Vehicle tailgate system

A tailgate frame comprising:

• first and second side-members each extending from a lower to an upper end, each side-member having internal and external surfaces, the internal surfaces defining T-slots;
• a lower cross-member extending between and secured to each of the lower ends;
• and
• a pair of hinges, one of the pair secured to each external surface proximate the lower ends.

A vehicle tailgate comprising:

• a frame having first and second outer side-members each secured to ends of a lower outer cross-member, the outer side-members having internal and external surfaces wherein the internal surfaces define T-slots;
• a pair of hinges, one of the pair of hinges secured to each external surface;
• a pair of latches, one of the pair of latches secured to each external surface;
• a pair of lowering straps, one of the pair of lowering straps secured to each external surface;
• an upper outer cross-member secured to each of the first and second outer side-members;
• an inner cross-member extending between and secured to the first and second outer side-members between the upper and lower outer cross-members;
• a plurality of accessory mounting brackets secured to and spanning the inner and upper outer cross-members between the first and second outer side-members;
• and
• inner and outer tailgate panels secured to opposing outer sides of the frame such that the external surfaces remain exposed, the inner and outer tailgate panels defining access holes that expose the accessory mounting brackets.