The PSM PALADIN SHIELD SERIES combines rugged tailgate protection with full-function LED lighting and precision vehicle-specific fitment.
Built with a 1/8-inch 5052 aluminum armor plate and a weather-resistant, carbon-fiber-reinforced ASA lightbox, SHIELD helps protect your truck's vulnerable tailgate edge from everyday damage.
FULL-FUNCTION LED LIGHTING
Amber or red turn signals and hazards
Red brake and running lights
Bright white reverse illumination
OPTIONAL INSIGNIA LIGHTBAR
Customize your tailgate with an illuminated company name or logo. Ideal for contractors, businesses, and commercial fleets seeking a distinctive branded appearance.
AVAILABLE FINISHES
Black textured powder coat
Premium polyurea-based bed liner
ENGINEERED FOR YOUR TRUCK
Precision 3D scanning and laser-cut construction help deliver a secure, vehicle-specific fit. Installation and wiring configurations vary by vehicle.
Protect your truck with rugged 1/8-inch aluminum armor and integrated LED lighting. Featuring a weather-resistant, carbon-fiber-reinforced ASA lightbox, SHIELD delivers turn signals, brake lights, running lights, and reverse illumination.
Our most affordable full-function PALADIN protector combines protection, visibility, and aggressive styling in one precision-fit design.
READY TO PROTECT YOUR TRUCK?
Select your year, make, and model to find the SHIELD SERIES protector designed for your vehicle.
Give your truck a tougher, more distinctive look with precision-fit tailgate armor and integrated LED lighting. Built to protect where your truck takes the hits.
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1/8-INCH ALUMINUM ARMOR
Rugged 5052 aluminum protects your tailgate's vulnerable top edge from dings, dents, and dropped cargo while covering worn or damaged factory plastic trim.
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FULL-FUNCTION LED LIGHTING
Stand out with amber or red turn signals, red brake and running lights, and bright white reverse illumination.
Optional INSIGNIA branding puts your company name in the spotlight.
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BUILT TO LAST
Choose durable black textured powder coat or premium polyurea-based bed liner for a rugged finish that stands up to everyday truck use.
SHIELD SERIES LIGHTBAR OPTIONS
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FULL-FUNCTION LED LIGHTBAR
Enhance visibility with your choice of AMBER or RED turn signals, bright red brake and running lights, and crisp white reverse illumination—all integrated into your PALADIN tailgate protector.
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INSIGNIA CUSTOM-BRANDED LIGHTBAR
Turn your tailgate into a rolling billboard with an illuminated company name or logo. The INSIGNIA option combines distinctive styling, brand visibility, and PALADIN protection—ideal for contractors, businesses, and commercial fleets.
Custom branding requires ownership or authorization to use the submitted name, logo, or trademark.
Factory plastic tailgate caps can fade, crack, and warp, leaving your truck's vulnerable tailgate edge exposed to damage.
PALADIN SHIELD SERIES adds rugged 1/8-inch aluminum armor to help protect against dents, dings, and everyday abuse—while integrated LED lighting gives your truck a distinctive finishing touch.
PROTECT. ILLUMINATE. DOMINATE.
Give your truck the protection it deserves and a look that stands apart.
The PALADIN SHIELD SERIES combines precision-fit aluminum armor with integrated LED lighting to protect your tailgate from everyday damage while enhancing visibility and style.
Precision-cut 5052 aluminum protects the vulnerable top edge of your tailgate.
PRECISION VEHICLE FIT
Designed to fit directly over your truck's factory tailgate trim.
RUGGED FINISH OPTIONS
Choose black textured powder coat or premium polyurea-based bed liner.
1/8-INCH ALUMINUM ARMOR
Precision-cut 5052 aluminum protects the vulnerable top edge of your tailgate.
PRECISION VEHICLE FIT
Designed to fit directly over your truck's factory tailgate trim.
