Tailgate Covers and Storage

What belongs in this category

Tailgate products fall into a few groups. Covers are fabric or vinyl shells that protect the tailgate surface or add a cargo pocket. Rear panels, such as the Poison Spyder Tramp Stamp, replace the stock lower section on a Jeep or add a relocated license plate mount. Storage items add pockets or organizer panels so tools and recovery gear stay put.

Fabric covers versus metal panels

• Fabric and vinyl covers protect paint from scuffs when people sit on the gate or load cargo. They are usually inexpensive to replace and easy to install, and some include MOLLE webbing for pouches.
• Steel and aluminum panels are rigid and resist trail damage. They typically replace or overlay an existing section and may require drilling or the removal of factory parts. Aluminum is lighter, while steel is tougher against impacts, and powder coat or bare finishes affect rust resistance.

What to check

Look at the vehicle year and body style, since tailgates differ between generations. Check how the cover mounts, whether by clips, straps, bolts or a tailgate hinge. Note any cutouts for a spare tire carrier, handle, camera, license plate light or latch. Some metal panels require relocating the plate and lights, so verify these details and whether the kit includes the wiring or brackets.

Installation and use

Fabric covers usually fit in a few minutes with no tools. Metal panels may involve drilling, trimming or using a rust inhibitor on cut edges. Take care not to damage wiring behind the panel, and test the lights after the install. A tailgate has a load limit, so do not overload a gate with a heavy cover and gear, and remember that stored items can shift when you open the gate. When plate placement changes, local rules on license plate visibility and illumination apply, so check state requirements.

Compatibility

Confirm fitment for your exact year, make and model, and review the manufacturer's specifications for any cutouts and hardware before choosing. If you carry a full-size spare, check that the cover or panel still lets the gate swing freely and latch cleanly with the extra weight, and look at the hinge condition before adding any accessory to it.

Maintenance and mistakes to avoid

Clean fabric covers with mild soap and let them dry before folding them away, since trapped moisture leads to mildew. For metal panels, touch up chips and scratches with matching paint soon after they occur, since bare steel starts to rust quickly on the trail. Check the fasteners after the first off-road trip. Avoid strapping heavy items onto a gate that is not meant to carry them. Make sure no cargo covers the rear camera or license plate lights, and check that the plate remains clearly visible. Remember that the gate swings, so remove loose items before opening it.

If you use a cover to protect paint from tools or cargo, a thin layer of padding beneath it prevents grit from scratching the finish, which is a common cause of dull spots on a tailgate.