Tacoma and Land Cruiser Tailgate Storage: Fitment and Installation Gui

Your tailgate is a handy place to sort tools, get gear ready, or set things down at camp. With the right panel, it can also give you a place to store smaller essentials without adding another box to the bed.

BPF offers tailgate storage panels for the Tacoma, 80 Series Land Cruiser, and Lexus LX450. Start with three questions: does it fit your truck, what do you want to keep inside, and how will you use the surface when it is closed? Here is what to look for.

BPF aluminum tailgate storage panel open on a third generation Tacoma, with recovery gear stored inside. — The BPF tailgate panel gives you access to storage inside the tailgate. Third generation Tacoma shown.

Start with your vehicle and model year

Choose the panel for your specific vehicle and model year. The Tacoma and Land Cruiser versions have different installation requirements.

Your vehicle	Matching BPF panel
Second generation, 2005 to 2015	Shop the 2005 to 2015 Tacoma tailgate panel
Third generation, 2016 to 2023	Shop the 2016 to 2023 Tacoma tailgate panel
80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, 1993 to 1997	Shop Land Cruiser and LX450 tailgate storage
Lexus LX450, 1996 to 1997	Shop Land Cruiser and LX450 tailgate storage

These are vehicle specific fitments. The Tacoma listings cover 2005 to 2023 models; they do not cover the 2024 and newer Tacoma. The Land Cruiser listing covers 1993 to 1997 models.

Think about what you want to store

Soft shackles, tow straps, and smaller recovery essentials are useful candidates for tailgate storage. Keeping those items together can make them easier to find when you need them and free up space elsewhere in the truck.

Think about the actual size of your gear rather than assuming everything in your recovery bag will fit. Use the product photos as a starting point, and contact us before ordering if you need to confirm space for a particular item.

Open aluminum tailgate storage panel on a third generation Tacoma showing gear arranged inside the tailgate. — A closer look at the available space. Gear shown is for illustration and is not included with the panel.

Look for a useful surface when the lid is closed

Storage is only part of the benefit. With the lid closed, the BPF panel gives you a flat surface for laying out tools, sorting equipment, or setting down your gear while you get ready.

Both Tacoma versions are CNC laser cut from 1/8 inch aluminum and weigh approximately 11 pounds. They include a hinge already installed and two black powder coated paddle latches with keys.

Closed raw aluminum BPF tailgate panel on a third generation Toyota Tacoma, showing the flat surface and black paddle latches. — Closed up, the panel provides a flat surface with access through the paddle latches.

Check the installation and finish before ordering

Both versions replace the factory inner tailgate panel and reuse the factory mounting hardware. The installation requires no cutting or drilling. Watch the installation guide below to see the process before you get started.

The panel ships as raw, unpainted aluminum. You can install it as supplied or finish it to suit your truck. Some photos on the product pages show panels that have been painted, so check the written finish description when ordering.

Raw aluminum BPF tailgate panel installed on a second generation Toyota Tacoma. — The second generation version fits 2005 to 2015 Tacomas. Select the listing that matches your model year.

Watch the Tacoma tailgate panel installation

The guide covers the installation process used for both the second and third generation panels.

Watch the installation guide on YouTube

Tailgate storage for the 80 Series Land Cruiser and Lexus LX450

We also offer a tailgate storage panel for the 1993 to 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser and 1996 to 1997 Lexus LX450. It opens up storage space inside the lower tailgate for items such as recovery gear, blankets, rain gear, and air hoses.

Open BPF aluminum tailgate storage panel on an 80 Series Land Cruiser with gear inside. — The Land Cruiser and LX450 panel provides storage access through the lower tailgate. Gear shown is not included.

The panel is made from CNC laser cut 1/8 inch aluminum, weighs approximately 11 pounds, and ships raw and unpainted. The kit includes two black powder coated lockable paddle latches and new stainless steel mounting hardware. Sound deadening is not included.

Installation requires cutting the tailgate sheet metal to create the storage opening. Read the complete installation guide before starting. This is a different process from the Tacoma panel installation shown above.

Download the Land Cruiser and LX450 installation guide or watch the Land Cruiser tailgate storage installation video.

Common questions

Does it include the locks?

The Tacoma versions include two lockable paddle latches and keys. The Land Cruiser and LX450 kit also includes two lockable paddle latches. See the individual product listing for the full kit contents.

Do I need to drill holes in the tailgate?

The Tacoma panels use the factory mounting locations and reuse your existing mounting hardware, with no cutting or drilling required. The Land Cruiser and LX450 panel requires cutting the tailgate sheet metal and comes with new stainless steel mounting hardware.

Does it come painted?

No. The panel is supplied as raw aluminum. The included paddle latches are black powder coated.

How soon will it ship?

Check the current lead time on the product page for your truck. Availability can differ between models, and shipping is calculated at checkout.

Find the right tailgate storage panel for your truck

If you want a flat tailgate surface and an organized place for smaller gear, choose the panel that matches your truck:

Have a fitment question? Send us your vehicle model, year, and question, and we will help you choose the right panel.