Tailgate Options

I'm sure there's a thread somewhere that I've missed, but I can't seem to locate it. If you have it, feel free to post a link for me.

We all know that Tacoma tailgates are a weak point. I'm sure I could spend $300-400 to get a replacement & then have it painted only to be irritated by the mismatched paint. After all that, I'd still be stuck with a tailgate I can't sit on for fear of it bending like the OEM.

I'm wondering if there are alternatives. Are there third party options that look good, are functional, and won't cost more than I paid for the truck?

 

None that i know of. I have this installed on my tailgate and it helped stiffen the overall structure.
https://www.kbvoodoo.com/shop/powder-coated-tailgate-cap-system

 

Has your tailgate actually failed, or are you just trying to plan ahead?

 

It has bent in the middle & been bent back into shape.

 

I like that! Mine could be salvaged to use that I think. Thank you! That's a great option I hadn't considered.

 

Here's another option for the flat side.
https://mobtownoffroad.com/product/2005-2021-toyota-tacoma-tailgate-reinforcement-plate/

 

Ooo! I like that too! The two options together would just about bring the Tacoma tailgate up to the level of my old 1969 Ford tailgate.

 

I went with the one piece option that Relentless Fab offers.
https://www.relentlessfabrication.com/collections/toyota/products/05-tacoma-tail-gate-reinforcement

Bare aluminum for now, but I'll bed liner it once it gets beat up.

 

I just installed an Avid Offroad aluminum tailgate panel, I like it.

 

that looks very good. Do you have a pic from the outside of what it looks like with the tailgate closed?

 

Thanks for choosing one of our tail gate reinforcements. Looks great installed!

Relentless Fabrication
www.relentlessfabrication.com

 

These are great options and will likely go with 1 of them. I am curious though if something can be done internally, possibly some braces that go across. I haven't taken the gate apart so maybe it's not possible.

 

I’ve been running a mobtown ribbed inner panel along with their steel cap and I’ve been impressed with how it’s holding up. The only thing I haven’t been impressed with is their optional hardware is starting to rust but it should be stronger than stock so it’s a fair trade off IMO.

 

The tailgate has internal bracing already. Clearly doesn't help much. I went with the aluminum @RelentlessFab tailgate reinforcement. Fits well, minimal extra weight, and the smooth surface is nice for sitting on or setting down a drink or whatever that you don't want tipping over.

 

I did the same, I ended up getting it encapsulated with Line-X.

 

What was the lead time for you on the panel? I ordered 6 weeks ago and they said 3 weeks ago that it was being sent out soon….