Tailgate reinforment?? 3rd gen

I intend to use this truck extremely hard, just everything else I pay good money for. Thanks for the tip.

 

It shouldn't bend thanks to the 4' long 2x6 wood you put under the rear wheel. I would like to see what it would be like without it.

 

So apparently Relentlessfab is uninterested in making a reinforcement because he believes the tailgate is already strong enough. I guess I may have to talk to a local metal place or something.

 

This is what I would do. Having moved a LOT of stones in my day, I would just get a complete 3/16" inner skin that breaks all the way over the lip/rail. Fasten it whatever way works best. Having a steel skid makes it way easier to slide rocks onto the bed proper. Local shop should do it for a pretty reasonable fee.

Below is some hardscape work from my previous life if you are interested. Was their designer/foreman for many years. Owner is a HS buddy. They are still going strong, but I moved on to engineering.

 

If I get a 3rd gen someday I might make a reinforcement for the tailgate, but only if it seems weak. From the pictures, it looks pretty strong.

 

That's what I'm going to attempt to do. I'm not a full time stone mason, but I hauled something like 40-50 tons of stone in my little 02 Tacoma over the course of the 4.5 years that I had it. Some of the largest stones bent the tailgate and also the bed to the point where I had to push the bed sideways about half an inch to get the tailgate to even close. I know most people don't use their trucks this hard, but I'd rather not take a chance on destroying this thing. Also you are right, it would be nice to have metal there to slide the stones.

 

I bought a tailgate reinforcement skin and cap from @Mobtown Offroad for my 2015, and I'm very satisfied with their products. I don't know if they have anything in the works for gen 3 Tacomas, but if they do then at least take a look at their offerings.

 

If you'll read my post in this thread from yesterday, you'll see that Mobtown Offroad has declined.

 

Oops, my bad. I obviously missed that part.

Take care.

 

Bonneville? What year?

 

As Relentless and KB stated, Toyota clearly made sure their tailgate was redesigned for 2016. It is twice as thick, and even thicker at the top. I really don't see any reinforcement being necessary.

 

Maybe not enough demand to justify production, but I'd probably still want one anyway.

Shouldn't be too crazy expensive to get a flat piece of steel or aluminum with holes in the right spots done at a fab shop, bends would be more money than I'd bother spending though, so a simple plate would be fine.

 

I've had three people ask for one so far. I would consider a group buy, get 10 people to pay and I will run them. Cost would be the same as the gen 2.

 

You know people at Toyota watch this website.

 

Damn right. Those bastards need to build me a twin turbo 5.7L Tacoma for 4th gens...

 

Amen to that.

 

I remain insecure about my tailgate strength. Would anyone care to join me in my insecurity so we can add 7 people to the list so Mobtown Offroad will be persuaded to make a run?