Mountain Hatch - keep or return?

[mtbocoee]

The Mountain Hatch tailgate table
https://mountainhatch.org/products/...atch-2005-2023-40-off-with-code-springready24

Sponsored

 

[Gaspe]

I just installed the Mountain Hatch tailgate panel and have some thoughts, comments:

First: nice panel. I’ve 4th gen, so it does sit on top of the old OEM panel. Too bad the setup changed from the 3rd gen with the tuck-in under the lip - that had a much cleaner “OEM look”.

Second: Very poor quality control on the screw holes and countersinks. One hole wasn‘t drilled all the way through. Most all the countersink holes were too shallow and the screw heads sat proud , above the surrounding panel. I had to get a Forstner bit (3/4”) and CAREFULLY drill each out to about 5.2mm (measuring repeatedly with my calipers) - taking care to not drill the countersink too deep. Not something the customer should have to do!! Time consuming.

Third: The steel 1 1/2“ hex head screws did come with washers; but I think button heads would have been much better in this application. I plan to see if I can find replacement STAINLESS screws and washers at some point; preferably black, button heads.

Lastly: Zero install instructions. Granted this is kind of a no-brainer install, but as their are tons of videos out there on the different models, some requiring retaining, some requiring discarding, the OEM panel, a short note would make it clear for someone who didn’t already know that.

In the end, I really like the panel. Would have also liked a 10 min install instead of a 1.5 hour one……..

 

[lauren01]

Glad I saw this thread. I’m going to uninstall my Mountain Hatch cover and inspect the tailgate electronics. Assuming all is well, I’ll reinstall it with the OEM cover underneath.

Hopefully that will work well, but am willing upgrade the attachment hardware if needed.

 

[lauren01]

First, you should leave on the old OME tailgate cover and mount the Mountain Hatch directly on top of it. No gaps and it looks much better! I recently installed mine but the plan is to use it as a flat table to cook on while at the beach and camping.

Thanks for this post. I just posted that I’m going to fix my installation. I got my Mountain Hatch tailgate cover in late 2025. There was no refinement on the instructions.

Sponsored