Tailgate Reinforcement or Not... actual damage without?

[KRAKEN]

With the growing list of spare tire tailgate reinforcements on the market now, it makes me wonder... "Has anyone without aftermarket reinforcement actually bent, tweaked, damaged a tailgate?"

Sponsored

 

[35tires]

There is a video floating around of a rear tire breaking the rear window going over a rather big bump. There are also a few examples of dimpled or bent sheet metal on the tailgate as well.

 

[Felix808]

The swing gate is rated at 133 lbs. total load capacity which includes the weight of the spare.

There are better solutions than these band aids.
$.02

 

[WheresMyBronco]

There is a video floating around of a rear tire breaking the rear window going over a rather big bump. There are also a few examples of dimpled or bent sheet metal on the tailgate as well.

If it's the same video I'm thinking of, I think the spare tire hit the ground and that made it hit the rear window. Not sure if a tailgate reinforcement would've helped with that one

 

[Brian_B]

I've seen a lot of "it fixed my tailgate squeaks and rattles" or, like in my case, the tailgate is no longer straight and won't align any more. I haven't put a reinforcement on mine, but have been strongly contemplating it after trying to fix the twist in my tailgate in the event it decides to get worse.

Most of what I see as far as practical applications are the overlanders and such who want to store stuff out on the rear - like rotopaxes or hijacks.

 

[Snacktime]

It helps prevent wrinkles in the body panel below the tire mount. Most are a band aid that I would buy at this time for $100-150. The best solution I have seen is Turn Offroad but that is a bit of coin.

 

[Shrek27]

It helps prevent wrinkles in the body panel below the tire mount. Most are a band aid that I would buy at this time for $100-150. The best solution I have seen is Turn Offroad but that is a bit of coin.

Is the Hammerbuilt preventing that with a 37" back there? I've read your broken build thread and learned alot about the weaknesses in a Bronco with hard use.

 

[904]

I've seen a lot of "it fixed my tailgate squeaks and rattles" or, like in my case, the tailgate is no longer straight and won't align any more. I haven't put a reinforcement on mine, but have been strongly contemplating it after trying to fix the twist in my tailgate in the event it decides to get worse.

Most of what I see as far as practical applications are the overlanders and such who want to store stuff out on the rear - like rotopaxes or hijacks.

What loads are currently on your tailgate that caused the twist?

 

[Brian_B]

What loads are currently on your tailgate that caused the twist?

When I bought my Bronco the dealer had installed aftermarket 35s and new KMR 17” rims.

I didn’t notice but they hadn’t updated the spacer/bumper on the spare carrier. So it was just kinda hanging out there.

So after a few months, while trying to eliminate all the squeaks and rattles, I noticed the rear cargo door was starting to twist.

Now, some people say they run without the bumper and no problems. And I don’t think my rims and tires exceed (or even really come close) to the 133lb carrier limit. And some people say their door doesn’t line up quite straight right from the factory.

So I don’t have anything but circumstantial evidence - but my door still doesn’t quite line up straight even after adjustment.

 

[904]

Thanks for the information and the perspective. You’d like to think the engineers knew what they were doing and that little things like the tire bumper not touching would be the problem, and not poor engineering overall.

 

[PWillette]

Thanks for the information and the perspective. You’d like to think the engineers knew what they were doing and that little things like the tire bumper not touching would be the problem, and not poor engineering overall.

FWIW I have the Hammerbuilt and running 37s (97lb tire & wheel) and no rubber bumpers on the OEM hinges w/o issue. The Hammerbuilt is SOLID, no flex or wobble.

Sponsored