Installed Ford's Tailgate Table yesterday

[Mossback]

The dealer gave me a few trinkets to compensate for my dissatisfaction with how they handled the sale. The kit was nicely packaged and seemed straightforward to install. (They offered to install it for me, but I, as a seasoned mechanic, chose to do it myself.) Everything was going well until I started tightening the Jack nuts. One began spinning without gripping correctly, and another did the same. I managed to seat two fully but wasn't satisfied with the overall result.

I removed them and used stainless steel nut-serts (aka Rivnut) instead. I highly recommend getting one if you don’t already have a Rivnut tool. I should have started with that initially and skipped the cheap steel versions they provided. The hole I drilled was the perfect size for an M8 bolt Rivnut, and I had 4 Torx-head aluminum cap bolts of the ideal length. You’ll need to slightly enlarge the holes in the table to allow some wiggle room for alignment, but it worked perfectly in the end.

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[Fordfreek]

I installed the same one about a month ago or so. I was impressed with the whole package overall. I didn't have any issues with the jack nuts, but I was concerned with them maybe turning. Overall, very satisfied with it.

 

[B_Wagon136]

If anyone doesn't want to drill into their tailgate, I was able to install mine by placing a rubber spacer directly behind the threaded hole for the bottom right screw. The screw itself isn't overly long and once it threads through the insert, just tighten until its flush with the lower bar and its secure.

I've had mine fastened this way for a year+ with no issues.

 

[Hdscreens]

From experience don’t put a yeti that’s loaded with ice on that table.

 

[B_Wagon136]

From experience don’t put a yeti that’s loaded with ice on that table.

Dont use it as a platform for box jumps either!

 

[Mossback]

From experience don’t put a yeti that’s loaded with ice on that table.

I plan to upgrade the cable limit straps soon, which should allow me to increase the weight limit to around 50 lbs. I suspect the thin cable and pin are the weak points. I may also relocate the cable attachment point to the door or higher up on the frame to improve durability.

 

[Hellish]

This is what I need to get hubby to go back and yell at the stealership about - it is on his window sticker as a dealer installed item, and it aint on. They have ignored calls and emails. I think a visit to the sales floor during a busy afternoon would be more effective

 

[Brncool]

Yes, cables are very weak at the crimp. The manufacturer will sell spares fairly cheap. Suggest you get a couple if you don’t have another option. I actually doubled up on both sides.

 

[hflick52]

The dealer gave me a few trinkets to compensate for my dissatisfaction with how they handled the sale. The kit was nicely packaged and seemed straightforward to install. (They offered to install it for me, but I, as a seasoned mechanic, chose to do it myself.) Everything was going well until I started tightening the Jack nuts. One began spinning without gripping correctly, and another did the same. I managed to seat two fully but wasn't satisfied with the overall result.

I removed them and used stainless steel nut-serts (aka Rivnut) instead. I highly recommend getting one if you don’t already have a Rivnut tool. I should have started with that initially and skipped the cheap steel versions they provided. The hole I drilled was the perfect size for an M8 bolt Rivnut, and I had 4 Torx-head aluminum cap bolts of the ideal length. You’ll need to slightly enlarge the holes in the table to allow some wiggle room for alignment, but it worked perfectly in the end.

I installed mine about 3 months ago and I didn't use it that often. Tried to use it and when i opened it the bolts holding the table to the medal frame snapped off and its unrepairable.

 

[Gotchaa]

Mine is still in the box, ended up having a sub there instead so if you are thinking you want one, PM me and I will ship it to you with a reasonable offer.

 

[Area51BS]

Yes, cables are very weak at the crimp. The manufacturer will sell spares fairly cheap. Suggest you get a couple if you don’t have another option. I actually doubled up on both sides.

Try marine hatch limiting straps. Built well.
https://thmarinesupplies.com/produc...97Ky_jWZYHx-SxB9srKEhsyfXFTfEoiipaamIo-PiJZ9G

 

[Area51BS]

I plan to upgrade the cable limit straps soon, which should allow me to increase the weight limit to around 50 lbs. I suspect the thin cable and pin are the weak points. I may also relocate the cable attachment point to the door or higher up on the frame to improve durability.

https://thmarinesupplies.com/produc...97Ky_jWZYHx-SxB9srKEhsyfXFTfEoiipaamIo-PiJZ9G

 

[Mad Martigan]

If anyone doesn't want to drill into their tailgate, I was able to install mine by placing a rubber spacer directly behind the threaded hole for the bottom right screw. The screw itself isn't overly long and once it threads through the insert, just tighten until its flush with the lower bar and its secure.

I've had mine fastened this way for a year+ with no issues.

Would you be able to share a picture of the location? I want to do this instead of drilling a hole in the swinggate?

 

[TommyCO]

I installed mine yesterday. I only had issues with the lower left nut insert, but eventually was able to get it to tighten up. Overall, pretty satisfied with the install, and I'll give it a good test this weekend on my trip.

 

[Canoehead26]

I plan to upgrade the cable limit straps soon, which should allow me to increase the weight limit to around 50 lbs. I suspect the thin cable and pin are the weak points. I may also relocate the cable attachment point to the door or higher up on the frame to improve durability.

After breaking and repairing the cable limit straps that came with the unit, I manufactured a couple of back-ups. I used 100 lb strength stainless steel picture hanging cable with aluminum crimps. The weak point of the OEM cables is at the crimp where the cable can slip out when too much weight is placed on the table. Love the table.

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