Heavy Duty Tailgate Cap

Available for purchase now: https://www.tundras.com/threads/heavy-duty-2014-2021-tundra-tailgate-cap.85897/#post-2165959

Materials & Construction:
- 3/16" thick steel plate
- CNC lasercut & bent
- countersunk stainless steel hardware
- outdoor rated polyurethane foam gasket

Finish:
- textured black powdercoat
- black color-matched screws

Optional Tie Down Loops (x2 included with every tailgate cap):
- 3/16" CNC lasercut stainless steel
- M6 Cad-plated hardware

100% American-made in Southern California and completely bolt-on/off.

You will be able to rest lumber, pipe, kayaks and whatever else you want on your tailgate without ruining the top of the tailgate. The cap attaches to the tailgate at 9 points to distribute loads evenly across the top and inside.

Finished product:











Photos from first test-fit:

 

Looks ok but maybe too much of a work truck feeling.

 

I would like it much better if it curled over the outside of the tailgate. In the pics it looks like there are exposed holes where the original cap was.

 

Stainless option?

 

I like it. If I still had a bed on my Tundra, I'd buy one. If you want to give people more flexibility.. maybe add some low-profile anchor points on the far ends of the top.. or maybe even low-profile tabs for mounting chase lights or a flag whip.

Also, a part of me thinks 3/16" is overkill. 1/8" should be more than enough. You already have the bend for some structural support and on top of that it still sits on the existing tailgate structure and cap so you have all that strength still. With the thinner material it would be cheaper to make, ship, and sell.

I can see people using a 1/8" plate and coating with Line-x. At least that's what I would do.

 

Aluminum option, and I have mentioned in another thread. If it could fold over the back just enough for a spot to pick up and push tailgate closed.

Hate grabbing onto a painted surface to close the tailgate, especially with dirty gloves or hands.

 

If it was stainless steel and wrapped around the back edge of the tailgate just a tad like others have mentioned I'd be all over it. With a stainless option, I can beat it up without worrying about the paint chipping and having to prep, re-paint etc.

 

I had a similar cap on my 12' Tacoma, and it was awesome. Great Idea! Make a heavy plate for the latch access and you got a solid kit!

 

Any concerns about how hot it might get in the summer? Maybe a recessed plastic grab handle?

 

same as others mentioned: too thick, stainless steel or aluminium option and curled over.
lots of "overland"/sport trucks here so the tailgate not really used as a "truck" tailgate hence a slimmer/lighter option would be good.
how about 2 options : Work truck and Overland/IG truck ?

 

I would be interested if it was aluminum. Otherwise it’s just going to rust after the first chip.

 

props to you for offering something we have been asking though

 

That makes sense, I'm used to building & developing heavy duty parts for desert racing. Thank you for your feedback.

 

You got a good idea going tho that’s for sure. I know lots of people want this as the plastics get destroyed easily.

 

I would like that too. Unfortunately due to the contour designed into the top of the tailgate, adding that lip would increase cost significantly.

Those aren't holes you're seeing at the trailing edge of the tailgate cap, they're grooves that Toyota added for rigidity.

I could probably add some weatherstripping or edge trim to help cover those a bit more.

The tailgate cap was intentionally designed to be a bit short of completely covering the grooves because it was safer and a lot more comfortable to grab the top with it slightly offset.

Either way, thank you for your feedback! Definitely taking it into account.

 

Something I can look into.

I considered it, but stainless is more brittle and less durable when compared to mild steel.

 

I think it would definitely look better once line-x'd to match the bed.

 

I am already working on attachments! Part of the reason why I added so many more mounting holes than you'll see on any other metal tailgate cap out there.

I agree that 1/8" plate would be cheaper all around, and probably be enough for most. I went with 3/16" this time because I need it for the work that I do. An 1/8" plate would not last very long when I'm hauling steel tube and plate!

Another reason I went with the 3/16" vs 1/8" is height. The thicker plate makes the cap totally flush with the tops of the bedsides.

Thanks for your feedback! Much appreciated.

 

Rust would be my biggest concern. Huge concern.

 

The tailgate cap was intentionally designed to be a bit short of completely covering the grooves because it was safer and a lot more comfortable to grab the top with it slightly offset.

That being said, I'm looking into adding some flexible trim for those who would like it.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

Something to consider for those who are ok with a lighter duty cap.

I chose steel this time because it's much more durable. Aluminum is super soft and very easy to deform.

 

I may consider stainless for a lighter duty version, mostly for looks kinda thing.

Although stainless will resist corrosion better than mild steel, it lacks in durability - which is why we went this direction. Exact reason why frames, bumpers, rock sliders, suspensions etc.. are all made of mild steel.

Also due to the brittle nature of stainless, any covering may chip more easily than with mild steel - unless you're talking about uncoated stainless plate.

Either way, no option is off the table! Thank you for your feedback.

 

I understand it would be a softer metal but I think not having to constantly touch up the paint so you don't have rust would make up for the durability over mild steal.

I would just install it un-coated.

 

It wouldn't get any hotter than the rest of the truck/tailgate.

The entire truck is made of steel plate too.

I like the idea of a recessed composite handle but there aren't any large enough voids on the top surface of the tailgate.

It would require people to cut up the tailgate, which I doubt many would be willing to do.

 

Yeah, it seems most would be perfectly happy with more of an aesthetic vs the heavy duty option.

I like the 2 options idea!

Thanks for your feedback.

 

Based on everyone's feedback we may offer an aluminum version.

As far as the rust issue, almost every other off-road related exterior accessory/armor product out there is made mild steel too.

Chips happen to paint and powdercoat all the time. A little touch-up paint does the trick.

Thanks for your feedback, we'll look into an aluminum version!

 

So a few a people have expressed concern over rust, which is totally valid.

I guess that's not a huge issue for us in Sunny Southern California, even by the beach.

That being said, an aluminum version has not been ruled out! Just to reiterate, maintaining structural durability was the primary objective in designing this version, so that's where we're headed for the time being.