Mountain Hatch Inspired DIY Tacoma Tailgate Panel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- In this episode I build a custom tailgate panel to improve my camp / overland kitchen for my 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma tailgate. Using the Mountain Hatch design for inspiration, I built a great low cost option for my weekend warrior needs. With the materials listed in my video, you can build 3 of these (hook up your bros) for about $80. Be sure to check out MH's amazing product as well. www.mountainhatch.org Thanks for watching and stay safe out there. TbT. #Travelingbytacoma #Mountainhatch #Tacomamods
I made it to 0:19 before liking this video ;-) I made my own as well, and saved tons!! But I used the high density cutting board material :-)
Thanks for watching. That’s a good idea. I’ll see how long this version lasts and may try your idea. Stay safe out there and thanks for the comment. TbT.
Me and a thousand or so of my friends don't believe you! Show us! LOL
whered you buy the high density material??
Exactly what I had in mind. Thanks for putting this together in video. Will definitely use the video as a guide when I do mine soon. 👍
Thanks for watching. I used it last weekend in the desert. I think it will work well. It got a few small scratches and dents from dragging my Trasharoo loaded with firewood over it, but I was happy with its durability so far. Good luck with your build. Stay safe out there, TbT.
same here, my truck is a work truck O put a topper on, the gate is pretty beat up. This is the best option to get a flat surface on it. subbed and saved the video
@@TravelingbyTacoma I could probably get by with OSB, I'm not going for pretty
You can make access panels and create cubbies for storage inside the door itself and/or make cup holders. Thumbs up!
That is a good idea. Maybe on the next one I’ll try that. Thanks.
That looks pretty pro! Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.
Thanks for watching.
Came out great! 10/10 video & idea
Thanks. ✌🏼
Nice! Another one of your projects that I will try! Great idea and another quality video! Thanks.
Thanks. A few things I might change if I build another one or to improve yours:
- Counter sink the bottom screws so they get a bit more bite (see the Mountain Hatch design for reference).
- wait another 72 hours and do a light sand and add a few more coats of poly for super smooth/sealed finish. It’s 100% sealed now just not mirror smooth. :). I still may do this with this version.
-use 7/8 paddle bit for bumpers space instead of 3/4. To give it a little extra room.
We’ll see how it holds up - I’m just a weekend warrior so it should be fine.
Stay safe out there, TbT.
Understand. Thanks!
No problem.
Love it! Easy and cost efficient. I can't tell you how many Banquet beers have spilled on the rutted tailgate!
Haha no doubt. Cheers to that. 🍻 The factory design is pretty terrible. Thanks for watching and the comment. Stay safe out there. TbT.
@@TravelingbyTacoma I'm going to make one like yours. I want to add 2 cup holders too! Just to confirm, you used 1/4 ply?
Yes. 1/4” ACX plywood. 👍🏼
I was sitting on my Tacoma tailgate just yesterday, thinking about how to make something like this.
Hope the vid helps you design yours. Thanks for watching and commenting. Let me know if you have any questions on the design. Good luck and stay safe out there. TbT
Very nice job
Thanks! 🤙🏼
Just subbed your channel, Like the fact you Diy , My truck Is a 02 Chevrolet 2500 hd. Just order a ladder rack this morning and will be installing my Diy Awning.
Thanks for the sub! Glad you like the DIY stuff. I really enjoy the whole process (it’s never ending really) of the builds. Hope your builds come out well. Thanks again for watching, commenting and the sub! TbT
Nice work!
Thanks. It’s working out well. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.
Looks awesome
Thanks!
nice idea thanks
Thanks for watching.
That was so cool
Thanks.
Very nice.
Thanks and thanks for watching and commenting. TbT
Nice video! Have you thought of using bedliner for painting?
Yeah, it’s always an option. I just wanted a smooth surface for cooking and cleaning up. Thanks for watching and commenting. Stay safe out there. TbT.
Great video brother! Subscribed!
Thanks! Thanks for watching and subscribing. TbT
Nice tailgate mod. Perhaps using HDPE (High Density polyethylene) instead of plywood would be a better option...?
You could go thinner with perhaps even more durability.
I’ve never used it myself, but have seen a lot of MOLLE products made using that material, including many Marine applications for weatherproof furniture, etc.
Apparently it can be cut just like wood. Bending and binding on the other hand is different though.
UPDATE:
Just saw Brian Pratt’s comment mentioning the same thing.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I did look into that material, but I was far more spendy $$$ than plywood and it rarely rains here in SoCal so the wood and the polyurethane sealing seems to do the trick.
Love it🔥🔥🔥🤙🏽
Thanks ! Actually just refinished it with polyurethane stain. You can see it on my Instagram @Travelingbytacoma .Thanks for watching. TbT.
Very cool. The only concern I have is that the surface might not be good grade for cooking on it.
