"Tougher" Tailgate

[plarsen111]

I have recently gotten into duck hunting, and I clearly need a truck (see pic). Blood and mud everywhere.

But until that day comes, I was wondering if there is a 3rd party replacement for the carpet that goes on the tailgate. Not looking to spend $500 either (that seems to be what I get when I search google...and those are some cool looking solutions...nice place to hide a shotgun).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Phil

 

[TwiceWithHair]

There was some discussion on here about cutting-board material replacement for the carpet. Sounds right up your alley. I'll find you a link when I get to a computer.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I'm going to make a template from the factory carpet and have something built out of alum to replace it or buy this from LabRak: http://shop.labrak.com/Tailgate-Cutting-Board-Cutting-Board.htm

 

[tripreed]

There was some discussion on here about cutting-board material replacement for the carpet. Sounds right up your alley. I'll find you a link when I get to a computer.

I was thinking the same thing. I think someone did a drawer build and they used that cutting board material. Trying to find the thread...

 

[rusty_tlc]

Because of the limited demand I doubt you will find an off the shelf solution for less than $400 - $500.
For a durable work surface HDPE (cutting board material) is pretty easy to work with, make a cardboard template cut it out and screw it on. The drawer part gets dicey.

Wagon gear designed one for the 100 but I don't think it ever went into production.
http://wagongear.com/shop/100-series-tailgate-lids/
The 80 series one he did was pretty damn nice, IMHO worth the money.

 

[Hayes]

It looks like the off-the-shelf LabRak option linked above costs $250 shipped...

Because of the limited demand I doubt you will find an off the shelf solution for less than $400 - $500.
For a durable work surface HDPE (cutting board material) is pretty easy to work with, make a cardboard template cut it out and screw it on. The drawer part gets dicey.

Wagon gear designed one for the 100 but I don't think it ever went into production.
http://wagongear.com/shop/100-series-tailgate-lids/
The 80 series one he did was pretty damn nice, IMHO worth the money.

 

[tripreed]

I think this thread might be useful (starting at the top of page 7) https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/seeking-your-thoughts-on-new-drawer-system.760747/page-7

 

[TXLX100]

Is the Labrak the product Shane is selling? I recall something about it a while back. I was interested, but he only wanted to sell in white because it was the only color approved for food or something to that effect.

I don't care about food safety for my tailgate, just need something more rugged than carpet, in gray or black. I plan to tackle this at some point.

 

[tripreed]

How about something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Cal-Coin-Grip-Flooring-Rolling/dp/B00A49TG02

 

[plarsen111]

Yeah, the cutting board is out. I appreciate the idea, but that is not where I will be cleaning the ducks or fish.

That material posted by tripreed looks really good. I like it a lot. I just might try that.

I am not as handy as many of the other guys on this forum though, and am not sure how I will install it. Will have to investigate it more.

 

[super90]

Surprisingly, duck blood washes out of the carpet really well with just plain cold water and maybe a little simple green. At least on my rig. : )

Normally I don't stack them up on the tailgate. I put them in some rubbermade bins that I keep in the back for hauling all my dekes etc. Also have the Weathertech mat in the cargo area. Looks like you have something there too.

That's a really cheap way to avert the problem...

 

[SmoothLC]

Wow! That Rubber Cal Coin-Grip Flooring looks like it may fit the bill.

Wasn't a fan of HDPE if only because the tail gate in the LC gets used for so many things. But this stuff looks like it may work for a variety of needs.

Thanks @tripreed!

 

[paflytyer]

ABS plastic may work as well. It cuts pretty easy with a skil-saw or dremel tool.

Check your area for any plastic stores. you could probably make the whole piece for less than $50.

And.... if you're not that handy, why even build something permanent? Just cut something out and only use it while you hunt.

You'd need to make some mods to the tailgate itself to fit your shotgun in there. Especially if you wanted to keep it from bouncing around and beating it up. Unless you hunt with a sawed-off?

 

[rusty_tlc]

It looks like the off-the-shelf LabRak option linked above costs $250 shipped...

Looks that's just a cutting board, nothing like the drawer system in the link I posted. I'm pretty sure I can do a cutting board for a lot less than $250.
Take your pick of thickness
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23869

 

[El Cid]

Last week, I began replacing my tailgate carpet as well. It smells and is ugly. It being gone is an improvement. I ripped it out and dynamatted the tailgate. What was interesting was that the tailgate carpet is simply a patterned fiber board with a stitched carpet. It's lame, would be easy to replace in nicer fashion. I found a product called ''Eucaboard' that is similar to what is stock(yep, Lowe's), and I used the stock board as a pattern to cut a new piece. You'll need a drill to cut the holes and a jigsaw to handle the shape. Cuts very nicely. Once I cut it, I realized it would be straightforward to reinstall the tailgate piece with the previous red snap in pieces.

However, the central problem is the tailgate carpet(and underboard) absorbs fluid. I'm in a bit of indecision regarding what surface to use on the tailgate. It would be better if there was a waterproof surface that was still soft and waterproof. It would be difficult to beat a foam/rubber truck rug product. So I'm reaching out to some auto upholstery folks for their opinion, but would like to end up with something like the latter two photos. Not finished yet of course, but I nearly have a Master's in auto upholstery at this point, thanks to hogring.com

.

Bottom line: It's good to replace that tailgate, but be forewarned you should go with something water proof as the tailgate has holes and openings that would inevitably trap something that seeps in..

 

[El Cid]

You'd need to make some mods to the tailgate itself to fit your shotgun in there. Especially if you wanted to keep it from bouncing around and beating it up. Unless you hunt with a sawed-off?

I wouldn't cut the tailgate to put a shotgun in it. The tailgate isn't that thick and it does house some cables and such. I just don't see it being worth it to cut metal to squeeze in one weapon. What would work for a shotgun is something that clamps onto the tailgate, even something that was a fabric like burlap or canvas. Even if it was something that tied to the tailgate, it would be easy to remove.

The real challenge is just the messiness of how that tailgate is used. It's incredibly functional, but it's catching every manner of spill, liquid, fluid. Other than drilling some holes in the top of the tailgate, I would do everything I could to simply re-surface it with something more durable.

 

[paflytyer]

Looks that's just a cutting board, nothing like the drawer system in the link I posted. I'm pretty sure I can do a cutting board for a lot less than $250.
Take your pick of thickness
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23869

^^ Agreed. Spend $50 on some good plastic. Or, just pony up for the Wagon Gear one and cover all your bases.

 

[rusty_tlc]

^^ Agreed. Spend $50 on some good plastic. Or, just pony up for the Wagon Gear one and cover all your bases.

Sadly I don't think Wagon gear isn't taking orders anymore

 

[El Cid]

I've emailed him. Solid dude. Last I remember he had one left...

 

[spressomon]

<snip> Last week, I began replacing my tailgate carpet as well. It smells and is ugly. It being gone is an improvement.

It would be better if there was a waterproof surface that was still soft and waterproof. It would be difficult to beat a foam/rubber truck rug product.

Years ago when I gave my damaged lower tailgate to Kevin (WagonGear) for the prototype process for his 100-Series tailgate lid/door I wanted his hinged cover/door. However once I thought about how I use my tailgate I realized I needed a surface much like you describe El Cid: Tough, soft, not slick and easy to clean.

Kevin researched potential materials, mainly from the marine world, but couldn't find one material that was both structurally rigid and also soft as described. We discussed laminating such a material to his tailgate door top but cost and manufacturing complexity, given the reality of very small production/sales potential, tanked the process.

Very curious to see what you discover El Cid!