Rough Country Tailgate Reinforcement - Installed - fastener issue

[J2D]

I recently purchased and received the Rough Country Tailgate Reinforcement and got to installing it last night. The installation is very simple and straight forward.

However, I do want to point out a few things to note if you chose to install. First you'll need something to use as spacers to support the tailgate when you're removing the exterior hinge bolts. I had to make do with a few random tools.

You'll also need something for the latch side to insert between the tailgate and the quarter panel. I used a small plastic panel pulling tool that I was able to wedge into the gap. (no picture)

The main concern I have with this install is the supplied bolts and washers that are to be used when reinstalling the carrier. The factory bolts are 8x30mm flange head bolts and the supplied are 8x35mm standard bolts with washers. The problem is the the supplied washers are about half the size of the flange head bolts. My concern is that they will eventually pull through the plastic of the carrier.

As you can see in the picture above there is quite the size difference between the stock flange head bolts and the supplied bolt and washer.

I reached out to Rough Country via IG and was told that they would relay this information to the Development team. My guess is they factored that most people would pair this with their Spare Tire Relocation mount which seems to come with larger washers. But in my instance I wasn't in need of the relocation mount. I was purchasing this in hope of solving an annoying creak that seemed to be coming from the tailgate that would go away once the spare was removed.

So my solution was to run by Home Depot this morning and pick up 8 new $0.15 washers that were at least as large as the flange head bolts.

Pictures below of the installation process.

Make-shift spacer and tape for alignment purposes. Also, it should be noted that the reinforcment will be making direct contact with the body at the spare tire carrier mounting points. I had some left over vinyl that I used as a protective layer between the reinforcment and the paint.

Hinge bolts require a T47 torx bit, unfortunately I did not have one. But a 6mm allen got the job done.

Installed and test fitting the hardware.

Final look

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[Cappy]

I recently purchased and received the Rough Country Tailgate Reinforcement and got to installing it last night. The installation is very simple and straight forward.

However, I do want to point out a few things to note if you chose to install. First you'll need something to use as spacers to support the tailgate when you're removing the exterior hinge bolts. I had to make do with a few random tools.

You'll also need something for the latch side to insert between the tailgate and the quarter panel. I used a small plastic panel pulling tool that I was able to wedge into the gap. (no picture)

The main concern I have with this install is the supplied bolts and washers that are to be used when reinstalling the carrier. The factory bolts are 8x30mm flange head bolts and the supplied are 8x35mm standard bolts with washers. The problem is the the supplied washers are about half the size of the flange head bolts. My concern is that they will eventually pull through the plastic of the carrier.

As you can see in the picture above there is quite the size difference between the stock flange head bolts and the supplied bolt and washer.

I reached out to Rough Country via IG and was told that they would relay this information to the Development team. My guess is they factored that most people would pair this with their Spare Tire Relocation mount which seems to come with larger washers. But in my instance I wasn't in need of the relocation mount. I was purchasing this in hope of solving an annoying creak that seemed to be coming from the tailgate that would go away once the spare was removed.

So my solution was to run by Home Depot this morning and pick up 8 new $0.15 washers that were at least as large as the flange head bolts.

Pictures below of the installation process.

Make-shift spacer and tape for alignment purposes. Also, it should be noted that the reinforcment will be making direct contact with the body at the spare tire carrier mounting points. I had some left over vinyl that I used as a protective layer between the reinforcment and the paint.

Hinge bolts require a T47 torx bit, unfortunately I did not have one. But a 6mm allen got the job done.

Installed and test fitting the hardware.

Final look

Excellent write up and photos. Curious to know if this solved the creaking issue with the spare tire. Did it fix it?

 

[J2D]

Excellent write up and photos. Curious to know if this solved the creaking issue with the spare tire. Did it fix it?

It did not. It did help a bit, but the creak is still there. The wheel and tire combo with the sasquatch is nearly 90lbs, so it's a lot of weight hanging off the back of that tailgate. The tailgate has max recommend weight load of 133lbs.

