Rear tailgate storage solution on $100 budget.. my FAQ attempt #4 (1 Viewer)

[2fpower]

OH MY...... The Foo Fighter has come a loooong way since I last saw your build thread! Looking bad ass that's for sure!

Thanks. We are having a blast with her. Going to Tuttle (middle of Kansas) in a few weeks. She is getting expensive though.... to OTHERS!!

Two members bought 80 series rigs within 7 days of our SMORR event after driving or riding in FOO.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/daddy-you-have-to-keep-up-with-the-foo-build.819727/

 

[93yotasr5]

Very cool!!! I found me a new project!

So what gear do you store in there. I want to see moar pics!!!

 

[jcardona1]

I realize there are plenty that don't like the solid metal solutions

I like the idea of metal. This is one area I don't care about weight savings as the tailgate supports a lot of weight while loading/unloading and using it as seating.

Thinking outloud here. If I go with 2fpower's route, I'd probably remove all the carpet/trim and skin the tailgate with some thin gauge sheet metal, like 10~11ga? Then add these marine doors. I'm sure that would help strengthen the whole thing.

 

[Bluetribal]

There are many different size boat hatches on Amazon and I highly recommend this mod as I have done it myself over two years ago to one side.

Link to my thread in MUD clubhouse:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/budget-tailgate-stoarage.604306/

Link to my website photo album:
http://markkuz.com/PhotoAlbums/Cruiser-26/

 

[2fpower]

I like the idea of metal. This is one area I don't care about weight savings as the tailgate supports a lot of weight while loading/unloading and using it as seating.

Thinking outloud here. If I go with 2fpower's route, I'd probably remove all the carpet/trim and skin the tailgate with some thin gauge sheet metal, like 10~11ga? Then add these marine doors. I'm sure that would help strengthen the whole thing.

I like where you are going.... maybe some diamond plate aluminum. Easy, light, and never rusts.

With mine full of gear, I am amazed with how much heavier it is. I don't want to add to much more weight.

I just sat on the tailgate and feel no difference before the doors; however, I have 6" of more material than YOUR tailgate with my truck tailgate mod.

 

[2fpower]

There are many different size boat hatches on Amazon and I highly recommend this mod as I have done it myself over two years ago to one side.

Link to my thread in MUD clubhouse:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/budget-tailgate-stoarage.604306/

Link to my website photo album:
http://markkuz.com/PhotoAlbums/Cruiser-26/

Nice work Mark! We think alike. Can you respond to how much space there is gained in the middle of the tailgate?

 

[1973Guppie]

I like it, BUT, would like to find a boat hatch just like the one you show here but that is flush mount? it would be nice to still be able to sit on the tailgate without the plastic "hump" being there. I am guessing there has to be a flush mount recessed type of boat hatch? I already have an aluminum plate that is cut out to the rear 80 tailgate so 2 of these hatches wold work perfect if I could find something in aluminum that is flush mounted?

any ideas where to look?

 

[Luke111]

Bought this a few months ago 30 x 13 but decided the build my own... a great solution and priced right

Here's the best link I found to get these

http://greatlakesskipper.com/product-by-brand/?f=1055&page=2&limit=50

 

[Bluetribal]

I guess you gain some clearance with the boat hatch but probably only 1/2".
As for strength I am not at all worried about where I kneel or step and I had to cut out a support for my hatch. I think 13" is the magic number for width to retain the interor braces. Had I not cut a brace I would have installed a second hatch.

 

[Bluetribal]

Bought this a few months ago 30 x 13 but decided the build my own... a great solution and priced right

Here's the best link I found to get these

http://greatlakesskipper.com/product-by-brand/?f=1055&page=2&limit=50

That is not going to be an ideal hatch!
You have No space in the middle and that will wipe out both braces.

 

[Luke111]

I like it, BUT, would like to find a boat hatch just like the one you show here but that is flush mount? it would be nice to still be able to sit on the tailgate without the plastic "hump" being there. I am guessing there has to be a flush mount recessed type of boat hatch? I already have an aluminum plate that is cut out to the rear 80 tailgate so 2 of these hatches wold work perfect if I could find something in aluminum that is flush mounted?

any ideas where to look?

This one is only !/2 and Bluetribal is giving good advise regarding size..if you cut a big hole in your tailgate you have zero support from below..
Ask me how I know

 

[1973Guppie]

been looking around on the net, found some nice aluminum hatches but they are $$, bomar makes one that is perfect made completely out of AL but way too expensive. May have to go with a black plastic unit.

 

[1973Guppie]

think I found one! looks like it would work perfect, one for each side.

http://www.basspro.com/Tempress-Fis...productextensions&kpid=30206&kpid=30206_Black

 

[UnderDawg]

Love it, great find guys. Luke I dig the one you found... damn it more $$$ to spend. Thanks... the wife loves this forum. NOT

 

[jcardona1]

think I found one! looks like it would work perfect, one for each side.

http://www.basspro.com/Tempress-Fis...productextensions&kpid=30206&kpid=30206_Black

That seems way too small to be of any real use for a storage hatch

 

[1973Guppie]

Not really if u use one on each side, there is not that much storage space in there and I don't have any huge items to store, mostly smaller stuff

 

[NLXTACY]

For those that believe there isn't much storage space in the tailgate, here is what mine currently holds (in other words a LOT):
- crowbar
- SC wrench
- ALL spare hoses and clamps
- Heavy Duty tire repair kit
- ALL spare belts (inc. SC)
- Bailing wire
- Gerber axe
- Air chucks/tools
- ARB air gauge/chuck
- SOG shovel
- Benchmade fixed blade knife
- Jumper cables, my huge set
- 1/2" breaker bar
- 3/8" torque wrench
- 4 ratchet straps
- 2 bungee cords
- Air hose

 

[cruiserdan]

I like where you are going.... maybe some diamond plate aluminum. Easy, light, and never rusts.

Have you ever kneeled on diamond plate?

I used a 1/4 inch sheet of 6061 smooth stock when I did mine ~12 years ago.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

I like all these solutions. Seems some of the smaller doors would be great for the side panel access.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Mine light gray version arrived today, yet to be installed