3rd Gen Tailgate storage

Hey folks, was watching a YouTube vid of a mountain hatch tailgate insert install. Noticed the sectioned sheet metal underneath. Was wondering if anyone knows of a tailgate insert that utilizes these for storage. I have come up empty in my searches (99% letters). Maybe my verbiage is wrong. Included a picture of the naked tailgate. Will I need to build my own? Would prefer something out of ABS instead of the wood or steel I’d have to use if I DIY’d it. Thanks all!

 

Interesting idea. Mock up a prototype, have it made in bulk, sell for profit. You get your storage and a little cash in hand.

 

You could probably mock one up out of fiberglass, same way people make form fit sub enclosures. I know there is a 2nd gen guy that made fiberglass window storage panels for his topper. Same concept.

Then you just need a cover plate with a hinge as well as a weather seal to keep everything protected from elements. The problem is how much weight is that going to add to the tailgate.

 

I don't think there is room in our tailgate.

 

Thanks all! BAK gatemate actually makes one, however it appears they went out of business or stopped production. It is “unavailable” on Summit website. I have a nice long winter here in Montana to build something out or forget the idea.

 

Something like this would be great....

 

Man that would awesom!

 

Someone needs to make this for the 3rd gen!

 

I would totally buy that.

 

Keep weight in mind. You don't want to get so heavy (box and contents) that you have to always muscle it up and down (to keep from dropping).

The one pictured above is hinged from the wrong side to me. I'd want to lift it up, so I didn't have to lean over the door to arrange gear. Also, if I was in the bed (say sleeping under a topper) I'd want it to open 'down' if there were items I wished to access that way. Maybe not practical because of falling gear, OTOH, certain things could bungee well.

Also don't block any drains in the shell. When open and cleaning the bed/tailgate the tailgate gets lots of water inside, as evidenced by the dump you get when you close the gate. You will want your unit to be weathertite, but still allow the actual tailgate to drain. Just like a cab door does.

 

Weight is probably 2nd only to keeping level with the bed. I think I will hit the pull and pay and find a donor cover and play with hinges on the original with some neodymium magnets.

 

If you are going to DIY, flush mount marine storage box will get you close. They are plastic or fiberglass, come in a lot of different sizes and are watertight. Agree that would be a great storage addition when they get around to making something for the 3rd gen. good luck

Do a google image search using those words.

 

Thank you! Will do.

 

The problem is added weight makes the tailgate assist not work

 

Asked the same thing too:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tailgate-storage-mod.479049/

 

Depending on what it’s made of that’s not totally nuts if it’s something like solid ABS or polycarbonate. The panels are like 1/2” thick total or something which doesn’t help.

It is stupid when an alternative metal panel is sub-$200, but “overland”

 

There’s a recent Ronnie Dahl (Australian) video where a local fabrication shop offers something like this for the Hilux. https://youtu.be/AYCgAZc5mck

A little searching found the same company has a US partner who makes them here though for 60/80/100 Series Land Cruiser only. I’m sure there’s more demand for Tacoma’s if it’s a decent product, perhaps worth contacting them. https://hfabusa.com/

 

This is actually a super awesome idea and Id put money on whoever brings this to market would have all the "overlanding" peeps jump right on. Make is smooth on the outside so it works like the the other tailgate inserts, but just give it a door that also opens.

 

Just to let you all know, I contacted the company and they’re currently making them for the 3rd Gen. I’m on their contact list to get notified when they’re available.

 

What’s the company name?