Tailgate Table Installation Help - Expedition Gear Table - Top Hardware bolts backing out

[PioneerStig]

i was wondering if anyone could help me solve an issue im having with my tailgate table i got from expedition gear, overall its a fantastic table and great quality.

but the mounting hardware that was given is a little subpar for in my opinion, they give you some plastic tabs that fit in the top slots on the rear of the tailgate and a bolt that goes through them that expands the plastic to hold the table against the tailgate door.

the problem is these plastic tabs are sub par and have come loose and aren't securing very well the top part of my table.

I'm trying to think of another solution for mounting this to my tailgate that's more secure and will work on the existing holes and slots of the tailgate table.

any advice whatsoever would help greatly and be very appreciated.

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[Brian_B]

Replace the plastic anchors with Rivnuts.

See the TOR installation instructions, that's how they install theirs. It does require a tiny bit of drilling to round out a spot on the slots (no new holes though), and a rivnut tool (costs about $30 on amazon, handy to have around the Bronco)

https://turnoffroad.com/products/2021-ford-bronco-fold-out-trail-table

You could also try an anchor nut back there, no drilling but it would be maddening to try to get it to stay in place while you got the table bolted in.

 

[PioneerStig]

Replace the plastic anchors with Rivnuts.

See the TOR installation instructions, that's how they install theirs. It does require a tiny bit of drilling to round out a spot on the slots (no new holes though), and a rivnut tool (costs about $30 on amazon, handy to have around the Bronco)

https://turnoffroad.com/products/2021-ford-bronco-fold-out-trail-table

You could also try an anchor nut back there, no drilling but it would be maddening to try to get it to stay in place while you got the table bolted in.

thanks for the advice, ill look into these rivnuts and give them a try!!

 

[3 Pedal Ronnie]

Following.
I have the same table with the same problem. For now, I just lightly torqued the top screws until just before the plastic inserts come out, and it's holding fine. I put nearly all of my weight on the table and it didn't budge. I agree though, the hardware is not great. Which is unfortunate considering how nice the rest of the table is.
I suspect larger screws for the top would help some, as it seems the those supplied aren't large enough in diameter to sufficiently deform the plastic inserts to stay in the slot. I haven't been able to test this yet though.

 

[PioneerStig]

So i bought the rivetnuts and tool and have been still contemplating how well this will work. my main concern still is using them on the slot hole thats on the tailgate and how well a rivnut will hold on that slot even if i round it out

 

[Brian_B]

So i bought the rivetnuts and tool and have been still contemplating how well this will work. my main concern still is using them on the slot hole thats on the tailgate and how well a rivnut will hold on that slot even if i round it out

Mine has been in for a couple of years now, and I've had it off and on a few times - they hold up pretty well, just be careful not to over-torque and strip it out (you're probably fine using hand tools, but break out the impact and easy to strip it out) - they are a pain to drill out and replace. I'll see if I can get a pic for you.

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