I finally got around to checking out the huracan fabrication tailgate storage system, and it honestly changes the game for anyone living out of their rig on the weekends. If you own a dual-cab ute or a 4x4, you know the struggle of trying to find a spot for those small, annoying items that always seem to end up buried at the very bottom of your tub. You've got your recovery gear, your tools, maybe some spare parts, and they're all rattling around in a plastic bin somewhere behind your fridge slide. It's a mess, and it's a waste of perfectly good real estate.
The thing about modern tailgates is that they are mostly just hollow shells. Manufacturers build them to be sturdy enough to sit on, but they leave a massive amount of empty space inside that usually goes completely unused. That's where Huracan Fabrication comes in. They figured out that instead of letting that space sit empty, you could cut a hole in the top and turn the entire tailgate into a secure, lockable storage locker. It's one of those "why didn't I think of that?" inventions that actually lives up to the hype.
What Exactly Is This Thing?
At its core, the huracan fabrication tailgate storage system is a heavy-duty steel box that sits inside your tailgate. You essentially remove the factory access panel (or cut a new one if your truck doesn't have a removable plate), drop in the custom-fabricated tub, and secure it. It comes with a new lid that sits flush with the top of the tailgate, usually covered in some nice marine-grade carpet or a grippy material so you can still use your tailgate as a workbench or a seat at camp.
What I love about it is that it doesn't take up any "usable" space. You're not adding a drawer system that sits on top of the floor and kills your vertical clearance. You're using space that was literally doing nothing before. It's like finding a secret compartment in your house that you didn't know existed. For guys running a canopy or a hard lid, this is even more of a win because it's the most accessible part of the truck. You don't even have to reach into the bed; just drop the tailgate, and there's your gear.
The Fear of Cutting Your Truck
Let's address the elephant in the room: you have to cut your truck. For some people, taking a grinder or a jigsaw to their $60,000 Hilux or Ranger is enough to cause a mild panic attack. I get it. It feels wrong to intentionally damage the factory bodywork. But here's the reality—the huracan fabrication tailgate storage system is designed so well that once it's in, it looks like it belongs there.
The kit comes with everything you need to make it look professional. If you take your time and follow the instructions, the finished product is incredibly clean. Plus, if you're worried about structural integrity, don't be. These kits are engineered to keep the tailgate stiff. In many cases, adding the steel storage box actually makes the tailgate feel more solid than the flimsy factory setup. It doesn't wobble or flex when you sit on it, which is a big plus for the bigger blokes among us.
What Can You Actually Fit in There?
You'd be surprised how much room is hiding inside a standard tailgate. While it's not going to hold your spare tire or a full-sized shovel, the huracan fabrication tailgate storage system is perfect for those "just in case" items.
Think about your recovery kit. You can easily fit a couple of soft shackles, a snatch strap, and maybe a pair of gloves. Or, if you're more of a camp chef, it's the perfect spot for a compact stove, some cutlery, and your spices. I've seen guys turn these into dedicated toolboxes with a full set of wrenches and screwdrivers nestled in foam cutouts.
One of the best uses I've seen is for air compressor hoses and tire deflators. There's nothing more annoying than dragging a dirty air hose through the cab of the truck or trying to stuff it back into a cramped bag. Having it right there at the back of the ute makes airing up at the end of a beach run so much faster. It's all about convenience and keeping the "dirty" gear away from your clean camping gear.
Installation Isn't as Bad as You Think
If you're even a little bit handy with tools, you can knock this out in an afternoon. You'll need a few basics: a drill, some tin snips or a jigsaw with a metal blade, and some basic hand tools. The huracan fabrication tailgate storage system usually comes with a template that shows you exactly where to cut.
The most important part is the prep. You want to make sure you treat the raw metal edges with some rust-proofing paint before you install the box. Since the tailgate is exposed to the elements, the last thing you want is the "tin worm" eating away at your truck from the inside out. Once that's done, the box usually bolts right in.
A lot of people also take this opportunity to install gas struts on their tailgate if they haven't already. Since the storage system adds a little bit of weight (especially once you fill it with tools), having those "easy-down" struts makes a world of difference. It stops the tailgate from slamming down and makes the whole setup feel a lot more premium.
Is It Secure?
Security is always a concern when you're talking about gear storage. The huracan fabrication tailgate storage system is generally very secure because, for one, nobody knows it's there when the tailgate is closed and locked. If you have a central locking tailgate, your gear is essentially behind two layers of steel.
The lids themselves usually come with their own locking mechanism or are designed to be held shut by the truck's own locking system. Even if someone peeks over your shoulder at the gas station, they aren't going to see a pile of expensive gear sitting in the back of the ute. It's tucked away, out of sight and out of mind.
Durability and Long-Term Use
I've talked to a few guys who have had the huracan fabrication tailgate storage system installed for years, and the consensus is that they hold up incredibly well. The steel is usually powder-coated or galvanized to prevent corrosion, and the hinges are beefy enough to handle the constant opening and closing.
The only real maintenance is making sure the seals stay clean. If you do a lot of dusty interior tracks, some fine red dust is inevitably going to try and find its way in. Most of these kits use a solid rubber seal, but it doesn't hurt to wipe it down every now and then to keep it airtight. If you're crossing deep rivers, you might get a little moisture in there if you're submerged for a long time, but for general off-roading and rain, it stays bone dry.
Why Choose Huracan Specifically?
There are a few DIY versions of this floating around the internet, and a couple of other brands have tried to copy the idea, but Huracan Fabrication really set the standard. They are an Australian company, and if there's one thing Aussies know, it's how to build tough gear for 4x4s. Our tracks are brutal, the corrugated roads will shake anything loose if it's not built right, and the heat is unforgiving.
When you buy the huracan fabrication tailgate storage system, you're getting something that has been tested in the Outback. The fit and finish are usually miles ahead of the cheaper alternatives. They make kits for almost all the popular models—Hilux, Ranger, Triton, Navara, and even the 79 Series Land Cruiser. They've done the R&D so you don't have to guess if it's going to fit properly.
Final Thoughts
Look, at the end of the day, 4x4ing is all about making the best use of the space you have. We spend thousands of dollars on roof racks, rear bars, and drawer systems, yet we leave the tailgate completely empty. It just doesn't make sense once you realize what's possible.
The huracan fabrication tailgate storage system isn't just a "cool gadget"—it's a practical solution to a problem every truck owner has. It clears up the clutter, keeps your most-used gear within arm's reach, and uses space that would otherwise be wasted. Yeah, you have to be brave enough to cut into your tailgate, but once you see that extra storage space and how clean it looks, you'll wonder why you waited so long to do it.
If you're looking for your next weekend project and want something that actually adds value to your rig, this is it. It's one of those modifications that you'll appreciate every single time you set up camp or need to grab a 10mm socket in a hurry. Just take your time with the jigsaw, keep a cold beer ready for when you finish, and enjoy the most organized tailgate on the tracks.