Worried about tailgate strength

I've seen several times that the tailgate is the weakest point on the bed. I'm curious how weak it really is. Does anyone have any hard-earned experience to save me from learning by error? Specifically would small four-wheeler or something similar ruin the tailgate? And if so would a tailgate plate (such as the one offered by BAMF) be able to prevent these issues?

 

I wouldnt say the tailgate is weak,but they could be built a lot better.If you are going too use yours for the 4 wheeler,than you for sure should get a plate too strengthen your tailgate.

 

Bent mine the first month I had my new 2nd gen back in '07. Made a plate and never had another issue. Been selling them since 2011, original on the market, you can get one here https://www.relentlessfabrication.com/collections/toyota/products/05-tacoma-tail-gate-reinforcement

 

Bent mine ('05) the day I bought it loading my Yamaha FZ1. It would still close but you could see the gap on each side was larger and it had a slight bow in the middle. Toyota came out with the TSB to add a stiffening bar after that (they also replaced my gate) and I never had another issue.

 

Absolutely. I've been drooling over your bed rack and the "summit" bumper for quite some time as well. Not sure how I missed the tailgate reinforcement. How much strength will I lose with the aluminum vs steel?

 

Maybe a lame question, but does this tail gate help if you are rear ended?

 

Mobtown makes a steel one for the 2nd gen it’s the plate you keep the top cap on

http://mobtownoffroad.com/product/tailgate-skin/

They make a complete aluminum piece for the 3rd Gen looks to be out of stock. I bought one earlier in the year, one of best things I’ve done to the truck

 

I haven't found the strength difference in real world use.
I recommend the aluminum to 90% of people(lower weight, easier to close the gate still), and it's what I run on my rigs as well. The steel would be best for the few that really beat their tailgates, but for most the aluminum is more than sufficient.

 

Kinda regret getting their "upgraded" hardware. Without a rivet gun, its almost a crap-shoot with the in-the-box installation hardware they provide.

I already wore down their hex nut/bolt and two of the rivet nuts aren't securing correctly. Gotta source the hardware myself now to complete installation.

 

No. You will have to get an aftermarket steel bumper for rear end protection.

 

You could go back to the original OE hardware if you still have it.

 

Its all good. While I do not agree with the install method, I see why they went with the threaded rivets.

Harbor Freight to the rescue now! $20 for the threaded rivet gun and comes with the proper threaded rivets.

 

ive loaded my quad dozens of times and see no issues with the tail gate. is this a common issue? Or just bad luck.

 

This guy aint just pimping his product he speaks the truth. I put one on my truck before i bent the tailgate (after seeing its weakness when loading something), fit is superb, looks damn good and i NEVER worry about putting ramps and stuff on my my tailgate. Shes stout now.

FYI, the inner skin pieces are just kind of a joke from other companies, they dont really offer anything extra structural. You have to have the full wrap around to provide structural support which the relentless fab does. I also kept my original inner fiberglass piece attached over the relentless full skin, looks freaking factory.

 

Does Mobtown tailgate skin work with other vendors tailgate cap? (KBV)

 

I’ve got a whole set of the hardware that I bought and didn’t use, if you need a few

 

Its all good. Was going to stop by HF today so I can finish the install. Thanks though!

Edit: Unless you are in the SF Bay and can meet up soon...

 

Cool

 

+1 for the Relentless tailgate skin. I'm running the aluminum version and it fit perfectly with my shell. I was expecting to have to modify the back window seal but the weather strip sits nice and snug on the tailgate skin.

 

Yes, yes it does....per your query...