Tailgate reinforcement needed?

Putting my new 2018 OR to work. Was standing on the tailgate unloading bags of feed into a gravity feeder. So a combined 250+ pounds moving around on the tailgate. Man did it flex and creak. Is this movement in the tailgate surface just the normal flex of the composite material? Or am I overloading it? Before I go spend $200+ dollars to fix something that doesn't need to be fixed thought I'd seek out real world experiences. Anybody had a 3rd gen tailgate fail under what would seem like normal usage? Is it "worth it" to upgrade to a Relentless or MobTown version?

 

Check this out"

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/reinforced-steel-tailgate-skin-by-mobtown-offroad.362796/

EDIT: my gate cover was weak so I installed this Mobtown skin. Works great!

 

Honestly if that's going to be a regular thing I'd just get the reinforcement.

 

If you are going to be doing this a lot, I'd opt for the reinforcement plate that @Hobbs linked. If it is something that you will be doing once or twice a year, I wouldn't worry.

 

Yep, more of a regular thing and regularly doing similar things. Sounds like a needed upgrade. Thanks guys!

 

My 190 pound self stepped down from standing on the bedsides onto the gate and it made some terrible cracking sounds...

If you're going to be using this truck for work, get that reinforcement.... Plus it's a cool mod lol

 

I just use a cut piece of 3/4" plywood if/when I need it.

 

Toyota did upgrade the tailgate slightly from the Second Generation to the Third Generation, but it wasn't quite enough. The tailgate still lacks inner structure and the rough ribbed plastic panel is hard on the knees when accessing the bed plus makes for a terribly awkward surface to place items on.

We came up with a solution that not only adds strength to reinforce your tailgate, but the flat surface makes for a much more ideal platform to set things on like grill's, stoves, or your favorite beverage while camping or hanging out at the lake for an afternoon.


Relentless Fabrication - 2016+ Tacoma Tailgate Reinforcement

Since 2010, we have been building tailgate reinforcements with premier design and quality in mind. Our tail gate reinforcement plates are CNC cut and then precision formed on a CNC press brake for a tight factory-like fit with just a little room where necessary. The end result is a more solid feeling and slightly heavier tail gate that is much stronger, and leaves the user with little worry of bending it under the most common loads.

Don't fall for the completely flat or ribbed 2-piece plates from some of our competitors. The one piece design with multiple formed edges add far more rigidity and strength to the part while still offering a handy work surface!




Installation:

The tailgate reinforcement easily mounts with factory screws, though we do recommend purchasing 8x) toyota PN 90166-60003 screws for a more flush fit to replace the upper shouldered screws. Required install tools are only a torx bit for the screws holding the cover on.

If you'd like to order a Tailgate Reinforcement please visit the link below:
Relentless Fabrication - 2016+ Tacoma Tailgate Reinforcement

Contact us or comment below if you have more questions.

Relentless Fabrication
www.relentlessfabrication.com

 

If I needed it a handful of times, i.e. once a month, then 3/4" plywood works great. If more than that, say once a week, I'd rather just get something like what Relentless posted above.

 

found some plywood in my garage, spent $5 on some correct length screws, and made myself a little tailgate stiffener/straightener because it was bent.

 

sweet

 

The shade thrown was savage

 

the ribbing does come in handy. screwdrivers and knick knacks captured that would have continued rolling off, spilled drinks pooling predictably.
the tailgate is not a balcony either, those 2 eyelets the tailgate uses for support bear more of the weight the closer to the edge you are and can fail.

 

FWIW: I did this to my 2nd Gen. I imagine you could do something similar to your 3rd Gen. Low cost, eliminated the flexing and still retained factory appearance.

DIY Tailgate reinforcement | Tacoma World