How much does it REALLY take to bend these tailgates?

2015 Tacoma..
Ive read all the horror stories about bent tail gates and quite frankly Im a little paranoid.
Im 215 lbs on the hoof, and Im concerned that Im going to bend the lip every time I step in or out of the bed to load it. I dont plan on bouncing around on it or tailgating events, but Id like for me and my wife (100 Lbs) to be able to sit on the tail and enjoy a hamburger and a drink when we travel. Am I being over cautious or should I invest in the 80 dollar reinforced metal lip protector Ive seen being sold here?

I find it hard to believe that Toyota would make a part that will bend under the weight of an average adult male....but Im no engineer....

 

The biggest issue with the tailgate is that there is very little support under the main plastic skin. Just standing on the tailgate breaks the supports and the plastic sags (leaving you with a tailgate that supports virtually no weight).

Some people have completely bent the tailgate (into a 'V'), but usually that happens from having a lot of weight bouncing on it. The reinforcements plates and top cap help a lot. They also add a little weight to the tailgate and make it noticeably sturdier.

If you've read the horror stories than I'm sure you've seen the pictures. Only question is whether you'll use your tailgate in a manner to cause a horror story. At 215 lbs, you aren't going to 'destroy' the tailgate, but you will definitely notice that it won't like you standing on it.

 

Coming from the guy who has the market cornered...

Given my sporadic use, (occasional stepping on, standing on to load unload, wife and I sitting on it for a meal while road tripping.....) what do you recommend? (Plate, cap, both? Ribbed?) Im trying to keep this somewhat budget minded....
PM me and Ill send you my home email address.

 

I bent the tailgate on my '09 loading my dirtbikes. I'll be buying a tailgate reinforcement soon, but with my '14 I'm just careful with it. They are pretty flimsy.

 

Had a 5 foot tall toolbox full of heavy duty snap on tools for construction equipment on mine and by some miracle it didn't break. This was before I learned of their lack of structural integrity

 

I use mine like a diving board when I back up to the lake.....

 

I would also like to mention I watched a guy drive a hunting quad off a flat plate of steel on a fork lift raised level with a Tundra tailgate to load for an event we were having. No issues, looked sketchy though

 

OP, why you got a hoof?

 

Its an old hunter/farmer term.

Everybody is a fuggin comedian here tonight.

 

So you're a deer?

Alright, all jokes aside...

If you're nervous about putting your weight on the tailgate, here's your solution:

1) Climb on top of your tailgate.

2) Jump up and down for 5min stomping hard on the tailgate.

3) Commit what just happened to memory, you'll never worry about the strength of your tailgate again.

 

Reading those horror stories is why a tailgate reinforcement was mod #2 right after seat covers. You have a few proven options but I couldn't be happier with the one from Relentless Fab. I'm 267 lbs and the aluminum plate is all I need for myself to stand on. No issues loading the quad or hauling supplies. If you're concerned you should reinforce the gate. Peace of mind goes a long way when it comes to enjoying your new truck.

 

Yea, like I said, if you're just causally using your tailgate to walk/sit on, load light things it will be fine. But if you plan to load 4-wheelers, drop stuff on it, do keg stands off it; I would reinforce it.

My recommendation is you get our ribbed skin. Right we are running a promotion for TW members: Buy a Ribbed Skin, Get a Free Cap. Peace of mind and budget friendly all at the same time. It's a perfect world.

 

@evilcorvette, I purchased and installed the non-ribbed version of the @Mobtown Offroad reinforcement skin, and tailgate cap. I also purchased the upgraded hardware pack from him to go with it. I wanted to use my tailgate similarly to you, and just feel more confident that it wouldn't fold up like a taco. Installation was really straightforward, and I'm very satisfied with the results. I think the sale going on right now is probably a good deal, and I don't think you will be disappointed if you decide to make the purchase.

 

Relentless fabrication and Mobtown both offer viable reinforcement options if you are that concerned. Only people I've heard of bending it are people with heavy motorcycles or hauling way heavier shit than they should be with the tailgate down. Some guy was hauling way too much drywall and bent his tailgate down completely.

 

Pic of OP

 

Hopefully this will still be up on friday!! $$$$ day lol

 

They have had these tailgates going on now for 16 years, with no real issues. For just piece of mine you should invest in the 80 dollar reinforced metal lip protector. My personal concern is someone stealing it, so I purchase a McGard 76029 Pickup Truck Tailgate Lock Protection. Had to grind down the top and bottom heal to get it to fit, but to me again it's piece of mind.

 

Dam it. Everytime I get on this site I spend $$$$.

 

I've got the Mobtown plain plate sandwiched in between the factory plastic tailgate cover . No bs , was the most useful thing I've done to this truck . I load crap in an out a lot

 

Can you link to the details on this sale? I didn't see it on your vendor thread