I want to mount some stuff to the inside of my tailgate. What types of screws are folks using when they need to screw into the tub?

 

I like to use machine screws, and just tap holes, then use a primer or something to prevent rust. I see no reason you cant use sheet metal screws or even those self tapping screws, unless you are hanging something heavy. But I doubt that's the case.

 

Thanks. Any idea how thick the body sheet metal is?

 

Open your tailgate. There are two plastic pieces you can access from inside the Jeep. One is a cover going across the back. The second is a vent. They both just pop into place. Carefully pry off either. You can see how thick the taigate is. Not very.

If you want to mount something heavy you should probably use a reinforcing plate inside the tailgate to spread out the force. Direct screws will work for something light. You could also drill and use nuts with washers.

 

Probably should have thought of that.

 

I used self tapping screws to hold up a mole pack kit and they went through super easy. Threw a little touch up paint over the holes after I drilled them to prevent any rust issues.

 

What about nutserts? They seem to hold pretty strong.

corey d

 

If you are mounting something HEAVY- say a security box made of metal use nuts and bolts with LARGE flat washers inside the tailgate. If you don't -anything heavy screwed to the gate will become a MISSLE inside the Jeep if you have a head-on crash....self-threading sheetmetal screws will not hold at all. Machine screws will not hold at all.