New SnailArmor Aluminum Tailgate Panel - Prototype Testing, Need Your Feedback!

[rustytaco]

Hey all,

Jimmy from SnailArmor sent me a final protype tailgate panel to test on my truck. If you haven't seen these before, this product gives you a completely flat surface to make it easier to use your tailgate for camping and daily activities. The flat design helps to prevent ruining your knees when getting in and out and creates a stable surface for laying down drinks, cooking stuff, etc.

On the 4G, the panel sits on top of the existing one. This is largely due to the factory design of the plastic tailgate cover, which has a bend in it at the end, unlike other trucks, where it is flat. The panel is made from aluminum and is powder coated black with an etched logo. Jimmy offers custom laser-etching, too, for customization and personalization. It also has countersunk screws.

But the real question is... what do you guys think? The production-ready version will be super clean and well finished; this one has some exposed raw aluminum and cuts.

One main question Jimmy wanted to know - since the tailgate tucks super close to the bed towards the bottom, the panel has to end sooner. There is a small gap where you can see the ribs in the tailgate. Does that bother anyone? It does not bother me personally, but there is a question there. He could technically make a small plastic trim piece that could cover it and install it just under the end in a thin strip.

Check out their site - https://snailarmor.com/

 

[Voodoo452]

Nice, some drilling required?

 

[rustytaco]

Nice, some drilling required?

Nope. None. You use factory holes/inserts in the tailgate. The panel has countersunk holes that mate with the provided screws in the kit for a flush fit.

What do you think about the end of it, towards the bottom? Does that gap bother you?

 

[Voodoo452]

Nope. None. You use factory holes/inserts in the tailgate. The panel has countersunk holes that mate with the provided screws in the kit for a flush fit.

What do you think about the end of it, towards the bottom? Does that gap bother you?

The gap is OK... love that it covers the top cap of the gate.

 

[JeffV]

I'd probably buy this.

Might be neat to have an option for a gap filler.

 

[BG]

The gap doesn't bother me, but it would be nice to have it fully flat somehow. You know dust and debris are going to fall through those channels but at the end of the day it's a tailgate. Does it really matter?

 

[rustytaco]

I'd probably buy this.

Might be neat to have an option for a gap filler.

Good to know!

 

[rustytaco]

The gap doesn't bother me, but it would be nice to have it fully flat somehow. You know dust and debris are going to fall through those channels but at the end of the day it's a tailgate. Does it really matter?

Yeah I think an optional trim piece would be good to have. But for myself, it doesn't bother me either since the bed is normally exposed to the elements.

 

[FishTaco]

Hey all,

Jimmy from SnailArmor sent me a final protype tailgate panel to test on my truck. If you haven't seen these before, this product gives you a completely flat surface to make it easier to use your tailgate for camping and daily activities. The flat design helps to prevent ruining your knees when getting in and out and creates a stable surface for laying down drinks, cooking stuff, etc.

On the 4G, the panel sits on top of the existing one. This is largely due to the factory design of the plastic tailgate cover, which has a bend in it at the end, unlike other trucks, where it is flat. The panel is made from aluminum and is powder coated black with an etched logo. Jimmy offers custom laser-etching, too, for customization and personalization. It also has countersunk screws.

But the real question is... what do you guys think? The production-ready version will be super clean and well finished; this one has some exposed raw aluminum and cuts.

One main question Jimmy wanted to know - since the tailgate tucks super close to the bed towards the bottom, the panel has to end sooner. There is a small gap where you can see the ribs in the tailgate. Does that bother anyone? It does not bother me personally, but there is a question there. He could technically make a small plastic trim piece that could cover it and install it just under the end in a thin strip.

Check out their site - https://snailarmor.com/

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I would hate the gap. Maybe a piece of hard rubber that covers the gap between the gate and the bed could bend forward when you close the gate and accomplish two things?

 

[ttoy360]

Form and function, it looks nice the gap would not bother me.

 

[trickortreater]

Looks sweet. Count me in. If there was a solution for the gap I’d go for it, but gap wouldn’t be a deterrent for me.

 

[rustytaco]

Looks sweet. Count me in. If there was a solution for the gap I’d go for it, but gap wouldn’t be a deterrent for me.

Yeah the plan is to offer an optional trim piece that would go under the panel at the end and cover it.

 

[rustytaco]

I would hate the gap. Maybe a piece of hard rubber that covers the gap between the gate and the bed could bend forward when you close the gate and accomplish two things?

I believe the solution will be an optional plastic piece of like ABS plastic that would go underneath to cover the gap.

 

[trickortreater]

Any update on the timeline for availability?

 

[BG]

@Jimmy Jet - Are you making revisions to this or sending it as is?

 

[rustytaco]

Any update on the timeline for availability?

They sent me a piece of trim plastic to test fitment over the gap at the end. Should be arriving soon. Once I test it out, the panels will go into production.