Which Tailgate Reinforcement?

[broncorik]

I know it's more expensive, but I'm going with the RTR when they have their sale.
It isn't just an add on stiffener, it's hinges plus the carrier in a heavy duty hoop. It's fully adjustable and can add on accessories too.

I wouldn't call myself an expert on the subject but I can say that I've tried several different tailgate braces so far. I first bought the RC bracket and it was okay but it relied on sharing the mounting bolts with the hinge. It uses delrin spacers, and it's very easy to knock the nut plate off the inside of your tailgate if you're not careful. It has no provisions for mounting anything on it, and with all the holes cut in it and logo you won't be able to even modify it unless you do some welding. I also bought the BAMF bracket, and although it is much more robust than the RC bracket I had to cut it to clear my factory Sasquatch tire and to clear my factory tire carrier which bolts over the top of it. It too shares bolts with the OEM hinge and it weighs about 24-25 lb. It does have provisions for mounting things to it, but I gave up on it after having to do the modifications just to make it fit. I then realized that we could order Raptor hinges, which are much more robust than the OEM hinges and they have separate holes that are not shared with mounting it to the tailgate from which you can mount other things to it. I went through OEM Ford parts and was able to buy them at about $194 each which is far better price than 300 each from the local Ford dealership. I then stumbled upon Hammer Built, and he sent me a prototype bracket that was intended to fit the Raptor hinges. Of the three brackets that I had used up to that point, I consider the hammer built bracket and the Raptor hinges to be the strongest and cleanest setup. Additionally, Hammer built already has a bracket that can be attached to that which allows you to bolt on rotopax containers or max tracks and an antenna. From my experimentation I learned that the limiting factor if you go cheap is the OEM hinges...you can't mount anything to them other than using a bunch of spacers and a flat plate. If you want to go the most robust, then the RTR setup is probably the one for you... I was able to get a hold of one of those and mounted up and it is very well built. The downside is that because it's so heavy you need to realign your tailgate to a greater degree than you would with either of the other three plates...and for me that involves removing the right rear tail light and accessing the six bolts that are intended to allow you to move the gate up and down or from side to side. Additionally, at least for me, I was able to get my tailgate aligned up to the point of a 2 mm difference vertically with a larger gap on the right than on the left simply because the thickness of the RTR hinges wouldn't allow my tailgate to move any further toward the passenger side. Not a huge deal unless you're OCD. I ended up getting rid of my RC bracket, and my BAMF bracket. In my humble opinion the two choices out there for people that want something more than just looks with actual functionality and greater strength are the Hammer Built bracket that is currently just about to be released for use with Raptor hinges (or with the upcoming hinges that Hammer Built is making out of aluminum) or the RTR setup (which I believe is on sale for 10% off right now). The Hammer Built set up weighs about 15 lbs and the RTR setup weighs about 54 lbs But keep in mind that if you use the RTR setup that you're also subtracting about 8 lb for the factory spare tire carrier and you can also subtract the weight of the hinges from either setup because the amount to the pillar and aren't putting stressed weight on the tailgate. Both setups include all kinds of provisions for mounting other things on them such as Jerry cans etc.

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[broadicustomworks]

