4th Gen Bed Stiffeners

rustytaco · 2025-10-23T20:49:31+00:00

I'm in the middle of installing a few new things on the front end right now. Bumper, lights, winch, etc. Since you have to take a lot of the front end apart to do any of these, I decided to do them all at once. Headlights are blocked by my NYTOP flares and the plastics underneath. Seemed like the logical thing to do. These are the AlphaRex NOVA Series in Alpha Black (all blacked out, but why are the projectors still trimmed with chrome?). They also have an OG-style version that has a check mark DRL. This set has a nearly full DRL, in like a u-shape. Both look good but I think I prefer this one. https://customsunlimited.com/products/pre-order-24-25-toyota-tacoma-25-up-4runner-nova-series-led-projector-headlights-alpha-black-eta-late-aug A couple quick shots. The first one is the housing installed with all the other front end components taken off. Shot below is a comparison to my OEM ones. Below is the truck as it sits waiting for some bumper hardware... OG-style on the homie's 6G 4Runner below. It's the same headlight, in case you were curious. https://customsunlimited.com/products/24-25-toyota-tacoma-25-up-4runner-og-style-nova-series-led-projector-headlights-alpha-black?_pos=3&_psq=og-style&_ss=e&_v=1.0

k2idle

Administrator

Oct 1, 2025

Top Bed Stiffener Options for the 2024+ Tacoma

I was looking into bed stiffeners for the new Tacoma and wanted to put this together as a resource. Bed channel supports reinforce the composite bed when you’re running extra weight or mounting racks, and there are already several good options out.

Do You Even Need Bed Stiffeners?

Not everyone needs them. If you’re running the truck stock or only hauling lighter loads, or a basic topper, you can skip this upgrade. They start making sense if you plan to run a rooftop tent, a bed rack, a full-sized camper, or heavy accessories bolted into the bed rails. They also help prevent long-term stress or cracking if you’re regularly off-road with weight in the back.

Who Bed Stiffeners Are For

Tacoma owners running racks, rooftop tents, or bed-mounted spares
Drivers carrying heavy loads that put stress on the composite bed
Anyone who wants extra reinforcement for long-term durability

Cali Raised

Best bed stiffener 4th gen tacoma_0005_Cali.jpg

Currently $119.99 — simple bolt-on supports for the composite bed.
Check price online: LINK HERE

UpTOP Overland

Best bed stiffener 4th gen tacoma_0004_Uptop.jpg

Currently $194.99 — Heavy-duty option with sleek design.
Check price online: LINK HERE

Rago Fabrication

Best bed stiffener 4th gen tacoma_0003_Rago.jpg

Currently $169.95 — High-strength channel stiffeners with a straightforward design.
Check price online: LINK HERE

RCI Metalworks

Best bed stiffener 4th gen tacoma_0002_RCI.jpg

Currently $142.99 — Basic reinforcement brackets to support the Tacoma bed sides.
Check price online: LINK HERE

Westcott Designs

Best bed stiffener 4th gen tacoma_0001_Wescott.jpg

Currently $159.95 — slim, strong, stiffeners with an aggressive design.
Check price online: LINK HERE

Final Thoughts

Bed stiffeners aren’t required for every Tacoma, but they’re worth considering if you run heavy gear or want to protect the composite bed long term. The main differences between brands are price, design, and how much reinforcement you want.

What bed stiffeners are y'all running? Did I miss any important ones?

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2025