Tailgate Question

I'm relatively new to owning a Tacoma and love the truck. I have a 2015 double cab SR5. I've caught snippets of different threads referring to weak tailgates and that they can bow etc.

The bed and gate on my truck is composite and seems very sturdy. Have already hauled a YZ250 a few times with no issues...

I'm wondering if the issues I've read about on here pertained to older Tacomas and the problems have been fixed?

Did a quick search on here and didn't really learn much.

Thanks ahead of time for replies....

 

i'm a new owner too, but i just went ahead and got a mobtown offroad reinforcement. it isn't expensive and better to be safe than sorry since i haul bikes all the time

 

I think i read on here that they reinforced the tailgate, maybe 08+? Not sure what the exact year was. I dont load anything heavy so no problems here.

 

I'd be curious to know if and when the problem was fixed....

 

The tailgates on this truck are weak, and the clips holding the plastic cap break off on pretty much every one of them.

This is the solution: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/powder-coated-tailgate-cap-system-ready-to-ship.343623/

 

Some have issues others dont, not sure of any rhyme or reason to those that have bent while others havent.

Chad makes a pretty kick ass reinforcement that you may want to check out .

 

I'm pretty sure Toyota made them a little stronger in 09 + but they are still weak. When I installed my Relentless Fab reinforcement and removed the composite cover I was surprised to see just how flimsy it was. Since you haul, I would absolutely look into one of the reinforcement options out there.

Here is what I have in powder coated aluminum

http://www.relentlessfabrication.us...ate-reinforcement/p/14437186/category=3368787

 

Here is the product the above are referring to:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/reinforced-steel-tailgate-skin-by-mobtown-offroad.362796/

 

I have not had any problems personally because I don't haul items on the tailgate but many do. If you're curious about why the tailgates are so flimsy, check out some of the pop and lock tailgate handle install threads. You will see pics and/or videos of the inside of the tailgate. Not much in there! A pretty barebones "skeleton" with a skin over it. As others have said, reinforcement skins have solved the issue for many members here.

 

Not the greatest shot but you get the idea

 

I just installed my mobtown skin. Im gonna change up and use the supplied bolts for a better and stronger hold, fir now i used the stock screws and clips.

 

I installed the Mobtown ribbed skin and haul bikes all the time. I think it's a must for anyone who hauls street bikes. I think it's a nice bit of insurance for anyone hauling dirt bikes. It supported the weight of two bikes, 12 gallons of gas, and assorted crap. When I haul cruisers, the rear tire is often mostly on the gate. No problems, yet.

 

This 》》》》

 

I don't know where you're going with all those bikes, but can I come along? Ha!

I agree that the tailgates should be reinforced. I've said before that Toyota did not intend for these trucks to be used as "work haulers", more like "fun haulers". I'm sure that the tailgates are strong enough for your camping gear, maybe a small dirt bike or light appliance. Anything heavier than that and it makes me nervous. There are a bunch of vendors on here that make and sell reinforcement options and they each have their own advantages. @KB Voodoo, @RelentlessFab, @arsenj0365 (Mobtown Offroad) are just a few that come to mind. I haven't pulled the trigger on one yet and I always wince a little when I load something heavy. I made a temporary reinforcement out of 3/4" plywood with a piece of 1 3/4" heavy angle iron bolted to the edge of it when my dad asked me to move his 43" double stack tool chest (which was empty luckily) to his new job. It worked, but having a truck there's always someone that's going to ask you to move something heavy and they won't understand why you have a "weak tailgate". I say reinforce and don't worry.

 

A track day at Laguna Seca. Good fun!

 

How could it not be!!

 

Relentless fab full skin for sure.... the rest are either just the cap or just the top.

Relentless fab is THE ONLY skin that is ONE piece, that goes from the very bottom and wraps allllll the way around the top and outside of the tailgate, this gives you the most strength.

http://www.relentlessfabrication.us...ate-reinforcement/p/14437186/category=3368787

 

Thanks again for all the replies....looks like I will be adding some strength just to be safe.

 

i don't haul anything heavy but i don't want any problems either so i got the Mobtown skin to be safe. It's solid as a rock now, i think the truck would break before the tailgate bends!

 

a flat piece of metal does not do much for added strength fyi.