[brownbear]

With tailgates I guess it all depends how hard you use your trailer with how much you need to re-enforce.

Yah I got the loops, but too me they are just handling loops, I won't be using them for towing or such.

I cut the tail gate at the sides. I will weld angle iron on the inside along the sides(vertical) and add strips of metal all the way around the gate. Just like your cad drawing rutbeer.

I do not know if I will external brace. I will see how it goes. I see the sides spreading I will. My trailer will be very light duty. With seldom trips with soil etc....

I'm some time from getting back on it, but when I do I will post pics. Right now my gate is loose and I use a strap to close it(side to side).