 

[UhOh]

The tailgate has max recommend weight load of 133lbs.

So my plan of installing something similar to this is pretty much out of the question
https://titanfueltanks.com/titan-trail-trekker-ii-4040287

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

The interesting thing about that Titan tank (which I have been thinking about too) is they show it installed on an AEV bumper (wonder if they OEM the tank for AEV?) where the spare and tank actually are hung off the bumper, not the tailgate. Hopefully somebody in the future will make a bumper like that, that will support more weight.

Edit, 2 of the pictures show that type of bumper, one does look like stock hinges.

 

[wanna1]

^
I'm waiting for a steel bumper that includes a spare tire support/pivot that still integrates with the rear door.

 

[bytheway]

I have not noticed this issue. Have you asked your dealer to take a look?

 

[J2D]

I have not noticed this issue. Have you asked your dealer to take a look?

Not yet, figured I'd do so during my first service.

 

[Cappy]

It did not. It did help a bit, but the creak is still there. The wheel and tire combo with the sasquatch is nearly 90lbs, so it's a lot of weight hanging off the back of that tailgate. The tailgate has max recommend weight load of 133lbs.

This, right here, is why I am a proponent of a drop down tailgate.

 

[FTBronco9]

I recently purchased and received the Rough Country Tailgate Reinforcement and got to installing it last night. The installation is very simple and straight forward.

However, I do want to point out a few things to note if you chose to install. First you'll need something to use as spacers to support the tailgate when you're removing the exterior hinge bolts. I had to make do with a few random tools.

You'll also need something for the latch side to insert between the tailgate and the quarter panel. I used a small plastic panel pulling tool that I was able to wedge into the gap. (no picture)

The main concern I have with this install is the supplied bolts and washers that are to be used when reinstalling the carrier. The factory bolts are 8x30mm flange head bolts and the supplied are 8x35mm standard bolts with washers. The problem is the the supplied washers are about half the size of the flange head bolts. My concern is that they will eventually pull through the plastic of the carrier.

As you can see in the picture above there is quite the size difference between the stock flange head bolts and the supplied bolt and washer.

I reached out to Rough Country via IG and was told that they would relay this information to the Development team. My guess is they factored that most people would pair this with their Spare Tire Relocation mount which seems to come with larger washers. But in my instance I wasn't in need of the relocation mount. I was purchasing this in hope of solving an annoying creak that seemed to be coming from the tailgate that would go away once the spare was removed.

So my solution was to run by Home Depot this morning and pick up 8 new $0.15 washers that were at least as large as the flange head bolts.

Pictures below of the installation process.

Make-shift spacer and tape for alignment purposes. Also, it should be noted that the reinforcment will be making direct contact with the body at the spare tire carrier mounting points. I had some left over vinyl that I used as a protective layer between the reinforcment and the paint.

Hinge bolts require a T47 torx bit, unfortunately I did not have one. But a 6mm allen got the job done.

Installed and test fitting the hardware.

Final look

What’s this bracket made out of? Is it steel?

 

[vrtical]

FYI RTR is coming out with something simular only they are providing heavier replacement hinges with the kit. It also stores a jack on the top by the brake light.

 

[J2D]

What’s this bracket made out of? Is it steel?

I'm pretty sure it's steel, it's not stated any where but it is magnetic. It's also powdercoated.

 

[BroncoKong Jr.]

The tailgate has max recommend weight load of 133lbs.

Where'd you find that info? I've been wondering that for a while. Better than I expected.

 

[privateer35]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what is the reinforcement really for? Is it really neccessary? Only applies to bigger tires?

 

[J2D]

Where'd you find that info? I've been wondering that for a while. Better than I expected.

Found it in the PDF on this link. https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/-official-2021-bronco-equipment-installation-guide-pdf.25649/page-2#post-895070

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