Mountain Hatch Tailgate Panel?

Hi guys, I’m looking for some honest reviews of the tailgate panel I have listed below. I was originally looking at the BARE Outfitters panel, but haven’t seen much activity there recently. Any opinions good or bad are much appreciated. Thanks!

 

i've never used or seen it in person but i use a relentless fab one which is $100 cheaper:
https://www.relentlessfabrication.com/collections/toyota/products/05-tacoma-tail-gate-reinforcement

another good option is the snailarmor one for about $185
https://snailarmor.com/collections/all

 

Awesome dude thanks for those links!

 

@Brian422 might be able to fab one up for you.

 

I just installed a Mountain Hatch today. You need a T30 torx and a 10 mm socket. Took about 5 minutes to get the old panel off with the T30. You slide the Mountain Hatch in and reuse all the Torx screws but 4 across the bottom of the tailgate. You use the 4 MH provided 10mm bolts there. This is due to the MH being thicker. Total time is like 10 or 12 minutes.

The quality of the insert is good. It's the same material as a cutting board. While heavier than the original, I'd guess by less than 5 pounds. The screw/bolt holes are not perfect. But if you line up the 4 corners first, the alignment comes out perfect. You aren't forcing anything, or at least I didn't.

It will be slick if wet. Its labeled that way.. The cup holders are well done. The detailing is nice. I wouldn't use it as a cutting board unless in a pinch, but it is a nice flat surface.

 

The only issue is that they're no stronger than the factory panel, but they're flat. A couple years ago I bought a Mobtown, but they stopped making their aluminum cover that was one piece, wrapped over the rear tailgate. Best mod I ever did.

 

I've had one since October. I like it. Pricey for what it is, but what ever.
Nicer to sit on and place items on than the OEM tailgate panel. Slippery when wet/frozen, but that's to be expected.
Picked orange because nearly all my camping gear is grey / orange & its covered up 99% of the time with a Retrax cover.
upTOP overland retrax truss bed rack should be in next week so I can set the tent up for some winter camping.

Edit: Shipping was super fast. (Across the border to Canada)

 

Looks nice. Kind of on the pricey side. Should have a bit thinner metal sheet and replaceable plastic sheet for scratches.

 

These are the guys making the BARE Trailgate now:
https://aloffroadusa.com/products/toyota-tacoma-trailgate-panel-2nd-3rd-gen

I got mine during the original group buy. Things were a little crazy but he should be up and running normal now.

 

Ohhhh I like those deep cup holders. One silly thing about the Mountain hatch was those "cup holders" do alright for sort of centering a cup in place but I would certainly prefer the style thats shown here.
Nice pooches too.

 

I agree, the MH looks cool but I love the deep cup holders and the fact AL Outfitters actually does add some form of extra durability for a cheaper price. Likely the route I’m talking.

 

Thank you for your response!

 

I love mine, but it is super slick. Things will slide off if you or not level. MH makes this very clear so it's not a knock on them or the product. Super easy to install. I love the looks and functionality. I have used it as a cutting board and you knife will scratch it just like the cutting board in your kitchen if you press hard.

 

Admittedly not nearly as clean looking, not as durable/solid, not as stable a platform, etc. But for purposes of protecting knees and making the space more usable (and cheaper) has anyone had luck with the BedRug Tailgate mat?
https://gatorcovers.com/p/bedrug-tailgate-mat/v/toyota/tacoma/2018/

Or maybe an easily accessible piece of ply to store in bed and set on the gate when wanted? Again, I get those are not nearly as clean or convenient, but trying to find a more economical solution.

 

I just installed mine. Right now they have 20% off. It took about ten minutes or so. No misaligned holes as others are claiming. It even came with 4 extended screws which were longer than the stock ones. I ordered Grey which matches cement really well.

 

Looks great man. Congratulations.

 

I’ve been on the fence, but just ordered one.

 

I’ve got a mobtown cover and love it. I haul a lot of motorcycles and wanted something to increase the strength. It makes the tailgate noticeably heavier but it’s solid and good peace of mind.

 

How "grippy" is the textured powdercoat finish?

 

I wouldn’t call mine grippy by any means. It’s more a bare metal feeling.