The construction of the modern pickup truck has changed drastically over the years. Lighter weight materials are used both to keep building costs down and to keep overall vehicle weight light, the general size of the vehicle has come down even in the full-size market, and even power options have changed. While large V8 gas or diesel engines are still an option for many full-size trucks smaller, lesser displacement N/A and turbo engines are becoming the norm in the mid-size and compact truck market. Even truck bed construction has changed over the years.
Long ago, the pickup truck owner was able to drop their tailgate, hop up into the bed, and utilize the tailgate as either a place to sit or to move heavy items to before removing them from the bed. Unfortunately, the switch to lighter weight materials also means the loss of some of the strength in key areas that the user was formerly able to utilize for what they happen to be doing. Tailgates are, for the most part, capable of supporting up to 400 pounds which makes them fairly light duty in the grand scheme of things. But that does not render them unusable; not even close.
There are a lot of different options for modifying your tailgate to do what you want it to do. Whether permanently affixed or just draped over the gate itself, these products will help you get the job done and have fun while you do it. You don’t have to be a dedicated Overlander or turn your rig into a non-roadworthy trail toy to better utilize your tailgate. In a world where it’s hard to justify spending money on anything even slightly frivolous, dropping a little bit of coin to beef up your tailgate or at least make it more usable seems like a very worthy proposition.
One of the best things you can do to make your tailgate better in every possible way is the addition of a flat panel. Most if not all tailgates come from the factory with grooves, ridges, and just plain weird undulations throughout the back panel. It can make it nearly impossible to set down certain items like drinks, strangely shaped items, etc. Snail Armor, for example, makes an all-aluminum bolt-on panel that replaces the janky inner tailgate liner. Made to be stronger than the factory liner and flat (aka actually usable), Snail Armor removes any worry on how you can better utilize your tailgate…because now you actually can.
Options are available with Snail Armor, to include custom etching. Handmade right here in the USA, Snail Armor is made with a perfect fit and quality hardware and built to last longer than your truck will. Of all the additions you can make to your pickup or tailgated SUV, Snail Armor is by far one of the best options.
Another option for your total tailgate transformation is the addition of a BillieBars tailgate cover. Marine grade cellular foam over aluminum and bolted to the tailgate with existing hardware, BillieBars can include built-in cup holders, custom colors, and offer a non-slip surface for the items you place on your tailgate. Made right here in the USA, BillieBars also offer custom bed rack systems for your Toyota, Chevy, Ford, and more. But let’s say you need a little bit more of a…tactical…approach.
A tailgate mounted Molle panel is always a good option if you’re looking for an easy way to mount or store tools or equipment for ease of access. Putco, Rough Country, and Sackett Ranch are just a few companies who offer that tactical approach you’re looking for. While it does dedicate your tailgate to use strictly as a means of storing your items in the open, it also means that when you drop your tailgate you now have those necessary items close and ready to rock. For shovels, high-lift jacks, molle-mounted storage containers, etc., there’s not too many better options when you want to keep these items out of direct eyesight but easy to reach.
Storing items or equipment out of view is another concern for most offroaders who can’t put these items inside the cab but also don’t want to utilize a roof rack or Pelican Case to put certain things away. Huracan Fabrication makes a tailgate utility box that goes inside of your tailgate skin and mounts flush to the inside, making your tailgate usable for storage while still being able to use the flat surface of the tailgate when the box is closed. Made in Australia, Huracan Fabrication can be your answer for your extra storage needs.
With so many ways a tailgate can be used, it’s difficult to understand how easily the tailgate itself can be overlooked as a tool on your vehicle. But many of us do just that; we disregard our tailgates as nothing more than a small piece to the bigger puzzle that is your truck. These few items and many more like them can change the entire game on how your truck can be used. Congratulations, your tailgate just became the life of the party.
Snail Armor: https://snailarmor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop9PdOCn04cUeBbsmp2nEeblX55TwSgZQe5s0IVyzFi5AN6NjQo
Rough Country: https://www.roughcountry.com/molle-panels-and-accessories
Huracan Fabrication: https://hfabusa.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqRMdMJTYfaJSDH8Bp9ktnsL6XXuEqQxjr586aQPRmQsXi-GEwx
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