I wouldn't call myself an expert on the subject but I can say that I've tried several different tailgate braces so far. I first bought the RC bracket and it was okay but it relied on sharing the mounting bolts with the hinge. It uses delrin spacers, and it's very easy to knock the nut plate off the inside of your tailgate if you're not careful. It has no provisions for mounting anything on it, and with all the holes cut in it and logo you won't be able to even modify it unless you do some welding. I also bought the BAMF bracket, and although it is much more robust than the RC bracket I had to cut it to clear my factory Sasquatch tire and to clear my factory tire carrier which bolts over the top of it. It too shares bolts with the OEM hinge and it weighs about 24-25 lb. It does have provisions for mounting things to it, but I gave up on it after having to do the modifications just to make it fit. I then realized that we could order Raptor hinges, which are much more robust than the OEM hinges and they have separate holes that are not shared with mounting it to the tailgate from which you can mount other things to it. I went through OEM Ford parts and was able to buy them at about $194 each which is far better price than 300 each from the local Ford dealership. I then stumbled upon Hammer Built, and he sent me a prototype bracket that was intended to fit the Raptor hinges. Of the three brackets that I had used up to that point, I consider the hammer built bracket and the Raptor hinges to be the strongest and cleanest setup. Additionally, Hammer built already has a bracket that can be attached to that which allows you to bolt on rotopax containers or max tracks and an antenna. From my experimentation I learned that the limiting factor if you go cheap is the OEM hinges...you can't mount anything to them other than using a bunch of spacers and a flat plate. If you want to go the most robust, then the RTR setup is probably the one for you... I was able to get a hold of one of those and mounted up and it is very well built. The downside is that because it's so heavy you need to realign your tailgate to a greater degree than you would with either of the other three plates...and for me that involves removing the right rear tail light and accessing the six bolts that are intended to allow you to move the gate up and down or from side to side. Additionally, at least for me, I was able to get my tailgate aligned up to the point of a 2 mm difference vertically with a larger gap on the right than on the left simply because the thickness of the RTR hinges wouldn't allow my tailgate to move any further toward the passenger side. Not a huge deal unless you're OCD. I ended up getting rid of my RC bracket, and my BAMF bracket. In my humble opinion the two choices out there for people that want something more than just looks with actual functionality and greater strength are the Hammer Built bracket that is currently just about to be released for use with Raptor hinges (or with the upcoming hinges that Hammer Built is making out of aluminum) or the RTR setup (which I believe is on sale for 10% off right now). The Hammer Built set up weighs about 15 lbs and the RTR setup weighs about 54 lbs But keep in mind that if you use the RTR setup that you're also subtracting about 8 lb for the factory spare tire carrier and you can also subtract the weight of the hinges from either setup because the amount to the pillar and aren't putting stressed weight on the tailgate. Both setups include all kinds of provisions for mounting other things on them such as Jerry cans etc.

This is good info.
Thanks for the detail here.
I have the Hammerbuilt incoming, stock hinges.
Maybe later upgrade to the Raptor hinges and probably have to modify the current HB reinforcement to mount to it based on what I am reading...
Or maybe the HB hinges they end up doing will allow fitment for either of their reinforcements (Raptor and std)...

Either way theirs seemed to be the best thing going for a reasonable price point, as I will be putting a RucRak on my spare with 3-2gal Pax and probably a cooler and some supplies/tools on the RucRak. Eventually a 37 will end up hanging off of the carrier as well.
As this evolves if I find the HB (or the stock hinges) isn't able to handle all of that jazz I'll have to regroup there and amend the weak point. My suspicion is that the hinges will be the weak link in all of that.

 

[broncorik]

This is good info.
Thanks for the detail here.
I have the Hammerbuilt incoming, stock hinges.
Maybe later upgrade to the Raptor hinges and probably have to modify the current HB reinforcement to mount to it based on what I am reading...
Or maybe the HB hinges they end up doing will allow fitment for either of their reinforcements (Raptor and std)...

Either way theirs seemed to be the best thing going for a reasonable price point, as I will be putting a RucRak on my spare with 3-2gal Pax and probably a cooler and some supplies/tools on the RucRak. Eventually a 37 will end up hanging off of the carrier as well.
As this evolves if I find the HB (or the stock hinges) isn't able to handle all of that jazz I'll have to regroup there and amend the weak point. My suspicion is that the hinges will be the weak link in all of that.

The original Hammer built bracket will fit only the OEM hinges because with the bends that are in it it won't compensate for the additional 1/2-in height of the Raptor hinges. Tyson indicated that if somebody does end up getting the Raptor hinges that he would work out a deal with them on the new plate...which will have about a six and eight degree to bend to compensate for the added height of the Raptor hinges. They're also working on some spacers that would allow the new style Hammer Built plate to work with either the Raptor or OEM hinges. Although the original hinges are probably robust enough structurally, they are curved slightly and convex so that there's really no way to mount anything to them other than having some sort of conical spacers. The BAMF bracket doesn't use spacers it just bolts directly to those curved hinges which is why I wasn't a big fan of them. If you're trying to control movement then having enlarged holes with four M8 bolts that are also holding the bracket to the hinge to the tailgate there is a big possibility of movement. With the Raptor hinges that's eliminated because the holes that mount the brackets to the hinges are separate from the holes that mount the hinges to the tailgate. Additionally, the Raptor hinges are flat where the bracket would be mounting to them, which provides a much more secure clamping surface. The RTR system approaches it from a different direction and the brace for the spare tire rests entirely on the hinges (so that it's almost like a separate unit from the tailgate in terms of weight distribution). In my opinion if somebody wants to spend somewhere around half the price of the RTR, the Hammer Built with the Raptor hinges is absolutely a great option. Hammer built also indicated that they're going to be producing their own heavy duty hinges, which will have the same dimensions in height as the raptor hinges...and they should be less expensive. As a bonus hammer built is almost through the prototype stage of their Scepter military fuel can carrier. Although the Scepter can is tough to get in certain parts of the United States, They are great choice because they are much lighter than any traditional Jerry can...and they are very robust.

