Engineering a Billet Tailgate Anchor System for the 4G Tacoma

[GoldenCoastOverlanders]

Hey everyone,
Like a lot of you, we’ve been watching the tailgate theft issue on the 4th Gens. There are already some great, affordable hose-clamp style fixes out there that definitely get the job done on a budget.

But as an engineering studio based in California, we wanted to design a solution specifically for the guys who want a premium, OEM+ aesthetic to match the fit and finish of their rigs like the TRD Pros and Trailhunters.

We’ve spent the last few weeks prototyping a Bespoke Tailgate Anchor System. We are machining these in-house out of solid 6061-T6 billet aluminum, finishing them for a brushed look, and pairing them with 18-8 stainless steel hardware and a German-engineered Abus lock.

The goal wasn't to make the cheapest option; the goal was to engineer the most comprehensive, cleanest-looking piece of industrial hardware possible for this platform.

What you see in the photos is the freshly machined raw billet. We are currently waiting on our bulk shipment of Abus locks to arrive at the studio and finalizing the stainless hardware. Once everything lands, we’ll drop the final photos of the complete kit installed.

In the meantime, we are wrapping up the final prototype test-fitting and getting ready to dial in the machines for Batch 001. Because we control the entire process in-house and prioritize QC over mass production, we’ll only be cutting limited quantities when we launch.

If anyone is into this kind of industrial-strength equipment, we opened up a waitlist on our site so you can secure a spot when V1 officially drops.

V1 Waitlist: goldencoastoverlanders.com

Let us know what you guys think of the raw aluminum prototypes! We'll keep sharing behind-the-scenes updates as we get closer to cutting the final batch.

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[FinallyErik]

What tailgate theft issue for the 4th gen? I haven’t seen a single post on it.

And what happened to companies not using 7075 anymore. 6061 is soft

 

[Will721]

What tailgate theft issue for the 4th gen? I haven’t seen a single post on it.

And what happened to companies not using 7075 anymore. 6061 is soft

It's covered here from time to time. Usually because someone bought the cali raised stainless bracket.

It's not necessarily a theft issue with 4th gens specifically, it's common on all newer vehicles. Especially in large cities like Chicago. Oem tailgates, especially already color matched pull a premium in collision repair. They're also easy targets because they are designed for easy removal for loading. The newer the truck, the more desirable the tailgate. Especially on new generations as availability outside the oem is at its lowest. It's why most tailgates these days lock.

But these various hinge covers are for when the tailgate isn't locked. Like if you forget, or are using the truck with the tailgate down to haul certain cargo. Just as a deterent of course.


I already have the caliraised personally, but this one also looks very nice. Billet is hot these days, especially if it comes in anodized red which seems to be extremely popular with Toyota guys.

 

[FinallyErik]

It's covered here from time to time. Usually because someone bought the cali raised stainless bracket.

It's not necessarily a theft issue with 4th gens specifically, it's common on all newer vehicles. Especially in large cities like Chicago. Oem tailgates, especially already color matched pull a premium in collision repair. They're also easy targets because they are designed for easy removal for loading. The newer the truck, the more desirable the tailgate. Especially on new generations as availability outside the oem is at its lowest. It's why most tailgates these days lock.

But these various hinge covers are for when the tailgate isn't locked. Like if you forget, or are using the truck with the tailgate down to haul certain cargo. Just as a deterent of course.


I already have the caliraised personally, but this one also looks very nice. Billet is hot these days, especially if it comes in anodized red which seems to be extremely popular with Toyota guys.

I think a decent amount of people bought the CR version before realizing the 4th gen tailgate is not easily stolen. I definitely agree with you on red anodization lol. Just odd for a company to start from scratch and this be their first produced product. It’s basically a nonissue save for the specific circumstances you mentioned

 

[cmillls45]

Sorry I’m sure this has been talked about earlier, but is this only for manual tailgates? Are the powered ones harder to steal?

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