Rear Tailgate Storage Solution - The $55 version

[LandCruiserPhil]

X2 on this question. I would like to know how much the hatch protrudes up from the carpet.

Phil you said the hatch doesn't sit on the wood that the carpet is glued to so how far does the hatch protrude? My drawers clear the carpet by about 1/2" and it appears this hatch would clear.

The hatch is ~ 1/2" thick, my carpet (aftermarket) and hard wood (factory) together is 3/8" thick

HTH

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Pictures restored on first couple of post

 

[Eicca]

Can you post more pictures on exactly what you did with the latch rod?

 

[johnalex]

What the heck!?!? Why is it that recently everyone is posting cool stuff I want. I love the boat hatch idea and that size seems perfect. One for each side of the tailgate. Craaap! Now I have another mod to add to my list. My wife is gonna get pissed when she sees my updated mod list.

Just what I was thinking. One for each side. Off to eBay I go!

 

[johnalex]

I'm thinking skip the plastic, who cares if its a bit heavy and a little in the way.. View attachment 951032


Very interesting suggestions, There are tons of options out there, especially if you like white plastic!

Here's one in black that could work for a larger hatch.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daytona-Pla..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item540e871bcd&vxp=mtr

 

[warezdog]

I like the small hatch idea, you keep the internal gussets and support intact thru the middle, besides there isn't much room there anyhow.
Plus with one on each side you can keep things sepearated like straps and hooks on one side and chains and jumpers in the other. For $100 this mod is moving into my top 5 list for sure!

Nice write up Phil, your $hit is always spot on for the 80 and I for one appreciate your continued contributions for us penny pinchers, well in my case cheap Dutchman!

 

[Bluetribal]

Here's one in black that could work for a larger hatch.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daytona-Pla..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item540e871bcd&vxp=mtr

Yeah you do not want to go any more than 13 tall x17 wide to keep the internal supports. I went with 13x23 and had to cut the support. I wedged a piece of wood inside to keep things shifting to the middle of the gate and support the deck and it has held up fine. But cutting the support on one side has kept me from mounting a second one on the other side.
http://markkuz.com/PhotoAlbums/Cruiser-26/

 

[Bluetribal]

Double post oops

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Can you post more pictures on exactly what you did with the latch rod?

Picture of the modified rod in the 1st post above.

The rod went through the opening of the hatch at an angle. Just picture a rod going from the handle to the center of the end of the tailgate. I put a bend in the rod about 5'" from the end to offset it and clear the opening. The rod needs to be 23.5" center to center. I cut it and welded in a threaded coupling to get the needed measurement. My plan was to cut the rod and thread it but once I realized (the hard way) if the rod ever broke or comes undone with my racking system Im fawk'd if I ever want to open my tailgate again.

Hatches are available in a of sizes. My choice was the thinnest and the largest you could use if you want to retain all the plastic fasteners that attach the carpet to the tailgate.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

You cant even delete your dup post with the new mud

 

[Bluetribal]

I think they want to see the end result of the rod. I will have to modify my latch rod like you did. I have just been living with it up at the top in the way. It's not too bad on my hatch because it is lower down but good to know you can bend it and it will still work.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

The rod

 

[johnalex]

I went with two of the smaller hatches. One for each side. Thanks eBay. $25.30 each.
MARINE PLASTIC 14-3/4” x 10-5/16” ACCESS HATCH INSPECTION

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I went with two of the smaller hatches. One for each side. Thanks eBay. $25.30 each.
MARINE PLASTIC 14-3/4” x 10-5/16” ACCESS HATCH INSPECTION

Cool
Is this the correct link other that are interested? http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARINE-PLAS..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item43c98a113b&vxp=mtr

 

[Lionsgarage]

Maybe a crazy idea but here goes, how about eliminating the recess for the license plate for those of us with swingouts (plate is relocated anyway) add a set of cables to operate the latches and we could free up WAY more storage in the tailgate.
We could have a stamping outfit make a "patch" panel for the job.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Cables are normally used for pulling, the gate latches operate by pushing.

 

[BayouFJ80]

What the heck!?!? Why is it that recently everyone is posting cool stuff I want. I love the boat hatch idea and that size seems perfect. One for each side of the tailgate. Craaap! Now I have another mod to add to my list. My wife is gonna get pissed when she sees my updated mod list.

Does your wife tell you how many shoes and purses she buys? Mine doesn't so I figure my 80 is my purse and shoe addiction if you will....

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Update - It has been several months since the install and I can highly recommend it. I find it very useful and convenient for light stuff I frequent. Because the lid is plastic and the storage is light the gate still can be closed with one hand a plus for me. I stand on the tailgate/lid frequently to close my Campteq and the lid is plenty strong to support 200lbs.

 

[4xFletch]

Love it! On my list for sure.

 

[cartercd]

Thanks Phil, Jen, 2fpower and others who have shared their access hatch projects. I wanted a black hatch, which was harder to come by. I found TH Marine 11x15 cam latch HDS-1115 for $75. I borrowed Phil's idea of recessing the hatch as deep as possible by cutting the tailgate cardboard hole larger than the hatch outer rim. The hatch protrudes < 1/4" from the carpet. Similar to other hatches, this is quite sturdy and easily supports the same (if not more) weight as the rest of the tailgate.