AED Fabrication and Design Talon Rear Gate

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Cobber4082

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I have scoured the market looking for a rear gate that swings out with a shelf for the cargo. It just doesn’t exist for a Talon. Having seen AED’s work on Talon tree kickers and other things, I reached out and asked if he would make me what I wanted. My wants were simple in my mind, but probably difficult to fabricate from scratch. I wanted 2 mounting points on the cage only, with nothing going down to the hitch area. I wanted a shelf that would accommodate a cooler (or other boxes) that would swing out of the way when opened and not rattle and squeak when in motion. I wanted it to look good all while being functional. I dropped my Talon off to David the Friday before the TN/Alabama game in Kentucky. Picked it up this past Friday and it was worth the wait. The design, welds, functionality, and everything else you can think of are perfect for me. He KNOCKED it out of the park. FWIW the space is designed to accommodate a Yeti 45 cooler, but it’s big enough for a full size Packout if you choose. Mounting for the items is on you though.

I told him that there was definitely a market for what I was asking for, if he was willing to design and build it. His plan is to make them moving forward for shipment. I will say this, there are a lot of adjustments to get it into place and for it to function properly. If you are doing a DIY install be patient, it will work but you’ll have to have a slight bit of mechanical aptitude. Once it’s in place you won’t be disappointed. He told me that I could advertise for him and even give his phone number out, but I’m not gonna post it here. If you want to contact him via phone and can’t find his number, DM me and I’ll send it to you. He can be reached via Facebook at AED Fabrication and Design. I think if you use the goggles his number pops up as well. If not I’ll give it to you. He’s a really good dude that takes an incredible amount of pride in what he builds.

Those that know me know that I’m extremely OCD as far as my accessories go. I have ZERO issues with what he made me. It’s PERFECT! I suggested he become a vendor here as our community alone could keep him busy for a while, and he said he was going to look into it. Felt like it would be worth the expense.

Here’s some shots from fab to completion.
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@GovtMule
That is an awesome looking bed extender. Now that you have had it awhile - what might you do differently? I like the platform plate when open for picnic supply table. About what size are the holes in the plate and approximate dimension of the plate? How heavy would you say it is total? Sorry for all the questions but wow nice looking. thanks
 
GovtMule

GovtMule

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@GovtMule
That is an awesome looking bed extender. Now that you have had it awhile - what might you do differently? I like the platform plate when open for picnic supply table. About what size are the holes in the plate and approximate dimension of the plate? How heavy would you say it is total? Sorry for all the questions but wow nice looking. thanks
Not sure on the total weight, but it’s not much. Maybe 25lbs total. It’s made to hold a Yeti 45 cooler, and as for the holes I’d guess 2” or so. There’s also a support across the underside for added support and strength.

I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s perfect so far. No rattles or squeaks.
 
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Cobber4082

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Not sure on the total weight, but it’s not much. Maybe 25lbs total. It’s made to hold a Yeti 45 cooler, and as for the holes I’d guess 2” or so. There’s also a support across the underside for added support and strength.

I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s perfect so far. No rattles or squeaks.
Thanks looks like it would weigh much more but never can tell with thin wall tube. Good to hear you are still satisfied. Guess I need to check in with them on cost and lead time if they want to do another.
 
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Cobber4082

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Well that didnt work out. Got ahold of AED today and was told they would need the talon in the shop as they didnt have enough measurements to jig it up for boxing and shipping ala carte. Basically Mule has the one and only. Seemed like nice dude though. Have to keep shopping or wait for someone closer to bite and let him experiment some more on prototype.
 
Scoop

Scoop

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Hell, if he were closer, I'd do it!
 
GovtMule

GovtMule

NTC’s SoA, Chief Sarcasm Officer.
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May 19, 2021
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  1. Talon R
Well that didnt work out. Got ahold of AED today and was told they would need the talon in the shop as they didnt have enough measurements to jig it up for boxing and shipping ala carte. Basically Mule has the one and only. Seemed like nice dude though. Have to keep shopping or wait for someone closer to bite and let him experiment some more on prototype.
He’s a great dude, but he’s a one man show. I thought he was gonna make a jig as he made mine. The lead time took a little while too, but it was worth not having my machine for it. The end outweighed the wait!
 
Scoop

Scoop

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  2. 1000-5

  3. Talon R LV
He’s a great dude, but he’s a one man show. I thought he was gonna make a jig as he made mine. The lead time took a little while too, but it was worth not having my machine for it. The end outweighed the wait!
Maybe you can haul it back to Corbin and give it up for a few more weeks, @GovtMule ? 😁
 
lowranger

lowranger

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Well that didnt work out. Got ahold of AED today and was told they would need the talon in the shop as they didnt have enough measurements to jig it up for boxing and shipping ala carte. Basically Mule has the one and only. Seemed like nice dude though. Have to keep shopping or wait for someone closer to bite and let him experiment some more on prototype.
I just installed my Dirt Road Fabrications swing out tire carrier and bed extension yesterday. This is well made.
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IMG 20250320 152938319 HDR
 
GovtMule

GovtMule

NTC’s SoA, Chief Sarcasm Officer.
Lifetime Member
May 19, 2021
21,424
183,717
113
Tennessee
Ownership

  1. Talon R
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