An Alternative Flat Tailgate "Liner"

I've seen a few drinks spilled while tailgating, I'm sure we all have. I also didn't want to spend a couple hundred bucks on a flat tailgate liner to solve the problem because I wouldn't use it enough to justify the price.

So here ya go, don't say I never did nuthin' for ya. The total cost was roughly $25 and 15min of effort, links below for what I used.





My local restaurant supply store doesn't require an industry account to shop there, so I do! In general, it's the best place to get good stuff for your kitchen. I got a 15x20x1/2" polyethylene prep board:
https://restaurantequipment.com/collections/cutting-boards?uff_jipwdb_vendor=WINCO

Rubber bumpers from Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-in-Heavy-Duty-Anti-Skid-Surface-Pads-4-Pack-49644/203661092

Since the provided screws were too long I also picked up a 5-pack of #8 x 1/2" stainless pan head phillips screws from the sheet metal section (~$1.28), and the smallest pack of #8 split ring lock washers (~$1.28) to choke up the length of the screws a bit more (and I guess, to lock them in...)

I dropped the bumpers into the slots to measure the layout such that it wouldn't wiggle, and taped the depth on the bit to not drill all the way through. The screws bit and held nicely, but we'll see how it holds up. This is more than enough surface area for me and a tailgate's worth of folks to have a place to set their beers. Since it's a prep board, it's good for food at the tailgate or campsite as well. I just flip it over and leave it in the bed when not in use. Enjoy!

 

great idea. I'm gonna give it a go when the weather warms up.

 

Genius lol, I don't use my tailgate enough to warrant anything over $25 either... but what if this is just a slippery slope into tailgate use?

 

So the board is just left in the bed? That sorta bugs me, but good idea! (And I have a flat aluminum replacement)

 

I never said I wasn't a gateway drug dealer...

Yeah I leave it in the bed, it doesn't seem to get in the way yet. I go to hockey games pretty often so it doesn't make sense for me to potentially leave it at home. Plus, I live in a small house and don't need any more clutter. There are tons of ways to achieve this kind of thing with whatever material folks might have around or have access to, I'm not bothered if it ain't right for you! Cheers!

 

No worries. I have space. I was thinking of all the shit........bird, pig, cow, etc around here if used for food AND it bouncing or flying out or growing legs (probably wouldn't but.....).........just as points of discussion, not hucking rocks at you!

 

Haha yeah if its going to be used for food, it should be cleaned first! I also forgot to mention I have a tonneau cover so the worst it will get is the dust on the bed mat! No growing legs or bouncing out in my case.