Ever Bent Your Truck's Tailgate?

[Wood Doctor]

Yeah, it's bent a lot. You can tell by the puddle of water.

Good grief! You are definitely a candidate for my add-on tailgate strengthener idea.

So far so good on this invention. I've loaded the truck two more times with some big logs since I added this strengthener to my truck's tailgate and I am pleased to report that it's working very well. I imagine there are thousands of truck tailgates that need similar help.

Your truck looks to be a full-sized pickup, so I recommend that you increase the size of the MDF filler plate underneath the angle iron. I'd say that you need a filler plate size of about 6" x 28" x 3/8" thick. In total mass, that's about twice what I used to fill the gap left behind by my bend. You just have to be careful that it allows the tailgate to close. Test fit it before you attach it. Remember that I painted the two pieces black prior to assembly to match the decor. It looks good.

You have proven one major thing to me. It makes no difference how big the truck is, firewood cutters like you and me who work with big logs are quite capable of bending the tailgate while loading them on board. It's not easy work.

 

[stihl sawing]

That old tailgate has had many years of abuse. I have beat it back out two or three times over the years. The metal is suffering from metal fatigue. It's kinda weak, It's had a lot of big rounds throwed on it. It's actually worse than the pic shows.