Copy Ford Maverick adjustable tailgate

[Trace26]

Wouldn't they crack without support in the middle? Slate has an easier solution. Use your own 2x4 braces.

I was expecting the tailgate to lineup with the 2x4 supports in the bed of the slate.

With the Maverick, the fenders are designed differently, and we just put a sheet of plywood in before the drywall, worked great.

 

[Trace26]

At the Slate intro event they stated (slated?) that the minimum bed width would be 50 inches. So no need for the Maverick halfway down gate feature. I have a Maverick, and I've used that feature a few times. Because the min bed width on the Maverick is much smaller.

A few things I do love about my Maverick bed are the adjustable cleated bed rails (optional). Definitely would love that accessory in a Slate. Also the bed lighting is great.

Is that 50" inches between the fenders or the tailgate opening?

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

Wouldn't they crack without support in the middle? Slate has an easier solution. Use your own 2x4 braces.

My Ford Ranger had notched out places for braces like this, it made me happy to see them.

 

[E90400K]

My HT3 has a dual position tailgate. Not unique to the Maverick.

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

I wonder if the panel below the window can be removed or modified as a pass thru? If it's part of the structural support for the window, I may have to buy another one to do some experimental modifications. Maybe someone will come up with a replacement rear window with a slide panel.

 

[AZFox]

Is that 50" inches between the fenders or the tailgate opening?

4'x8' plywood doesn't fit between the fenders, so....

 

[Dorbiman]

4'x8' plywood doesn't fit between the fenders, so....

Yet. They told me at the Olympia event, and someone here was told at the NYC event, that they're working to widen the fenders to allow 4' wide sheets to fit on the deck of the bed directly

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Yet. They told me at the Olympia event, and someone here was told at the NYC event, that they're working to widen the fenders to allow 4' wide sheets to fit on the deck of the bed directly

Glad that they know that is a minimal Home Depot requirement.

 

[Dorbiman]

Glad that they know that is a minimal Home Depot requirement.

It definitely wouldn't be a deal breaker for me regardless, as they've made it easy enough to stick a few 2x's in the bed to support the load. But if they're going to do it I'd happily take that outcome

 

[AZFox]

Yet. They told me at the Olympia event, and someone here was told at the NYC event, that they're working to widen the fenders to allow 4' wide sheets to fit on the deck of the bed directly

As a trade-off that would restrict maximum wheel-and-tire width.

Seems fine the way it's shown now.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

As a trade-off that would restrict maximum wheel-and-tire width.

Seems fine the way it's shown now.

Can't argue that. This isn't the pickup of a general contractor, I wouldn't think. Weekend Home Depot DIY folks.

 

[Dorbiman]

As a trade-off that would restrict maximum wheel-and-tire width.

Seems fine the way it's shown now.

Yup. I'm okay with that. I think the stock 245s are plenty wide.

 

[gouacats]

My Gladiator tailgate just has a hook that you put the tailgate cables behind. That puts the tailgate at the top of the wheel well. It also has a cutout for a 2x4 across the bed and 2 - 2x4s or a 2x8 behind the wheel well for another support point for plywood. Very simple and effective design. I would be disappointed if the Slate didn't have something as simple.

 

[Trace26]

My Gladiator tailgate just has a hook that you put the tailgate cables behind. That puts the tailgate at the top of the wheel well. It also has a cutout for a 2x4 across the bed and 2 - 2x4s or a 2x8 behind the wheel well for another support point for plywood. Very simple and effective design. I would be disappointed if the Slate didn't have something as simple.

You're right! That is pretty cool way of doing it.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

That would be easy!