Key Information
- Product: Tailgate Liner – Black, Recycled Heavy Weight Rubber, Direct Fit, Sold individually
- Price: From $55.99 (Note that price may change from the time the review is published.)
- Vehicle: 2007 Ford F-150; 11th Generation (2004 – 2008)
- Reviewer: Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Why You May Need a Westin Tailgate Liner
A tailgate liner prevents cargo from sliding around and damaging the tailgate or the cargo itself – but there’s more to it than that.
Product Review
Westin Tailgate Liner
The tough and well-crafted Westin tailgate liner, priced lower than similar options from local chain parts stores, securely mounts to the tailgate with screws, but drilling is necessary.
Why You Should Trust This Review
Initial Observations
The Westin tailgate liner Is very tough, the right thickness, and well-crafted. The liner mounts with the provided black screws and fender washers. And while it does require drilling small holes for the mounting process, the cover will likely be on the tailgate for as long as you own the truck because there’s no reason to remove it other than if you have to access the inner workings of the tailgate for latch repair. And because it’s mounted with screws, it’s easier to remove and install when you need to for the above-mentioned repairs rather than having to deal with a tailgate liner that is glued on.
The Fit
This liner is a perfect fit. Since I ordered this one specifically for my truck (that’s important), it was crafted with just the right margins. It doesn’t need to go all the way to the edge of the tailgate all the way around, but it doesn’t need a margin that’s too large either. This one is just right and it also perfectly matches the Westin bed mat.
Installation
The mounting process is straightforward and simple.
- First, make sure you put the liner on the tailgate with the “ribs’ facing up.
- Next, make sure it’s straight and centered on the tailgate.
- You need to make sure you have the right size drill bit, preferably a good cordless drill, and the bit needs to be high quality, new and sharp. I chose to drill a 1/8 pilot hole and then slightly enlarge it with the first step of a Unibit.
Note: The screws aren’t tapered on the end, so hole size is important. Don’t drill the holes too large or the screws will come loose.
- Installing the liner was easy. It only took about 30 minutes using the drill to drill the hole and then using a #2 screwdriver bit in the drill to spin the Phillips screws through the fender washers and the liner.
- With the liner in place, drill through the rubber in the center of each spot where a screw is supposed to go. These are very easy to spot and are also recessed for the fender washer.
- A DIY person with a drill, a sharp drill bit the right size, and a screwdriver bit for the drill can easily install this part.
- Just make sure that you have the liner perfectly in place before you start drilling. Westin provides four extra screws. I added an extra screw on each end of the liner in the center for a more secure mount and still had screws left over.
Performance and Overall Quality
I love the fit, finish, and quality. Although the liner is robust and thick, it doesn’t appreciably increase the effort of opening and closing the tailgate. Since I use my tailgate for a workbench sometimes, this liner provides a very pleasant work area that is much better than the fluted metal of the bare tailgate.
Pros and Cons
This Westin liner is about 20 to 30 percent less expensive at CarParts.com than comparable tailgate liners from local chain parts stores and truck accessory suppliers.
Pros
- Easy to install and, when done right, requires no additional maintenance
- Reduces noise and vibration from the tailgate when driving on rough roads or carrying heavy loads
- Enhances the appearance and resale value of the truck by keeping the tailgate in good condition
- It’s simpler to remove than glued-on liners if repairs need to be done on the tailgate.
Cons
- Drilling required. If you don’t like drilling holes in your tailgate, you might want to choose a different liner.
The Verdict
This Westin tailgate liner is highly recommended and is well worth the cost.
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