Tailgate reinforcement and stock skin

Hello everyone

Has anyone installed one of the tailgate reinforcement pieces and still used the stock plastic skin on top? I installed the Relentless version yesterday and I wanted to run the stock skin on top. The tailgate closes but you can tell that since the plate/skin are thicker, it pinched a bit where the bottom of the gate touches the bed. I can still get it closed and I don’t think it’s putting a lot more pressure on the hinges/lock but was curious if anyone else had seen this

Also - the bolts Relentless suggests for the top line of bolts - 90166-60003 - are these the same as the smaller bolts on the tailgate? Does anyone know the sizing? I have a hardware store near me that carries damn near every fastener and they are closer than the dealer

thanks!

 

Whichever the case, it's going to make the tailgate heavier effecting the assist.

 

Yeah. It’s aluminum and adds about 13lbs. The open isn’t bad. Just a tad harder to close

 

I meant if you put the stock one over that it'll make it even heavier

 

Yes - but the plastic skin only weighs a pound or two. I just want to make sure the pinch between the skin and the bed isn’t going to cause an issue. I suspect it won’t but curious of others experience.

 

Ok I see, the plastic that goes on the top of the tailgate.

 

Bump...I noticed a few folks with second gens did this....anyone with a third gen install the OEM plastic skin over a tailgate reinforcement?

 

I've got the Mobtown tailgate skin. I got the one that is ribbed, no need for plastic cover. It would not close with both anyway.

 

Are you talking about this one?It is noticeably heavier especially when closing it up. I went to Home Depot and got all new hardware, Yes I know it’s shiny aluminum and zinc plated hardware, some people don’t like it because it’s not black. I actually like it like this. And yes it recommends getting eight of the smaller bolts that are used. I have 16 of them extra now that I don’t use. Since I put reinforcement on, I put on anti slip tape only on the top part.

 

Yes - that's the one. Except the one I have is powder coated. I actually put the OEM skin back on top of it for additional protection. That's what I suspect is making it a little harder to shut the gate - the extra thickness is pinching a little at the bottom of the gate where it meets the bed. I'm still able to close it, it just takes a little more oomph

 

My only concern would be the driver side hinge. Putting too much pressure could break it and it’s made of some weak plastic.

 

I wondered about that. I also wonder if it's the bump stops that are actually causing it to be more difficult to close. Yes, it may be rubbing at the bottom there the gate touches the bed, but I don't think it would require much force to get past that. I think the extra thickness could be the issue. I may try shaving down the bump stops a little bit to see if that solves it.

 

Very nice!