Yeah, I use a small bamboo cutting board that I keep in my drawer system. Cleaner than having to wipe down a tailgate panel clean enough to chop food on after driving on dirt roads all day. Those plastic cutting mats from IKEA work great too. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT
What a piece of art! How is it holding up???
Thanks! It hasn't been on my truck for a while, due to the camper build, but It worked out really well for what it cost me to make. (compared to he cost of a pre-fab'd one) I would suggest pulling it off every season and refinishing especially if you live in a wetter climate. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT
Awesome build, planning to use this but sink some cup holders into it. Could you share the link for PVC edge protector? Not seeing the one that looks like what you have. Thank you!
Thanks! I thought about the cup holder addition, but I thought it wood be too thin in those spots and maybe chip around the edges of the cup holders when dragging stuff in and out. Just something to think about. Here is the edge I used. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MPMLZRZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks for watching an commenting. Stay safe out there. TbT
@@TravelingbyTacoma good fore thought. Thanks!!!
Nice mod!
Thanks and thanks for watching and commenting. Stay safe out there. TbT
Man that looks clean!!🔥🔥💪🤙🤙..
How's it holding up?
It’s really good so far. SoCal never gets any rain so that’s not an issue. That being said, I’ve soaked it washing my truck many time and no issues. It does scratch a bit and I wouldn’t recommend if you’re dragging heavier things over it all the time (like a construction job), but for weekend warrior use, it’s great.
I am going to do this with some thick plastic. Here in the PNW, the wood will mold eventually.
Nice. That is a bit more expensive than wood, but worth it up there. SoCal is very dry so not an issue.
Do you think you could install a grab handle to close tailgate from inside? I have a canopy setup . The tailgate is heavy
Thank you
Yep. Lots of people do that. Just use a loop of webbing and one of the tailgate screws I think.
good - they charge an arm and a leg for mountain hatch.......
No doubt. Thanks for watching and commenting. Tbt
I will try this this weekend! Just got back from the store but I did not find the PVC edge protector. Do you have a place in mind where they sell it?
M M SEALS Edge Trim - Fits 1/4” Edge, 1/2" Leg Length, Single Gripping Finger - Length 13 Feet (4 Meter) www.amazon.com/dp/B07MLHW8NF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0EVE32W1HT2B3FV14TC5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1.
Hope this helps. Mine has held up well. Just do a lot of coats of polyurethane. Good luck. TbT
Why use the edge protector only on the bottom half? I haven't tried this, doing so may tell me why, but thought I'd ask before starting., Thanks!
How about making this out of the PVC sheets they have at home depot?
Yeah, I think that would work…I have not seen them personally, but sounds like a good option. How much are they though? If they’re cheap enough it’s worth it. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT.
This is genius, great video. Just curious though, any specific reason you didn't just opt to use a PVC sheet instead of wood?
Just cost mostly. I would have had to order a sheet and have it delivered since I couldn’t find it (pvc) locally. Also I think I had the 1/4” birch ply I used from some other project. It’s still holding up well and no complaints so far. PVC would be nice for sure, so I’d do that if you can get it. Thanks for watching. TbT.
That makes complete sense, I appreciate your prompt response and creativity! 👍
Where's that camp spot in your outro?
We call it Star Wars canyon …it’s in North Eastern part of Anza Borrego State Park east of San Diego. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT
@@TravelingbyTacoma Does the trailhead have a name you recall? Star wars canyon yields something North near Death valley
What kinda fasteners did you use?
I reused the stock bolts that hold on the OEM panel. Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT
Gotcha. I just cut out the plywood for my old 4runner and was trying to figure out how I'll attach it lol.
How is it holding up a year later?
It’s holding up pretty well. Check out my Instagram for pics-I refinished it a few months back with a different stain that has polyurethane in it. That was back on Dec. and it still looks good. Not perfect, but good enough . Thanks for watching and commenting. TbT
@@TravelingbyTacoma Good to know. Thanks!
Isn't 1/4" ply a little to thin???? Wouldn't 1/2" be better????
I mean people tend to sit on tail gates....I know its meant as a table light stuff. But camping with children etc. Well it's hollow and a foot or butt might just go through the 1/4" ply
It is if you’re going to use it more than just a work surface it may be too thin. I think half wouldn’t allow the tailgate to close properly. 1/4 is holding up pretty well, you just need to be aware it’s thin and not jump on it when standing on the tailgate. Thanks for watching and commenting. stay safe out there. TbT
A kid would have to jump up and down for that to happen. I used Birch ply and it’s plenty strong. You can sit and stand on it no problem. Just have to be careful where the open areas are in the tailgate body.
Yes was thinking the same thing too......very nice to though and wayyyyyy cheaper than buying the original one
Great job. What was the reason for ripping the plywood at 15” because the original one looked a little wider?