Almost done! Got a ton done today after spending the day yesterday doing some unexpected repairs to the tailgate. Got the latch figured out, got the ends capped and sanded pretty. Just have the jerry can mounts tomorrow to build, and mount them on there. And then... I think I'm going to sell it and build another. haha.
I learned a lot and there are a few things I thought of along the way that I want to change and incorporate into the design and they are too big of changes to modify this one. I'm really happy with it, and might hang on to it for a few months, until after DV trip is over. But I already have the next design in my head and it's going to be a big improvement in a few areas.
Padlock keeps the latch from being able to come open.. 200lbs of tire and fuel cans swinging around in traffic would be a very bad thing. Also, keeps the rear of my cruiser more secure.
Pins to lock it open. My last one was really annoying if you weren't parked perfectly even. One side would constantly be swinging into the side of the cruiser, the other side would be constantly trying to close and hitting you while you were unloading camping stuff. Ratchet straps solved that.. but this is soooo much more clean and fancy.