@GeoXplorer installed a similar setup 8-10 years ago or so IIRC.
It may or may not be in his build tread.

His does work as a tailgate; you can sit on it, although it is not as long as the one in OP.

 

is that 3/4" plywood painted white?

 

It's actually a laminated wood shelf, 3/4" x 16" x 48"

 

Clever design!

 

Nice set up.. for extra table space..

toss a 2 inch foam pad on it, can use it as extra leg room while sleeping in the back of the rig.

 

I pull out the first aid kit for just enough extra leg room, but then I'm short

 

Dang, I was expecting to see a nice heavy solid wood table hand-crafted from fine Walnut or dark Cherry and engraved with the "Xterra" logo or something.

But this is probably more useful.

 

:rofl:

 

I like the idea...perhaps one thing to consider is to use it like tailgate, with regard to when it's closed, acts as a stop for things wanting to come out, when you open hatch, esp on a hill...like a net of sorts.

Then, make it even lighter with perforated or expanded alum., etc. Probably doesn't weigh much, but these things are heavy as it is, so for me every ounce helps

 

Maybe I'll get some "No Step" stickers for it lol.

 

I'm wondering about the amount of weight that the rings can hold. Eventually someone is going to sit or kneel on the shelf or put something heavy on it and those rings will go bye-bye dumping things on the ground and/or injuring someone.

The idea is a good one though.

 

Or pull the plastic ones off an install some that screw into the body underneath.

 

Do you have any pictures of it closed? I'd like to see how it sits next to the side panels of the cargo area.

 

Never seen that before. Handy.

"Nothing runs like a Deere"

 

You got that right, had it since 94, still runs like a top.

Do you have any pictures of it closed? I'd like to see how it sits next to the side panels of the cargo area.

It doesn't work like a tailgate, when I'm not using it, its stored on the roof rack just below my RTT.

I'm wondering about the amount of weight that the rings can hold. Eventually someone is going to sit or kneel on the shelf or put something heavy on it and those rings will go bye-bye dumping things on the ground and/or injuring someone.

The idea is a good one though.

I've done the metal D-ring upgrade screwed directly into the sheet metal. They are pretty stout. I went with 1/16" cable rated at 90lbs each side, I think they would snap before the D-ring does. If someone tried to sit on it, it might snap, but as far as putting heavy things on it, the back half is being supported by the bumper so it can hold plenty of weight, its just the very end that would be the weak point.