2nd gen tailgate reinforcement

I have been looking into getting the relentless fabrication tailgate reinforcement kit. I haven’t seen a lot of pictures of them and how have they held up over time?

 

I picked up one from Mobtown along with the top cap and hardware kit a few months ago. I've been really happy with it. I ended up putting my stock tailgate panel back over top of it to protect the powdercoat from getting torn up so I don't have any photos. I'm thinking before long I'll get a flat sheet of heavy plastic or bedline over the powdercoat so that I have a flat surface.

Also would recommend an opening assist kit after you add the weight. It's not terrible, but if someone isn't expecting the weight or you only have one free hand, it's nice to have the assist.

I will say that the hardware kit was a pain in the *ahem* to install, with those flush mount inserts. I had 2-3 that just spun on me and I ended up JB welding them in place. I got it because I use the top of my tailgate often and thought having metal inserts instead of plastic would help to prevent crushing.

 

I got the bare aluminum one, it's great and has held up quite well. No rust and paint to scuff up. It can be blindingly bright in the sun, but also it stays cool compared to black plastic or paint.

I think I bought a set of slightly different body screws from Toyota, if you search you can find ones that sit flush (or at least don't have a shoulder like the original ones). Order some of these unless you plan to reattach the plastic layer.

I'm planning to someday fab up a pull-out step like the f150s have, but haven't cut any metal yet. For now I have a less elegant ladder bolted to it.

I have the dashpot lower assist thing on one side and recommend it as well. However it will quickly crease and/or shear the cable! You will need a way to keep the cable from sliding behind the cylinder. I used some zip ties gooped with epoxy. Even then I replace the cable once a year, it will become creased over time due to the lack of space.