 

[broncorik]

The original Hammer built bracket will fit only the OEM hinges because with the bends that are in it it won't compensate for the additional 1/2-in height of the Raptor hinges. Tyson indicated that if somebody does end up getting the Raptor hinges that he would work out a deal with them on the new plate...which will have about a six and eight degree to bend to compensate for the added height of the Raptor hinges. They're also working on some spacers that would allow the new style Hammer Built plate to work with either the Raptor or OEM hinges. Although the original hinges are probably robust enough structurally, they are curved slightly and convex so that there's really no way to mount anything to them other than having some sort of conical spacers. The BAMF bracket doesn't use spacers it just bolts directly to those curved hinges which is why I wasn't a big fan of them. If you're trying to control movement then having enlarged holes with four M8 bolts that are also holding the bracket to the hinge to the tailgate there is a big possibility of movement. With the Raptor hinges that's eliminated because the holes that mount the brackets to the hinges are separate from the holes that mount the hinges to the tailgate. Additionally, the Raptor hinges are flat where the bracket would be mounting to them, which provides a much more secure clamping surface. The RTR system approaches it from a different direction and the brace for the spare tire rests entirely on the hinges (so that it's almost like a separate unit from the tailgate in terms of weight distribution). In my opinion if somebody wants to spend somewhere around half the price of the RTR, the Hammer Built with the Raptor hinges is absolutely a great option. Hammer built also indicated that they're going to be producing their own heavy duty hinges, which will have the same dimensions in height as the raptor hinges...and they should be less expensive. As a bonus hammer built is almost through the prototype stage of their Scepter military fuel can carrier. Although the Scepter can is tough to get in certain parts of the United States, They are great choice because they are much lighter than any traditional Jerry can...and they are very robust.

Another thought... As we know the factory tailgate opens past 90°, and if you add any accessories on a tailgate strengthener there's a high likelihood of it smashing into your tail light. Even with the Oracle tail lights, I tested my swing and that too would get smashed if the tailgate was open to the 120° mark. RTR has a system of brackets that you install beneath the factory strut that limits gate movement, But extending the mounting point even lower than the factory strut mounting points could potentially put a lot of stress on the aluminum tailgate and the body mount. Instead, Hammer Built can provide an aftermarket strut that limits the opening to 90° only. If anyone is interested, just let Tyson know that you're looking for the strut that limits the tailgate swing.

 

[purkleshorts]

A lot of good information here.
R&D B6G style and caveats for potential buyers.
Good job!
I will for sure check out that Hammerbuilt limiter strut.

 

[broncorik]

A lot of good information here.
R&D B6G style and caveats for potential buyers.
Good job!
I will for sure check out that Hammerbuilt limiter strut.

I have it installed on mine... Unlike the factory strut, which is basically a two-stage dampener, the aftermarket strut that limits movement to 90° is just a gas charged strut That looks very much like your OEM strut (unlike the RTR setup that is mounted on additional brackets beneath the OEM strut... which in my opinion appears cluttered). The upside is that it limits your tailgate from opening past 90, the downside, if there is one, is that when you open your door it assists your door as it opens (because it is under pressure and designed to lift a tailgate). So that just means when you're closing your tailgate it'll take slightly more effort than using the OEM one. The advantage to that, however, is if you have a heavier spare or gear on there that it's easier to open.

 

[Fonz54]

I know it's more expensive, but I'm going with the RTR when they have their sale.
It isn't just an add on stiffener, it's hinges plus the carrier in a heavy duty hoop. It's fully adjustable and can add on accessories too.

Can you purchase the tailgate support separately? They show it on their web site as part of a package. What might the price be for just the tailgate support?

 

[Bronc69]

