Tailgate Embossed "SLATE" Branding - Poll

[AZFox]

Embossed lettering on the tailgate has recently become a last-minute addition. Should they have done that?

I'd prefer a flat surface there. For one thing, think it violates the ethos of "removing what isn't necessary" from the design. I realize there are differing opinions, hence the poll.

Hat tip to @kvermeer for finding the best photo showing the lettering I've seen so far.

Edit:

All credit to @pluglyf, who not only took the photo in the first place but posted it to the forum:

https://www.slateforums.com/forum/t...k-party-pictures-from-nyc-july-11-2026.15493/

Thanks for posting, @pluglyf.


Updated with photo from Fort Worth Stockyards event:

 

[tubes]

I like it and voted that way. Not interested in other panels, though.

 

[TheMagician]

I wonder if the truck(s) in Huntington Beach will have the new tailgate. Might make wrapping a little harder.

 

[Frozen North]

Seems like that might complicate wraps in that area.

 

[AZFox]

Without a doubt it complicates wrapping, but by how much?

It also affects (negates?) some possible design accents, for example like this graphic on the one they brought to Jay Leno's Garage.

 

[adele]

I’m a fan of all the traditional/classic truck aesthetic elements. It looks good I think.

 

[kvermeer]

All credit to @pluglyf, who not only took the photo in the first place but posted it to the forum:

https://www.slateforums.com/forum/t...k-party-pictures-from-nyc-july-11-2026.15493/

I voted "Not necessary," but "shouldn't be mandatory" is more accurate.

Embossing a logo into the molded part costs almost nothing: maybe a penny of extra plastic, and the cavity's already being CNC machined. A decal costs more (material, packaging, install labor), but Slate's already paying to black out the Blank Slate somehow (decal or overmolded?), so it's a small add.

A lot of Slates will be wrapped, certainly a lot of the most head-turning Slates, and in terms of dollars of marketing spend a Slate logo that's legible on a wrapped vehicle will be money well spent. If you want, a decal stays legible over a wrap, and it lets owners choose whether to display it or not.

Personally, I'm planning on getting an aftermarket white SLATE decal to match my roof, highlight a brand I'm proud of, and run the badges prominently for at least the first couple years.

 

[Brabbit]

While I'm not against it, I also dont think it should be on the Slate because it does make wrapping harder. If someone wants tailgate branding, I feel it should be with the decals on the maker, similar to how you can already get the logo on specific wraps, but a standalone option for the grill and tailgate.

 

[bartflossom]

Have they actually embossed it? I was assuming it was just vinyl lettering that was wrapped over. This is what I saw at the Fort Worth event.

 

[cadblu]

While I'm not against it, I also dont think it should be on the Slate because it does make wrapping harder. If someone wants tailgate branding, I feel it should be with the decals on the maker, similar to how you can already get the logo on specific wraps, but a standalone option for the grill and tailgate.

Exactly. In the same way the Slate decal is offered on the roof rack and rear quarter panel.

 

[knob]

It'll fit right in with current trends. Skipping the badge in some cases.

In defense of the slate's decal-happy customers, the overlay kits will be fun. Remember when you expressed yourself with just a bumper sticker? Simpler times.

Pretty much every SUV and truck seems to be on this bandwagon. I don't mind the make as much on a pickup, but SUVs with the model name is garish.

 

[EV Trek]

I would like it better it the letters were just outlined like the decal on the tailgate of my 89 chevy truck was.

 

[pluglyf]

Have they actually embossed it? I was assuming it was just vinyl lettering that was wrapped over. This is what I saw at the Fort Worth event.

When was this event? Did they mention if it was the latest build?

When I talked to Josh at the NY event he specified the yellow was the latest build (he also did a double take and looked confused because I was 11 hours away from where he's used to seeing me, haha) and the other Crayola one was one of the first prototypes they used for events.

Perhaps the Fort Worth one was an older build? I've been to several Slate events, this is the first one I saw that had it.

 

[Adam W]

When was this event? Did they mention if it was the latest build?

The Ft Worth showing was late February 2026. Probably a hodge-podge of both old and new parts, so who knows what's what. That truck also had custom tail light covers, and a new front grill and turn signal covers that we've never seen anywhere else or since.

 

[EV Trek]

Have they actually embossed it? I was assuming it was just vinyl lettering that was wrapped over. This is what I saw at the Fort Worth event.

This is what some wrappers do to ghost in someone’s logo under the wrap