AL Offroad Trailgate: A Flat Aluminum Tailgate Panel Upgrade With Cupholders – Install, Review & Overview For 3rd Gen (2022+) Tundra
Does your plastic factory tailgate leave something to be desired? Do you wish you had an even, flat working surface or integrated cup holders? AL Offroad has just the solution for you.
The Trailgate is a replacement cover that easily installs on your factory tailgate with minimal tools. This thing is beefy and can be optioned with cupholders for added functionality whether you’re working or playing hard. Made of 3/16″ aluminum, it’s super corrosion resistant and comes powder coated to last the lifetime of your truck. The Trailgate is also made in the USA.
Below, we’ll cover the OG version with optional integrated cup holders.
Find It Online
- AL Offroad Trailgate (3rd Gen Tundra): Check Price
AL Offroad Trailgate
Table of Contents
Installation
Tools Required
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- T30 Torx Driver/Bit
Minimal tools are required to install the Trailgate and the factory hardware is reused.
I removed the cupholders prior to installation, but it’s not required. The total installation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Step 1. Remove Factory Tailgate Cover
Remove the T30 screws around the perimeter of the factory tailgate cover.
Then, lift up the hinge side of the cover and slide it towards the bed to remove it from the tailgate.
Step 2. Secure Tailgate Cap
Reinstall two of the factory T30 screws into the top corners of the plastic cap.
This helps secure the cap after installing the panel, which will cover these screws.
Step 3. Add New L-Brackets
Place the two included L brackets on the bottom (hinge side) of the tailgate and align the two bottom holes only. The holes on the short side of the “L” are not used.
I used a couple of screws to line up the brackets before I slid the Trailgate onto them. You can also use a small screwdriver to help align the brackets with the Trailgate and screw holes.
Step 4. Install Trailgate
This part can be a bit difficult if you’re installing it on your own.
Put two screws in the Trailgate and lower the unit into the L bracket holes. I tried to first install the L bracket onto the Trailgate and then onto the tailgate with no success.
Once you get the Trailgate lined up and a couple of screws installed, go ahead and start tightening the unit into place. I started in the middle and worked my way out to prevent tension build up within the panel.
Step 5. Add Cupholders (If Applicable)
If you opted for the cupholders, this part is pretty easy. All you need to do is pop the cupholders into the holes and give them a gentle tap with a rubber mallet if needed to secure them in place. If you didn’t remove them prior to installation as I did, skip this step.
That’s it, you’re all done! From the photo above, you can already see how I’ve gained a massive working area (partially thanks to the Tundra being a full-size truck). Sitting on the tailgate is also now exponentially more comfortable compared to the large ridges of the factory tailgate cover.
Final Thoughts
At first, I didn’t think I was going to be as excited about this mod as I am. It’s simple, easy to install, and most of all, useful.
No, it won’t get you unstuck on the trail, but it will give you a nice flat place to work or sit and enjoy a drink. The more I use it, the more I appreciate the simplicity and versatility of the Trailgate. I no longer have to try to balance the camp stove on or between the ridges of the factory tailgate cover. It even makes a great background for taking photos of other parts (shhhhh).
Is there anything that I don’t like about it? The only change I would make is to add a bit more texture to the finish as the TrailGate can be a bit slick when it is wet. If you’re conscious of that on a rainy day or after rinsing it off, though, it’s not a big deal. It’s worth noting that it is significantly less slippery than the OEM panel.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a Trailgate for your truck, you won’t regret it. Enjoy that sunset with a nice beverage and room for company.
