Installed an InstaGate

I wanted to have a bed extender for hauling larger items but hated the flip-up design. I had one on my 2003 Subaru Baja and found it took more room when it was stowed than I wanted - and spent more time on the floor of the garage than in my Baja.

So, I found the InstaGate listed on Ebay and decided to give it a shot.

It was easy to instal and I am happy with the design and quality of the product. Here are a few pics of it:

In the stowed position.



It has a pretty slim profile - about 1 1/2" to 2".



With the tailgate down. There is a safety pin that keeps it locked into this position.



Some pics of it opened. The latches secure to the existing latch holes for the tailgate with spring-mounted latches.







I forgot to take a pic, but the gate flips down over the tailgate if you want to load something with it extended rather than remove it - or want to use ramps.

The web straps have snaps that secure the side pieces in place when the gate is collapsed.

Anyone have any problems with these before? I guess I should have asked that question before I bought it.

 

I really like that better than my stock one. Looks nice, and very functional.

 

That looks really good. I like the fact that it folds down to nearly flat

 

nice design! i like it

 

Looks nice. Two questions. Have you noticed much rattling from it when driving? Does it flop or bounce when stowed and driving?

 

None at all. It has a lock pin that secures it in the stowed position. The directions indicate it goes on the right but if you look at the pictures you can see a hole with red around it on the left side - it's the same as the one on the right so there's no reason you couldn't slip the safety pin in that side. Once in, the gate doesn't move and the sides fold in and under the gate so they can't move either.

I drove it yesterday - and we live on an "improved farm road" otherwise known as a dirt road so it got some bouncing as I went to/from work. Didn't notice any rattle at all.

I haven't driven with it extended but it seems that as long as the latches are adjusted properly, the tailgate can't bounce so it should be pretty secure and quiet.

 

I like that! Will have to put it on my list of upgrades.

 

I have lived on an "improved farm road" and don't know how they could call it that. That is quite a testament for that piece of equipment not to make a sound on that type of road. Can't stand the rattles. Sounds like this is engineered well and it is on my list now. Thanks for the info.

 

good endorsement from John Schneider. It looks like a well designed and sturdy product.

http://insta-gate.net/