Looking for Bed Stiffeners that are compatible with the Leitner Designs ACS bed rack!

[redhead_jesss]

Hey everyone!

I’m on the hunt for bed stiffener recommendations that are compatible with my Leitner Designs ACS bed rack on my 4th gen Tacoma. I haven’t tested any options yet, but I know this was an issue I ran into on my 3rd gen as well — until Leitner came out with their own bed stiffeners that worked with the rack. Unfortunately, they haven’t released a version for the 4th gens just yet.

The main issue is that the Leitner rack has a support bar that runs down to the frame and uses the same bed bolts that most stiffeners do. (I've attached a photo below) So stacking the two setups gets tricky and I haven’t found a clean solution yet.

If anyone’s found a set that works, or has come up with a solid workaround, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

Thanks in advance!

 

[rustytaco]

Hey everyone!

I’m on the hunt for bed stiffener recommendations that are compatible with my Leitner Designs ACS bed rack on my 4th gen Tacoma. I haven’t tested any options yet, but I know this was an issue I ran into on my 3rd gen as well — until Leitner came out with their own bed stiffeners that worked with the rack. Unfortunately, they haven’t released a version for the 4th gens just yet.

The main issue is that the Leitner rack has a support bar that runs down to the frame and uses the same bed bolts that most stiffeners do. (I've attached a photo below) So stacking the two setups gets tricky and I haven’t found a clean solution yet.

If anyone’s found a set that works, or has come up with a solid workaround, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

Thanks in advance!

Looks like it mounts EXACTLY where bed stiffeners need to be installed. Going to be tough since all (that I've seen) have a gusset/raised vertical part. This sounds like it might need a custom set. Local fabricator could probably whip something up... Not sure a compatible set exists.

 

[bemmster]

I'll be in the same situation after this weekend, putting my Leitner rack on the Trailhunter.

After thinking about it though, I'm not totally sure the bed stiffeners are actually needed because of the design of the rack with that vertical support bar. If you think about it, all of the weight on top of the rack is really sitting on those vertical support bars, and the side of the bed can't flex out since that vertical support is bolted straight to the back corners of the ACS rack.

There might still be a little flex there but it's probably greatly reduced. If that vertical support bar wasn't there I would say that the bed stiffeners are definitely needed.

Probably better to be on the safe side - has Leitner said they are coming out with them for the 4th gens? Maybe they realized they aren't really needed?

 

[redhead_jesss]

Looks like it mounts EXACTLY where bed stiffeners need to be installed. Going to be tough since all (that I've seen) have a gusset/raised vertical part. This sounds like it might need a custom set. Local fabricator could probably whip something up... Not sure a compatible set exists.

Yeahhhh that's the problem! Guess I'll have to wait for Leitner to make a set for the 4th gens that's compatible!

 

[redhead_jesss]

I'll be in the same situation after this weekend, putting my Leitner rack on the Trailhunter.

After thinking about it though, I'm not totally sure the bed stiffeners are actually needed because of the design of the rack with that vertical support bar. If you think about it, all of the weight on top of the rack is really sitting on those vertical support bars, and the side of the bed can't flex out since that vertical support is bolted straight to the back corners of the ACS rack.

There might still be a little flex there but it's probably greatly reduced. If that vertical support bar wasn't there I would say that the bed stiffeners are definitely needed.

Probably better to be on the safe side - has Leitner said they are coming out with them for the 4th gens? Maybe they realized they aren't really needed?

Yeah you're definitely right about the extra support from the vertical support bars! I was hoping to add a set more for added support/peice of mind. But I'll be seeing the Leitner team this weekend so I'll definitely ask if they plan to make a set!

And good luck installing your Leitner rack this weekend! You're going to love it!