Hooke Road Tailgate cover

Just install my new tailgate cover from Amazon, $169.00 Prime. From Hooke Road.
20 minutes install, tailgate close with NO problems, perfect fit. Quality made product, was heavy.
Did you know the factory tailgate cover is only 1/8 thick plastic? Hooke Road cover was three times heavier!
Came with longer screws, but I reuse the factory screws on top half (upper) because of the wider heads.
Hooke Road screws are not a quality S/S screws, I did not do a magnet test, but I am sure it will stick to the magnet, the colors of the S/S screws does not look right? The more iron in S/S means lesser quality and can rust! Be ware of this?

The Hooke Road tailgate cover is worth getting if you like a flat plastic type material? My knees like them better too.
Aloha

 

Sorry I don’t how? A couple of you try to walk me step by step, but many times I don’t know what you guys are saying or what button? I do not know how to paste? Looks easy?

Amazon Hooke Roads had a great pictures.

3gen Tacoma Resource’s make it easy to post pictures, click photo icon below.
Can Tacoma world do the same?
Thank you!

 

Take a picture with your phone.
Use the "upload a File" button. At the bottom of the screen next to "post reply "
Pick file from your phone.

 

Ok it seems easy? Since I hope the picture will come out.

The bed stiffeners only works in one spot? My cargo bar if I put in a higher pressure (extension) it will spread my bed apart. My camper locks will not work correctly. So I know the bed stiffeners are a bit useless. In a less pressure extension, my camper locks works fine.
Sorrydirty , it is a working farm truck, and my camping / fishing partner.
Thank you for pointing out how to share photos!
Aloha

 

A co-worker installed one on his Taco. Looks nice, he swears by it. I am having a hard time justifying the price.

 

My truck, 2019 TRD LB before tailgate cover.

 

Best thing to do is research what other companies are selling Tacoma tailgate covers? The materials use? Quality, the fit?

Price is not about cost of materials? The cost of materials for a Nike shoe is not base on materials or labor? Branding!

I look at several brands of Tailgate covers, I really like how they were made and design. It was the price of Hooke Roads that made me purchase one sooner. Mind you, I did research many reviews first.

For the Amazon it listed 5 of 6 left, next thing I knew it sold out. Many times not coming back? So when it show up again 5 left of 6 sold, I jump at it.

Hope you don’t wait. Amazon sometimes will only buy some much in there inventory? Only later to resell at higher prices?
Aloha

 

Looks great bro!

 

My “knees” says a big “thank you” too. No spilling drinks, more comfortable to sit on. It fit on so well.
A lot cheaper then most other tailgate covers?

When you received one, first thing you will notice is the weight of the box , it was heavy, next is open the box, how it was package, spot for the screws, how it was package in zip lock and tape, placement of instructions, simple with lots of pictures.

Just the boxing with extra cardboard (thickness) to prevent damages! In the box, extra pieces of cardboard, one on top, one on bottom. The way it was box and package shows there care!

When you take the stock tailgate cover off? Don’t be surprised, how thin it feels?

It is not scratch prove. I can be gauged? But it is at least near 1/4 inches thick.
Aloha

 

Be forewarned that the Hooke Road will warp if left exposed to the sun on a hot day for a couple of hours (maybe less). I was leaving my tailgate open after installing the Rock Blok tailgate seal per instructions and I went back to check it - the Hooke Road panel was badly warped and caused the seal on the Rock Blok to break. I read somewhere else that it might go back to normal after being removed from the heat, but we'll see. I'm hoping this didn't ruin the install of the tailgate seal after having to re-apply it.

 

Looks pretty good. I have the PaxRAx panel it's just flat aluminum with black powder coat paint and a small logo in the corner.

 

Thank you for sharing about the warp “Hooke Road tailgate.”

For future tailgate buyers, maybe a aluminum might be a better choice, if aluminum is left in the “hot” sun, expect a hot plate too.

I live in Hawaii, i will remember not to leave my tailgate down ,when the sun is shining above.

Please let’s us know if you are able to get your Hooke road tailgate back to normal?

The factory Tacoma tailgate is also made of plastic, but the ridges strengthens that panel.

 

Interesting, I've had mine installed for several months and it sees sun nearly every day (Sunny Southern CA) and temps in the 90's here recently. It's been open for many hours while doing certain tasks and I've not yet experienced warping. Guess I should be thankful.

 

Guessing it can happen, the right temperatures, and direction of the heat? Lots of screws keeping it stretched out. Nothing in the middle ,(center areas) maybe I better make a few more holes ,wide head sheet metal s/s screws ?

 

It got to nearly 100 deg here in Denver today when this happened. Sun is intense here in the altitude. It has since nearly flattened out, but you can still see some minor warping where it goes under the tailgate cap.

 

Glad to hear, you got it most of the warps out. A lesson here to remember.

Hard hats are made of plastic, now I know we’re the term “warp minds” come from?

 

I bought one of these. Also live in Denver. Now I am concerned… still within the return window though. Would you just return it if you could given this experience? Did warping only happen due to being directly in the sun for a period of time, or because of just the heat?

 

I also have the Hooke Road cover its a good choice compared to the more expensive options out there.
As mentioned it will gouge easily, ask me how I know. I've not had any warping issues.

Due to it being alot thicker than the oem cover I did make relief cuts for the tailgate bumps as they were being crushed making the usually eazy opening of the gate more difficult.

 

This heat situation may not happen for everyone. Just be aware it can happen. The price is what made me buy it. After receiving it, the quality of how it is made , I am glad I got one.

I am happy with my Hooke road tailgate. Never had a closings problems like others had mention. No problems or hang-up closing my tailgate. The fit was perfect for me.

In the future will I get another Hooke Road tailgate? Maybe ? Or maybe a aluminum one next time.
Time will tell and the experience I get from the sun light and heat.

Cooking with a “hot” stove or leaving a hot pan on a plastic made cover, be aware. It can melt or warp.
I do use my Coleman camping stoves on my plastic folding tables, never had a problem! For years!