I made a tailgate for my 4th gen Runner..............

[Colemanfu]

I use this rig for all kinds of stuff and it keeps getting better. A few years ago I made a table to use at the speedway for the races. It fit in the hitch and I made 3 different size tops. Here is a pix of the big one. They all have holes to fit a big beach umbrella. This is a pix from the 4th of July race.

 

[Colemanfu]

Well now I have been hanging in the back but have not needed a full table. I can sit up in the back but my head hits the top. I did not like how the back was unlevel and it was not too comfortable to sit on the bumper. I wanted a tailgate. So I had a hitch made that would hold a "tailgate" or piece of plywood. The wood sits on the back 2 inches of the bumper for suport and clears the liftgate.

 

[Colemanfu]

Pretty simple. Just had to make sure the metal platform was the same height as the bumper.

 

[Colemanfu]

Should be perfect for the beach or camp. I think I can also use it as rack for some extra storage to save some room inside. Like for a cooler or something.

As for the wood; it's held in place with 8 low profile bolts and wing nuts. I used some regular untreated plywood and rounded the edge with a 1/2 round bit (top and bottom). Then I hit it with a cherry stain and then built it up with 3 coats of poly.

 

[K.C.]

Good job...I like it!!

 

[Iron Clad Lou]

good stuff man!

 

[jeremysoca]

Thats awesome!! I see you part time job in your future....

 

[Colemanfu]

I was thinking outside the box on this one. Made out of 3/4 preasure treated plywood and kind of molded to the back and wider than the others? Turns out I like the ones that stick out more for sittin. If the one in the picture was 4 inches longer it would rock. Picky I know, but those 4 inches make it more comfortable to sit and lean back a bit. If I ever get a piece of wood the right size I'll make this one again with more depth and the width of the rig.

 

[J.A.]

cool idea and nice fab work. :bigok: