PROTECTION. SAFETY. STYLE.
The PSM PALADIN Lighted Tailgate Protector™ gives your truck the strength and style it deserves - built from tough aluminum with a smoked LED light bar that protects, enhances, and turns heads day or night.
2009-2018 RAM 1500/2500/3500 & RAM CLASSIC (GEN 4)
2009-2018 RAM 1500/2500/3500
2019-2023 RAM 1500 CLASSIC
Rugged Aluminum Construction: Choose from 1/8" or 1/4" tough aluminum plate. Durable Black-textured Powder Coat: resists scratches, chips, and corrosion for lasting performance and premium finish. Impact Resistant Acrylic Lens: Specially modified shatter-resistant lens shields your light bar from road debris and harsh weather.
Discover the ultimate in tailgate protection with the PSM PALADIN LED Tailgate Protector.
Available in two high-performance models designed for everyday use and two heavy-duty versions targeted at the hardest working trucks out there.
The primary differences between the PALADIN versions are the thickness of the top plate, the protective finish, and the structure of the light bar enclosure.
* 1/8" top plate works well with tonneau covers tested.
Everyday Use
Everyday Use
Heavy Duty Use
Heavy Duty Use
1/8" 5052 Aluminum Plate
1/8" 5052 Aluminum Plate
1/4" 5052 Aluminum Plate
1/4" 5052 Aluminum Plate
Black Textured Powder Coat
Black Textured Powder Coat + Polyurea-Based Bed Liner
Black Textured Powder Coat
Black Textured Powder Coat + Polyurea-Based Bed Liner
Durable ASA
Durable ASA
1/8" Aluminum
1/8" Aluminum
1000 LED Triple Row
1000 LED Triple Row
1000 LED Triple Row
1000 LED Triple Row
Easy 15 Minutes
Easy 15 Minutes
Easy 15 Minutes
Easy 15 Minutes
Plug-and-Play Adapter (Included)
Plug-and-Play Adapter (Included)
Plug-and-Play Adapter (Included)
Plug-and-Play Adapter (Included)
Choose Your Year/Make/Model:
PALADIN Tailgate Protectors are precision engineered to fit your truck's tailgate perfectly with simple 15 minute fitting and plug-n-play wiring.
Ford / Chevy / GMC / RAM / Toyota
Choose Your Light Bar:
Choose Your Level of Protection:
The SHIELD Series has a textured powder coat finish while the ARMOR features the same powder coat PLUS a premium polyurea-based bed liner layer.
Both feature 1/8" 5052 aluminum top plates and durable, weather-resistant ASA light enclosures.
The PSM PALADIN Lighted Tailgate Protector™ gives your truck the strength and style it deserves - built from tough aluminum with a smoked LED light bar that protects, enhances, and turns heads day or night.
Transform your trucks' tailgate into a bold statement of strength and style with the PSM PALADIN Lighted Tailgate Protector™ - engineered for toughness, precision, and performance. Designed to shield your tailgate top from dents, dings, and damage while adding a sleek, illuminated finish that enhances visibility and safety on or off the road.
Choice of 1/8" or 1/4" Tough Aluminum Plate
• Standard Armor (1/8") - Ideal for daily drivers.
• Ultra Armor (1/4") - Built for contractors, tradesmen, and heavy-duty use.
Rugged and Durable Finish Options
Fits Directly over Stock Tailgate
Precision laser cut to fit your truck model tailgate
Impact Resistant Acrylic Lens
1000+ High Intensity LED's
3-row high intensity LED's
Choice of Light Bars
Rugged Lightbox
Choose between ASA plastic or full metal enclosure.
Every PALADIN Tailgate Protector begins with a precision 3D scan, capturing exact measurements and subtle contours for a flawless, factory-perfect fit. Each component is then precision laser-cut for unmatched accuracy.
Our ULTRA ARMOR and ULTRA MAX Series feature all-metal light box enclosures which are precision laser-welded, delivering extreme strength, superior durability, and long-lasting performance built for real-world truck use.
For your 2009-2018 RAM truck, PSM provides a harness assembly that connects behind the bumper to the 7-pin trailer wiring.
From behind the bumper simply insert the PSM 7-pin splitter adapter before the bumper adapter housing.
Route the remaining cable from behind the bumper and feed up into the tailgate. Remove the tailgate access panel and pull the cable up to the top of the tailgate.
Plug the PALADIN light bar cable into the harness.
Why do I need a PSM PALADIN Tailgate Protector™?
PROTECTION. SAFETY. STYLE
The PSM PALADIN Tailgate Protector™ delivers all three - and solves the biggest problems with today’s lightweight aluminum tailgates.
Protection: Modern tailgates weren’t built for the daily abuse trucks actually take. That’s why so many trucks on the road have dented top edges, cracked ABS caps, or missing trim.
The PSM PALADIN Tailgate Protector™gives your truck a rugged aluminum armor plate combined with a long-lasting LED bar protected behind an impact-resistant, weatherproof acrylic lens.
It replaces flimsy factory materials with real protection that lasts.
Safety: Your truck can become a hole in the dark between roof line and rear bumper after dark.The PSM PALADIN Tailgate Protector™fills this “dark zone” with 1,000+ high-intensity LEDs, dramatically increasing your visibility to other drivers in all weather conditions.
Style - The Cool Factor: Let’s be honest - it looks incredible. The PSM PALADIN Tailgate Protector™ adds a bold, custom, performance-inspired look to your truck’s rear end. It’s functional. It’s premium. And it turns heads day or night.
How Does the PSM PALADIN Tailgate Protector™ Attach to the Tailgate?
Installation is quick, clean, and secure - you’ll be ready to roll before your coffee cools.
The PSM PALADIN Tailgate Protector™ mounts directly over your stock tailgate cap and instantly upgrades both protection and visibility.
It installs using two premium 3M VHB™ adhesive strips along the top edge, paired with four black anodized stainless-steel self-tapping screws positioned on the inside of the tailgate for a hidden, factory-finish look.
How does it work with STANDARD tailgates VS MULTI-FLEX tailgates (Chevy / GMC)?
STANDARD Tailgates: Come in one peice with a single light bar and feature sequential turn signals in amber or red depending on light bar selected.
MULTI-FLEX Tailgates: Come in three pieces with three lighted sections. Wiring is a little more complex but designed to still be plug-n-play. Turn signals are not sequential but are standard flashing type that flash in sync with the OEM taillights.
How does it work with FORD step tailgates?
Ford tailgates with the extracting tailgate come in a large single top plate the covers the majority of the tailgate with a precision laser cut out for a second piece that fits over the step section.
What is the Difference Between the EVERYDAY versions and the HEAVY DUTY versions?
The only difference between the two versions is the thickness of the top plate and the protection of the lightbox.
In the SHIELD SERIES and ARMOR SERIES the top plate is 1/8" aluminum and the lightbox is constructed of weather-resistant and durable ASA plastic.
The ULTRA ARMOR SERIES and the ULTRA MAX SERIES upgrades this to a full ALL-METAL construction using a 1/4" top plate and a full-metal light box enclosure.
Does the PSM PALADIN Work with Camper Shells and Tonneau Covers?
Yes- the Standard Armor (1/8") aluminum plate models have been successfully tested with many popular shells and tonneau covers as long as they do not extend over the back of the tailgate.
How Does the Wiring Work?
There are two simple wiring options for connecting the PSM PALADIN LED Tailgate Protector light bar:
Most Pre-2019 Trucks
For a clean, permanent, and professional installation, use the included PSM PALADIN Universal Quick-Connect Adapter Harness. This Dual 7-Pin to 4-Pin splitter with integrated reverse-wire extension provides a low-profile, nearly hidden wiring solution - and preserves full use of your factory 7-pin and 4-pin trailer connection
Most Trucks 2019-Newer. (With Trailer Monitoring Systems)
For newer trucks especially with Trailer Monitoring Systems we include a PALADIN Universal Quick-Connect Adapter Harness that wires into the taillights. This avoids the trailer wiring and the Trailer Monitor Systems altogether so there is no conflict nor warning messages.
How Much Does Shipping Cost?
Shipping is FREE for all orders over $150*.
* Lower US 48-states
What is a PALADIN?
A paladin (pa·luh·dn) is a heroic, chivalrous warrior who fights for a cause.
Your truck is one of your greatest possessions...a cause we think is worth fighting for!
Family Owned and Operated
To us, American Made signifies more than exceptional craftsmanship. It reflects our promise to improve our customers’ experiences on the road and to support the people and communities we call home.