1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Tailgate Question

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Biznitch15, Nov 29, 2016.

  1. Nov 29, 2016 at 7:54 PM
    #1
    Biznitch15

    Biznitch15 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110349
    Messages:
    425
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    José
    Los Angeles/San Diego
    Vehicle:
    13 DCLB TRD Sport
    None Yet
    Hey guys, I'm thinking of installing a pair of Rigid SR-Q2 rear backup lights (flush mount) directly on the tailgate facing outward. Which means I have to cut the tailgate to install these babies.

    The main question is, will the structural integrity of the tailgate be comprised?

    Other option would be the rear bumper, but I'd prefer the tailgate because it sits higher and will have a better light angle.
     
  2. Nov 30, 2016 at 6:28 AM
    #2
    ChemDawg

    ChemDawg Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 15, 2015
    Member:
    #155296
    Messages:
    2,455
    Gender:
    Male
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2005 sr5 4x4
    Guy around where I live has round 18wheeler
    Type lights mounted flush in tailgate. not sure about structural integrity :notsure:
     
  3. Nov 30, 2016 at 7:45 AM
    #3
    Pigpen

    Pigpen My truck is never clean

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2012
    Member:
    #74319
    Messages:
    9,197
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Northwest Montana
    Vehicle:
    2012 AC Manual 4.0 4x4 Base Model
    Access cab with child seat in the back, yellow wire mod, diff breather relocated to tail light, engine block heater, Leer topper with Yakima tracks and rack, Yakima rack on cab, Ride Rite air bags with Daystar cradles, CBI hidden front hitch, wired for winch front and rear Warn quick connect, Warn x8000i on external carrier, sway bar delete, trailer plug relocated to under bumper, Pelfreybilt IFS and Mid skids, BAMF Tcase skid, ECGS front diff bushing, ARB CKMA12 compressor, 255/85/16 Backcountry MT 3 load E tires on stock steel rims, Toyo M55 tires (same size) on another set of stock steelies, Up2NoGood heated mirror kit, Husky X-act Contour front floor liners, Northstar AGM 24F battery under the hood, Northstar 27F in the cab, Redarc 25 amp DC to DC charger, Pelfreybilt bolt on sliders with kickout and top plates, TRD Pro headlights, Depo smoked tail lights, Energy suspension body mount bushing kit, OME Dakar leaf packs with AAL, OME rear shocks, OME 90021 front shocks with 885 coils, SPC LR UCAs, Up2NoGood 2wd low range mod, 4 Wheel Campers Grandby slide in camper, 4xinnovations high clearance rear bumper, Uniclutch 800 lb/ft clutch
    Why not in the bumper? Just curious.
     
    RigginsTaco likes this.
  4. Nov 30, 2016 at 8:16 AM
    #4
    reefnfeef

    reefnfeef Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2016
    Member:
    #198276
    Messages:
    115
    Gender:
    Male
    Bridger, MT
    Vehicle:
    '14 Pyrite Mica DCLB TRD Sport
     
    ChemDawg likes this.
  5. Nov 30, 2016 at 12:32 PM
    #5
    Biznitch15

    Biznitch15 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110349
    Messages:
    425
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    José
    Los Angeles/San Diego
    Vehicle:
    13 DCLB TRD Sport
    None Yet
    What he said
     
  6. Nov 30, 2016 at 12:39 PM
    #6
    Kyitty

    Kyitty Mr. Beard

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2015
    Member:
    #149179
    Messages:
    9,586
    Gender:
    Male
    Bozeman, MT
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma DCLB Better Than TRD
    See Build Page
    Would highly recommend you go with the bumper. Or buy an off-road bumper with cutouts. The tailgate on the Tacoma is flimsy as it is. Many folks actually buy the tailgate reinforcement panels from Relentless or another vendor.

    Also not sure how deep the lights are you plan to use but the tailgate isn't very thick on these trucks.
     
  7. Nov 30, 2016 at 10:15 PM
    #7
    Biznitch15

    Biznitch15 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110349
    Messages:
    425
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    José
    Los Angeles/San Diego
    Vehicle:
    13 DCLB TRD Sport
    None Yet
    Specs are 6 1/2 in wide, 2 1/4 in deep and only weigh 0.9lb. I'll definitely think about the bumper placement, but not my preferred choice. Ease of installation is also a factor im looking at.
     
  8. Nov 30, 2016 at 11:11 PM
    #8
    jboudreaux1965

    jboudreaux1965 Ragin Cajun Fan

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2014
    Member:
    #131162
    Messages:
    3,826
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joseph
    Hub City
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Sport
    Most important is what are you trying to accomplish? Just better light while backing up or work light... etc? If it is just for backing up, try super bright LED reverse lights in the OEM housings. If it is for backup lighting, you can get super bright LED flush mount lights that are pretty small for like $50 a pair. I think it be easier to drill a few holes in the bumper and mount 2, 4, 6, 8 flush mount lights than start cutting into the tailgate. Ever think about maybe mounting 'ditch lights' on the back of the cab or even on the rear bumper? Or, put a super bright LED or HID in the draw-tie receiver (if not using it) Or, put backup lights in the 3rd brake light on the cab, not sure where folks have got them, but I have seen them. Or, (this is something I want to do) install super bright Infrared LED's in the front plastics of the OEM roof rack and install super bright LED reverse lights in the rear plastic of the OEM roof rack.


