Tailgate extension

Had a thought on a custom tailgate and figured I would put it out there.
What if our tailgate were hinged or able to slide out so it would be twice the width it is now for sitting on working on tailgating on.
Anybody got any thought on the idea

 

It might be lot less trouble to bring a portable table and some camp chairs.

 

I could see it as useful. Sort of spit balling here.

The uses I see would require a bit of added support, such as solid tailgate supports and/or some sort of leg(s) to the bumper.

To support sitting, figure minimum two average Americans 200-300lbs the foldout/slide out would need to support a minimum of 600lbs. It would require finishing in such a way as to prevent injury from pinching, crushing, and cutting.

My thought process is.. a 6' bed is roughly 7' with the tailgate open, a 5' is 6' with the added room of the gate open. It would be nice to be able to fully support 8' items and building materials such as drywall, lumber, foam sheets, etc.

Could it be fabbed? Sure. it would definitely add some weight to the tailgate, likely enough to prevent the dampened lowering. for the LB it could easily be an inner skin that folds out on a piano type hinge, or one that slides out. Then the solid bars to the gate latches, or legs to the hitch point.

The short bed? 2' would be a lot to add and still have stability. Again it could be done, more weight, more loss of functions, bedspace when not in use.....
Should either of these be done? My mind says no. It is very likely cost prohibitive and any safety issues...

Really how hard is it to pack a folding table for camping? OR Load the 2x4's or play under the drywall and possibly on top as well for protection.

If one regularly needs to be hauling items of that length, why not get a trailer, or a full size that has a bed long enough to do the work you require?

If it is something you really want to do, go for it!! But keep the obstacles in mind so you can overcome them in a way that will make you happy.

 

that's what a pontiac aztec is for

 

and here I thought those were just for production and sales.

 

one of the ugliest cars ever built....thanks for the memory...

 

Sure. Honda has been doing for a long time now. Plus it has a built in cooler.

 

No not like that one that extends from the bed making it longer to carry wood or whatever or use for extra work space or recreation

 

Anything built into the tailgate, like others have said, would be flimsy to work on or sit. Your best bet would be a bedslide.

 

All you have to do is downgrade to a ridgeline and you get all these amazing features lmao

 

You could use something like this to support the tailgate extension.

Or just bolt a table top to the hitch extender, separate from the tailgate, but at the same height as the tailgate.

 

Here you go:

 

Could use more of this in my life.

 

Possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

 

You guys crack me up

 

Hence it was said in jest. Ironically, I would wager a good 50% of the people here would be better suited for a ridgeline than an actual truck.

 

Very true, but it is their money so if people wanna buy it we can't stop em we can only keep driving tacos and be proud of our decision

 

True, but we have to hear them bitch about the power, mpg, issues and everything else under the sun because they wanted the looks of a real truck.

 

Let's be honest if people are really that bothered by it they should just upgrade to a tundra or an HD truck

 

Either one works. Seems like people who bitch the most and actually sell their trucks end up with a full size. Pee pee is too small to buy a ridgeline

Honestly, if I didn't go wheeling every once in a while (used to own a modded XJ) a ridgeline would work perfectly for me. I don't tow or haul anything for work so need for a fullsize. Quad cab short bed is perfect for hauling the family, wheeling and house duties.