The original Hammer built bracket will fit only the OEM hinges because with the bends that are in it it won't compensate for the additional 1/2-in height of the Raptor hinges. Tyson indicated that if somebody does end up getting the Raptor hinges that he would work out a deal with them on the new plate...which will have about a six and eight degree to bend to compensate for the added height of the Raptor hinges. They're also working on some spacers that would allow the new style Hammer Built plate to work with either the Raptor or OEM hinges. Although the original hinges are probably robust enough structurally, they are curved slightly and convex so that there's really no way to mount anything to them other than having some sort of conical spacers. The BAMF bracket doesn't use spacers it just bolts directly to those curved hinges which is why I wasn't a big fan of them. If you're trying to control movement then having enlarged holes with four M8 bolts that are also holding the bracket to the hinge to the tailgate there is a big possibility of movement. With the Raptor hinges that's eliminated because the holes that mount the brackets to the hinges are separate from the holes that mount the hinges to the tailgate. Additionally, the Raptor hinges are flat where the bracket would be mounting to them, which provides a much more secure clamping surface. The RTR system approaches it from a different direction and the brace for the spare tire rests entirely on the hinges (so that it's almost like a separate unit from the tailgate in terms of weight distribution). In my opinion if somebody wants to spend somewhere around half the price of the RTR, the Hammer Built with the Raptor hinges is absolutely a great option. Hammer built also indicated that they're going to be producing their own heavy duty hinges, which will have the same dimensions in height as the raptor hinges...and they should be less expensive. As a bonus hammer built is almost through the prototype stage of their Scepter military fuel can carrier. Although the Scepter can is tough to get in certain parts of the United States, They are great choice because they are much lighter than any traditional Jerry can...and they are very robust.

TY for the details of your experience!
I figured I'd just spend the money once and be done with it. I have a little bit of time as my Bronco is "scheduled" to be built on 12/5. We'll see....

 

[broncorik]

Can you purchase the tailgate support separately? They show it on their web site as part of a package. What might the price be for just the tailgate support?

The RTR tailgate support itself is a hoop or u-shaped section that has to bolt into the u-shaped grooves in the RTR hinges...it is designed as an entire unit and you wouldn't be able to use one without the other (technically you could use the hinges without the hoop but that wouldn't make as much sense as using just the Raptor hinges because the RTR hinges have that u-shaped groove in them). The perk of the RTR unit as a whole for me was the fact that I could adjust the tire upwards or downwards or side to side or in and out...and it replaces the entire OEM lightweight carrier. The way I figured out whether or not it was going to work out for me was by studying the installation guide they have posted on their website...it shows in great detail the assembly. I have the Ford service manual tailgate alignment procedures for cross referencing, and noted that the bolts for the hinge-to-pillar bracket and pillar bracket to pillar are 30. The RTR guide lists the hinges to pillars as 40, but I went with 30.

 

[Fonz54]

The RTR tailgate support itself is a hoop or u-shaped section that has to bolt into the u-shaped grooves in the RTR hinges...it is designed as an entire unit and you wouldn't be able to use one without the other (technically you could use the hinges without the hoop but that wouldn't make as much sense as using just the Raptor hinges because the RTR hinges have that u-shaped groove in them). The perk of the RTR unit as a whole for me was the fact that I could adjust the tire upwards or downwards or side to side or in and out...and it replaces the entire OEM lightweight carrier. The way I figured out whether or not it was going to work out for me was by studying the installation guide they have posted on their website...it shows in great detail the assembly. I have the Ford service manual tailgate alignment procedures for cross referencing, and noted that the bolts for the hinge-to-pillar bracket and pillar bracket to pillar are 30. The RTR guide lists the hinges to pillars as 40, but I went with 30.

Thanks

 

[Ramble_Offroad]

Another thought... As we know the factory tailgate opens past 90°, and if you add any accessories on a tailgate strengthener there's a high likelihood of it smashing into your tail light. Even with the Oracle tail lights, I tested my swing and that too would get smashed if the tailgate was open to the 120° mark. RTR has a system of brackets that you install beneath the factory strut that limits gate movement, But extending the mounting point even lower than the factory strut mounting points could potentially put a lot of stress on the aluminum tailgate and the body mouth. Instead, Hammer Built can provide an aftermarket strut that limits the opening to 90° only. If anyone is interested, just let Tyson know that you're looking for the strut that limits the tailgate swing.

I’m hoping that HB’s hinges are designed to limit tailgate swing to roughly 90°. No need for a limiter strut, just build it into the hinge.

 

[broncorik]

I’m hoping that HB’s hinges are designed to limit tailgate swing to roughly 90°. No need for a limiter strut, just build it into the hinge.

I have the prototype for the second gen plate and it does not have any form of limiter built into the plate, and I don't think that they're going to build a limiter into the hinge either...probably because if they did put a limiter in the hinge and somebody swung the gate too hard it would bend either the pillar or the tailgate (especially with a heavier tire or accessories on the gate). With the limiting factor being the strut, if the gate is opened past that point at least the pillar will remain intact and the most damage would probably be snapping the strut ball off...like fusible link.

 

[Freedom5]

I went with the rough country. My 37s and methods weight is 16lbs more than factory. Seems like it will hold up fine.

 

[Freedom5]

 

[broncorik]

Nice wheels!

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