RUGGED FINISH OPTIONS
Choose black textured powder coat or premium polyurea-based bed liner.
IMPACT-RESISTANT SMOKED LENS
Durable 1/8-inch acrylic lens helps shield the LEDs from debris and harsh weather.
FULL-FUNCTION LED LIGHTBAR
High-intensity LEDs deliver turn signals, hazards, brake lights, running lights, and white reverse illumination.
WEATHER-RESISTANT LIGHTBOX
Carbon-fiber-reinforced ASA enclosure protects the integrated lighting components.
IMPACT-RESISTANT SMOKED LENS
Durable 1/8-inch acrylic lens helps shield the LEDs from debris and harsh weather.
FULL-FUNCTION LED LIGHTBAR
High-intensity LEDs deliver turn signals, hazards, brake lights, running lights, and white reverse illumination.
WEATHER-RESISTANT LIGHTBOX
Carbon-fiber-reinforced ASA enclosure protects the integrated lighting components.
SHIELD SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
Transform your truck's tailgate into a bold statement of strength and sophistication with the PSM PALADIN Lighted Tailgate Protector™ - precision engineered for durability, style, and safety.
Rugged 1/8" Aluminum Armor Plate
Durable, Long Lasting Finish
Integrated Lighting for Style and Safety
Full Function Lightbar: Turn Signals, Running Light, Brake Light, and Reverse Light.
INSIGNIA Lightbar Option - Company Brand / Full Time Running Light
All Weather Performance
Direct Fit Over Stock Tailgate
Complete Wiring Harness and Installation Kit
PALADIN - SHIELD SERIES
TOP PLATE ARMOR
1/8" 5052 Aluminum
FINISH
Black-Textured Powder Coat or Premium Bed Liner
LIGHTBAR
Full Function Lightbar - Turn signals/Hazards, running light, brake light, and bright white reverse light. Or, INSIGNIA Lightbar with company brand and full time running light.
From lightweight aluminum to heavy-duty steel armor, the PALADIN lineup offers different levels of protection, lighting, and finish options.
Compare the series below to find the right solution for your truck and how you use it.
*Tonneau-cover compatibility varies by product, cover design, and installation. Check the product-specific compatibility information before ordering. Some installations may require adjustment.
Every PALADIN Tailgate Protector begins with precision 3D scanning to capture the unique contours of your truck's tailgate. We then use precision laser cutting to create vehicle-specific armor engineered for a secure fit, dependable protection, and a clean, factory-inspired appearance.
The PALADIN SHIELD SERIES is our most affordable full-function lighted tailgate protector. It combines a rugged 1/8-inch 5052 aluminum armor plate, a weather-resistant carbon-fiber-reinforced ASA lightbox, and integrated LED lighting. SHIELD is designed for truck owners who want tailgate protection, full-function lighting, and distinctive styling without moving up to our heavier steel armor series.
The PALADIN SHIELD SERIES is our most affordable full-function lighted tailgate protector. It combines a rugged 1/8-inch 5052 aluminum armor plate, a weather-resistant carbon-fiber-reinforced ASA lightbox, and integrated LED lighting. SHIELD is designed for truck owners who want tailgate protection, full-function lighting, and distinctive styling without moving up to our heavier steel armor series.
What does the SHIELD SERIES protect?
SHIELD helps protect the vulnerable top edge of your tailgate from dents, dings, scratches, and everyday cargo-related damage. Its precision-fit aluminum armor installs over the factory tailgate cap, providing an additional protective layer where trucks often take abuse.
SHIELD helps protect the vulnerable top edge of your tailgate from dents, dings, scratches, and everyday cargo-related damage. Its precision-fit aluminum armor installs over the factory tailgate cap, providing an additional protective layer where trucks often take abuse.
What lighting functions are available on the SHIELD SERIES?
