it's the bed. It's not the cab or something that is really going to demish the value of the truck or mess with it's function. I came to terms that I'd rather have extra strength and not need it then have damage to the bed because of the added weight.

 

To answer some questions:

All bed stiffeners require drilling. Usually at least 3 holes. It could be argued that @ragofabrication has the strongest design while @TOTAL CHAOS has the design that best uses the existing holes (and they were first with R&D) to market. Both are the same thickness.

There isn’t a specific weight where they are recommended. Some people are fine without it, others have cracks that could have been prevented.

Living in Canada where there is salt on the road in the winter, I strongly avoid drilling holes in the metal. However, to me bed stiffeners are like extra insurance. I have a canopy plus a roof top tent so there is probably 350 lbs on the rails. Add to that forestry roads with washboards and you’re in a perfect situation for cracking. The bed stiffeners, with nicely painted holes and silicone added in, reduce the likelihood of issues.

To add... I have a set from @TOTAL CHAOS on order.

 

I would add @brimy311 Victory 4x4 stiffeners to the lineup as well. Another well built product.

 

Your rack should stiffen up the bed 10x more than those little "bed stiffeners" do if it's correctly tied in. I wouldnt sweat it.

 

SDHQ has a system that goes underneath/behind the taillight housing.

https://sdhqoffroad.com/collections...ndra-sdhq-built-hidden-bedside-support-system

 

$400 geez. now 3 small holes don't sound as bad haha

 

the victory4x4 are nice and I believe they work with DECKED as well. @Pinay can confirm.

 

Pricy, but it’s adjustable so ideal for replacement fiberglass fenders.

 

I can confirm after some small trimming on the edges of the Decked.