Jeep Articles / Technical and Installation (Fold Down Tray Table Installation)

Fold Down Tray Table Installation

Article written by Moab Man

Date Added: 08/24/2008

Measure twice, drill once, and we hope not to Swiss Cheese our tailgate as we install Off Road Trail Tools "Fold Down Table Tray."

Installing this table will be a little different on newer model TJ?s that have the removable plastic vent insert. We will be installing the table on a early model TJ without the vent.

Tools Needed

Hammer
Punch (a Phillips screwdriver will work)
Drill (depending on tailgate)
3/8" drill bit
Masking tape
Sharpie marker
4mm Allen wrench
Threaded Insert Riveter tool with threadserts

Installation

1. Tape the table to the tailgate. Using the table as a template, use your Sharpie to mark the holes for drilling.

Don't mount the table too high on the tailgate. You should be able to close the tailgate with the tray extended and not hit the rear seat of your Jeep.

2. Center punch the Sharpie marked points for drilling.

3. Drill the four holes.

4. Install the ¼? x 20 threadserts.

5. Start all four bolts with lock-washers, but don?t tighten them. This will allow for slight variances in your threadsert placement.

6. Tighten down all four bolts.

Installation Issues

The threadserts were the most difficult part of this installation. Not installing them, but finding the installation tool and threadserts themselves.

We first went to Lowes, Home Depot, and finally Ace Hardware with no luck. Eventually we ended up at a specialty nut & bolt store, but they wanted $50 for the tool.

Turning to the web, we started searching. I hate to admit it, but it was a ?Ricer? forum that led us to Harbor Freight where we could get the Threaded Insert Riveter tool and aluminum threadserts as a kit for $15.

Final Thoughts

The table is rated for 5lbs. We found the table handled the rated load with absolutely no problems or warping.

Product Review: Fold Down Tray Table

Vendor Response

This is the tool that we have here and have used for many years.
Alcoa Fastening Systems Industrial

Here's another place that has the inserts. Good inserts.
AVK Industrial Products

Also, here's the link to the AVK Industrial Products AA480 installation tool.
AA480

Some others.
McMASTER-CARR Tools & McMASTER-CARR Inserts

Best regards,

Tat Marcy
www.offroadtrailtools.com
Parts with Passion and Precision?

Purchase / Vendor Info

Vendor Name:	Off Road Trail Tools .com
Address:	7099 W Hutchs Pools Place Tucson, AZ 85743
Phone:	520-579-2079
Contact Person:	Tat Marcy
E-Mail Address:
Website:	http://http://www.expeditionexchange.com/ortt/

Our Thank You's!

Thank you for reading MOABJEEPER Magazine.

Next week we will share our 3 month review and opinion of this product.

Technical / Installation Articles - Body Interior / Exterior