2003 Lariat

1. Has anyone taken the two torx screws shown, loose on their tailgate? I would like to use a washer to better secure the cover. I’m concerned that when I take one out a nut or something else might drop down inside the tailgate and I not be able to re-secure.

2. Has anyone made or purchased a more functional replacement tailgate cover?

 

1) No nut will fall out. The nut is part of the tailgate.
I've had to take them out for the same reason and to fix the linkage behind that panel.
If you need a larger flat space for the washer, use an electric heater to soften the plastic and then gently flatter more of the area out. I used a large socket to flatten the plastic after heating the plastic.

2) Not without it being a spray on liner. Which can cause other problems if not done correctly.

 

When i put in the drop in liner, they came with plastic washers that fit between the screw and panel. Never had a problem with the screws pulling through. And as said above, you wont drop anything, they screw into the tailgate themselves.

Whats not functional about yours? It is to protect the bed/tailgate from dents and scratches. From what I can see looks like the paint underneath is in good shape and there are no dents. Thats pretty much your only option unless you go with a spray on. Maybe you could buy a large rubber stall mat and cut it down to fit but then it will only look as good as you put effort into it. Plus those rubber mats get heavy quick.

 

I’ve been thinking about more of a flat surface. Maybe covered with carpet or just wood. That plastic surface feels like knife blades on my 65 year old knees! 😂

 

Yeah then id definitely look at stall mats. Local tractor supply/fleet farm/ rural king will carry them. Dont know how they would hold up to UV (might fade) but they will hold up to weather for a good bit of time. Nice flat soft surface that can withstand lots of traffic on it.

 

Good idea!

 

When I bought my truck, it came with a Bedrug installed. I thought it was a dumb idea until I did some research and discovered how durable they are. They are also quite "knee-friendly." As a bonus, it makes the bed tolerable as overnight accommodations in a pinch. These were my "wee-hours-of-the-morning" sleeping arrangements when I worked the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb last year.

 

My cousin was sold on bedrugs when he was at some auto show and they guy poured gas on it then tried to light it and the bed rug did not catch on fire. I have no clue how long he waited to try to light it as I was not there but it was convincing enough for my cousin to buy one right then and there. (This was probably 10yrs ago). I know they are very durable liners. I would probably get one if I didnt haul mulch/dirt/manure often.