    As far as structure of the tailgate... it has none to start with, lol! NEVER, EVER, EVER put a heavy load on the tailgate! It's only designed for a few hundred pounds! If you are going to put ramps to load a bike, or even if you going to place a really heavy item like a large generator in the bed, ALWAYS REMOVE THE TAILGATE!!!!!!!! It takes maybe 30 seconds and will save your tailgate and your bed!
     
    Taco Addiction likes this.
  9. Dec 1, 2016 at 7:58 AM
    #9
    TacoPretzel89

    TacoPretzel89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2016
    Member:
    #195624
    Messages:
    531
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '07 Tacoma
    Just get a backup cam, that's what I'm going to do :D
     
  10. Dec 4, 2016 at 10:08 AM
    #10
    Biznitch15

    Biznitch15 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110349
    Messages:
    425
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    José
    Los Angeles/San Diego
    Vehicle:
    13 DCLB TRD Sport
    None Yet
    lol. I got the backup cam already, but it needs real bright light to be of any use at night. Anyone know what kind of tool needed to make a precision cut on the tailgate? Dremel, angle grinder?
     
  11. Dec 4, 2016 at 2:08 PM
    #11
    jbrnigan

    jbrnigan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2015
    Member:
    #146935
    Messages:
    1,419
    Gender:
    Male
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport, 4X4, 4.0L, Auto - Access Cab
    Based on this question, if you're not sure how to cut the hole, you might want to consider something you bolt on - lol. To your question, it won't hurt a thing to cut holes in your tailgate to install lamps.
     
  12. Dec 4, 2016 at 6:41 PM
    #12
    Biznitch15

    Biznitch15 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110349
    Messages:
    425
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    José
    Los Angeles/San Diego
    Vehicle:
    13 DCLB TRD Sport
    None Yet
    Making the cut is not the issue, just want to use the right tool for the job. Just trying to figure out what's best.
     
  13. Dec 4, 2016 at 6:50 PM
    #13
    TacoPretzel89

    TacoPretzel89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2016
    Member:
    #195624
    Messages:
    531
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '07 Tacoma
    There is a guy; @Shmellmopwho who makes a bracket that you should buy. It goes in the opening on the side of the tailgates and can hold a square pod. Hopefully he will come on here soon
     
    Shmellmopwho likes this.
  14. Dec 4, 2016 at 6:52 PM
    #14
    TacoPretzel89

    TacoPretzel89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2016
    Member:
    #195624
    Messages:
    531
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '07 Tacoma
  15. Dec 4, 2016 at 6:57 PM
    #15
    Shmellmopwho

    Shmellmopwho Well-Known Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2014
    Member:
    #127399
    Messages:
    11,682
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Lomita CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 White DCLB TRD sport
    Bunch of stuff
    Hey man, thanks for the shout out. Here's a couple pics of the rear facing LED POD mounts

    IMG_1907.jpg
    IMG_1908.jpg
    IMG_1909.jpg
     
    Kyitty likes this.
  16. Dec 4, 2016 at 6:57 PM
    #16
    Shmellmopwho

    Shmellmopwho Well-Known Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2014
    Member:
    #127399
    Messages:
    11,682
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Lomita CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 White DCLB TRD sport
    Bunch of stuff
    Hahaha you beat me to the pics
     
    TacoPretzel89[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Dec 4, 2016 at 6:59 PM
    #17
    TacoPretzel89

    TacoPretzel89 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2016
    Member:
    #195624
    Messages:
    531
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '07 Tacoma
    I got your back man
     
    Shmellmopwho[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Dec 4, 2016 at 7:01 PM
    #18
    Shmellmopwho

    Shmellmopwho Well-Known Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2014
    Member:
    #127399
    Messages:
    11,682
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Lomita CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 White DCLB TRD sport
    Bunch of stuff
    Thanks bud!
     
  19. Dec 4, 2016 at 7:05 PM
    #19
    Cazzwell

    Cazzwell The Circuit Rider Signman

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2016
    Member:
    #200651
    Messages:
    446
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Vehicle:
    2018 Silver Sky DCSB TRD Sport
    Stock.
    What type of lights did you get?

    https://www.amazon.com/BACK-UP-REVE...rd_wg=ONyu5&psc=1&refRID=V21VEAN3VKQYKXT5WZKZ

    If they are like these with the grommet to cover the edge, I would use a drill and jigsaw to cut it out and then file down any sharp edges. Just make sure to tape off the area and mark where you want to cut. Then I would pull my tape back about 1/8" to a 1/4" back and then spraypaint with undercoat/bedliner spray on the outside and inside so that it doesnt rust.
     
  20. Dec 4, 2016 at 7:06 PM
    #20
    Biznitch15

    Biznitch15 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2013
    Member:
    #110349
    Messages:
    425
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    José
    Los Angeles/San Diego
    Vehicle:
    13 DCLB TRD Sport
    None Yet
    Interesting
     

Products Discussed in

To Top