Once it’s installed it looks awesome. However, the installation was way too difficult. The first thing you need to do is throw away the instructions. Smittybilt provides one sheet that tries to cover Jeep 07-10 JK, 11-12 JK, and TJ. All three products are different.
The cover comes with really cheap screws. I’ve heard other people have had issues with the provided screws striping. So, I purchased ten heavy grade self-tapping screws at the hardware store and didn’t have any issues with the new hardware. It doesn’t really fit the 2012 JK tailgate. There is a swing arm that secures the tailgate from flying open. For a smooth installation, this arm is in the way.
I unbolted the arm and drilled two new holes into the Smittybilt product. To prevent the nylon from unravelling I used a butane torch to melt the edges of the new holes. With this modification the cover installs underneath the arm mount on the tailgate.
It’s still not 100% smooth but it’s as close as I can make it. The two bags that come with the cover are now loaded and hold a lot of stuff. The larger bag has most of my hand tools while the smaller bag contains D-links and gloves. The images show a plastic first aid supply box, but I upgraded to a tin sold by Best Made Company.
I’ve changed a few things around to accommodate my needs. Here is an updated photo (Summer 2013):
**I no longer have this installed on my Jeep. I upgraded my rear tailgate storage solution to a Springtail MPAC folding tray.**
