Rear Tailgate Storage Solution - The $55 version

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LandCruiserPhil

LandCruiserPhil

Peter Pan Syndrome
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This mod is gaining popularity so here is my set up and install

Ebay purchase at $54.95 linked below
TEMPRESS 44203 GRAY 12 5/8 X 8 3/4 INCH POLYPROPYLENE BOAT ACCESS HATCH

My criteria - although different from some
Ability to open and close with one hand - slam latch
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Strength I need to stand on my gate regularly to close my CampTeq - If anything my gate is now stronger
Not required to remove everything off my gate to open - big problem IMO with larger set ups
Ability to close my tailgate - with my storage rack I was challenged with clearance requirements. I needed to spent extra (way too much) time to recess the hatch for the needed clearance. (see pic) This was the thinnest hatch I could find. Quality is first class and slam latch is replaceable.

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Installed closed

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Installed open

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My cooking prep set up

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How it started - Lay out was done to maximize usable space and allow all snap in fasteners to be used. The center section does not offer much in the storage department and I didnt want to compromise the latch mechanism. With my storage rack once my tailgate is close gaining access to the latch mechanism is almost impossible. Who would of thought removing a rod would make the gate not open. :doh:At least I figured it out with everything open and accessible.

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Once the hole was cut I found the latch rod going through the new opening. I bent the rod to have full clearance of the opening but it required lengthen of the rod to make it all work. I also shimmed up the voids in the panel where the hatch mounted for the strongest fit.

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I wanted to block off stuff sliding over to the non accessible side. I had spent better part of the day on this install so I opted for a semi ghetto stacking and glueing of light weight foam.

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The biggest time consumer was recessing the hatch as deep as possible. The hardboard underside was cut 1/4" larger then the overall hatch leaving 1" of the carpet in place for a clean finish. Getting everything to line up was where I wasted all my time. But Im very happy with the end results and my time wasted will be forgotten.
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Why didn't I think of this sooner. Will the hatch hold the weight of a person standing on it?
 
Down side is you can't see/use the entire area of the tail gate, and it's not shiny :flipoff2:
 
ChiTown said:
Down side is you can't see/use the entire area of the tail gate, and it's not shiny :flipoff2:
Click to expand...

Needing to move everything off the tailgate to gain access did'nt make sense....for me:flipoff2:
 
ElPolloBlanco said:
Why didn't I think of this sooner. Will the hatch hold the weight of a person standing on it?
Click to expand...

Easily no deflection at all. Partly because all factory bracing was in tack. If you go full size you loose that. Could be a concern on a full size depending on your use.
 
Dang, why can't I see the pics??????
 
NLXTACY congratulations on breaking 12,000 posts! I've learned a lot from your threads and appreciate your methodical approach.

J
 
X2 ^

Also, like this mod, looks like one I'll do.
 
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