In search of a fold-down tailgate table for a TJ

It seems like DIY is the way to go. I plan on making one eventually.

Arkansas Offroad on You Tube has a video of how he made one that gave me an idea on how I’ll probably make mine.
 
I think all these are great. Jscherb's is kinda way beyond my capability or time allotment for such a product, but awesome!
 
The family got me one similar to this for my last birthday:

Wrangler Tailgate Table, Aluminum Alloy Black Rear Foldable Shelf for Jeep Wrangler JK 2007-2017 2/4 Door, Support up to 75lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HQKS7W4/?tag=wranglerorg-20

The dimensions are the same as the one I installed.
Yes, it requires a modification or delete of the third brake light connection housing. PO had already removed the light so I deleted the housing. Had I the desire to replace the light I would have modded the housing. The biggest issue is that you wind up with one rivnut in one of the rectangular stiffening divots. There is room between the divot and the outside of the gate. You just have to drill very carefully so as not to ding the outside plate when you pop through. A spacer is needed to take up the space between the bracket and the rivnut. I recall using conduit. I don’t remember if I needed a longer screw. Haven’t had any issues with it and I do use it all the time.

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I reached out to the owner of Outback Adventures about 3 months ago asking if he was planning on ever making tailgate tables for the TJ again. He said he has seen interest on them grow again lately, and may make a new batch if the interest is big enough. They are expensive, but as far as quality goes, I think they are one of the best. A friend of mine still has his after years of use.

https://outbackadventureproducts.com/shop/?product_count=6
 
Funny, I have been asking him to produce them again for months. And I actually think that the JK version will fit the TJ perfectly. If the owner would get back to me, I think I could verify it. I'll keep trying.
 
Yes, here's the one I designed and built. Mine has a Molle panel that hinges when the table is deployed, a slide-out table extension/cutting board, and a cutlery keeper mounted to the tailgate behind the stowed table. This video was taken with the table installed on a TJ tailgate in my workshop, I haven't installed it on a Jeep yet.

I know it's been said before, but when you get bored and want to make a few of these, I would 100% buy one
 
Funny, I have been asking him to produce them again for months. And I actually think that the JK version will fit the TJ perfectly. If the owner would get back to me, I think I could verify it. I'll keep trying.
Maybe we should create a list of people interested in buying the Outback Adventures and let the owner know. I'm sure if we have at least 5 committed people, he would make another batch. I'm for sure getting it if available.
 
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I'm glad to have seen drop-down tables for our TJs go internal and make use of the factory tailgate. Some used to modify the factory tailgate so it dropped down ala very old CJ Jeeps instead of hinging from the side as started later. Drop-down tailgates on a TJ just get in the way while the above internal drop-down tables don't. Glad to see it!
 
What is the difference between what you're after and the one offered by Rebel Offroad?

https://rebeloffroad.com/outback-adventure-products-tj-lj-trailgater/
Oh wow! It is the same table, even the same brand. I wonder if they have an old inventory. The Outback Adventures owner told me he had none and would only make more if there was enough interest. At the time I wrote to him, he said he had no plans of making more. Thx for the link. I'll order one and see if they have it in stock.
 
Oh wow! It is the same table, even the same brand. I wonder if they have an old inventory. The Outback Adventures owner told me he had none and would only make more if there was enough interest. At the time I wrote to him, he said he had no plans of making more. Thx for the link. I'll order one and see if they have it in stock.
I don't know anything about it other than another forum member's relative had bought him one as a gift. Also, according to the page "This item is in hot demand. Its current shipt time is 1 week." so it may not be in stock or they haven't updated the webpage and it is actually discontinued.
 
I don't know anything about it other than another forum member's relative had bought him one as a gift. Also, according to the page "This item is in hot demand. Its current shipt time is 1 week." so it may not be in stock or they haven't updated the webpage and it is actually discontinued.
Got it. Thanks! I placed an order. I will give an update here if they have it in stock or not.
 
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Just got a call from RebelOffroad letting me know my table will be shipped tomorrow. Outback Adventures supplies RebelOffroad on an as needed basis.
 
Ha! I got a call as well with the same message. Which is awesome, considering my dozen or so e-mails to the owner of Outback Adventures have gone unanswered :ROFLMAO:
 
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It's here! Great quality, great design...love it!View attachment 231348
I've had one of these on my 2000 TJ for some years now and still value it very highly. Mine is relieved at the lower left to clear the third brake light contact points. I replaced that plastic cover with a layer of aluminum tape. Had to space the back away from the tailgate panel with washers under the fasteners, but got a rock steady installation, no rattles. I recommend you cut a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet to fit on the working surface.

With the tailgate braced at 90 degrees open and this folded down, there's a good bit of workspace for outdoor projects. I banished my back seat when the kids left, so that leaves two nice carpeted work surfaces.

Before I gulped down the price and installed this, I had missed the drop down tailgates of my FJ60 and Scout IIs. This offers far better access and work geometry than does a drop down panel. Jerry has it right.
 
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I've had one of these on my 2000 TJ for some years now and still value it very highly. Mine is relieved at the lower left to clear the third brake light contact points. I replaced that plastic cover with a layer of aluminum tape. Had to space the back away from the tailgate panel with washers under the fasteners, but got a rock steady installation, no rattles. I recommend you cut a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet to fit on the working surface.

With the tailgate braced at 90 degrees open and this folded down, there's a good bit of workspace for outdoor projects. I banished my back seat when the kids left, so that leaves two nice carpeted work surfaces.

Before I gulped down the price and installed this, I had missed the drop down tailgates of my FJ60 and Scout IIs. This offers far better access and work geometry than does a drop down panel. Jerry has it right.
I appreciate this feedback. The instructions don't say what to do with that third brake light. It just mentions that a modification may be necessary. I've seen some pictures of these tables with a circular cut out in that lower left corner to allow the brake light to continue to be connected, just without the plastic covering.