The SHIELD full-function LED lightbar provides your choice of amber or red turn signals, hazard light functionality, red brake lights, red running lights, and bright white reverse lights. Lighting configuration and turn-signal behavior may vary by vehicle and tailgate design.
The SHIELD full-function LED lightbar provides your choice of amber or red turn signals, hazard light functionality, red brake lights, red running lights, and bright white reverse lights. Lighting configuration and turn-signal behavior may vary by vehicle and tailgate design.
Can I customize SHIELD with my company name or logo?
Yes. The optional INSIGNIA custom-branded lightbar lets you display an illuminated company name or logo. It is well suited to contractors, small businesses, and fleets. INSIGNIA uses a custom-branded running-light configuration rather than the standard full-function lightbar. You must own or have permission to use any submitted name, logo, or trademark.
Yes. The optional INSIGNIA custom-branded lightbar lets you display an illuminated company name or logo. It is well suited to contractors, small businesses, and fleets. INSIGNIA uses a custom-branded running-light configuration rather than the standard full-function lightbar. You must own or have permission to use any submitted name, logo, or trademark.
How is the PALADIN SHIELD SERIES installed?
SHIELD is designed to mount directly over your truck's existing factory tailgate cap. Installation uses premium 3M VHB adhesive strips along with concealed mechanical fasteners for a secure fit and clean appearance. Each vehicle-specific product includes installation instructions; details may vary by truck and tailgate configuration.
SHIELD is designed to mount directly over your truck's existing factory tailgate cap. Installation uses premium 3M VHB adhesive strips along with concealed mechanical fasteners for a secure fit and clean appearance. Each vehicle-specific product includes installation instructions; details may vary by truck and tailgate configuration.
How does the SHIELD SERIES connect to my truck's electrical system?
SHIELD uses a vehicle-appropriate wiring harness to connect its integrated LED lighting to your truck. Depending on the vehicle, installation may use a trailer-connector adapter or a harness that connects to factory taillight wiring. For newer trucks with trailer monitoring systems, the appropriate harness helps avoid conflicts with factory trailer detection. Select your truck's year, make, model, and applicable equipment to identify the correct configuration.
SHIELD uses a vehicle-appropriate wiring harness to connect its integrated LED lighting to your truck. Depending on the vehicle, installation may use a trailer-connector adapter or a harness that connects to factory taillight wiring. For newer trucks with trailer monitoring systems, the appropriate harness helps avoid conflicts with factory trailer detection. Select your truck's year, make, model, and applicable equipment to identify the correct configuration.
Does SHIELD fit Chevrolet and GMC Multi-Flex or MultiPro tailgates?
Yes, on supported applications. PALADIN offers configurations for standard tailgates and GM Multi-Flex/MultiPro tailgates. Standard-tailgate versions generally use a single armor plate and lightbar. Multi-Flex/MultiPro versions use a multi-piece design to accommodate additional opening functions. Lighting operation and installation differ; select the correct tailgate type in your vehicle-specific listing.
Yes, on supported applications. PALADIN offers configurations for standard tailgates and GM Multi-Flex/MultiPro tailgates. Standard-tailgate versions generally use a single armor plate and lightbar. Multi-Flex/MultiPro versions use a multi-piece design to accommodate additional opening functions. Lighting operation and installation differ; select the correct tailgate type in your vehicle-specific listing.
Does SHIELD work with Ford tailgates equipped with an integrated step?
Yes, on supported Ford applications. PALADIN offers specially designed configurations that accommodate the integrated tailgate step. Precision-cut armor components are designed around the step opening to help preserve access to the factory feature. Confirm compatibility in your vehicle-specific listing.
Yes, on supported Ford applications. PALADIN offers specially designed configurations that accommodate the integrated tailgate step. Precision-cut armor components are designed around the step opening to help preserve access to the factory feature. Confirm compatibility in your vehicle-specific listing.
Is SHIELD compatible with tonneau covers and camper shells?
Yes, with many popular tonneau covers and camper shells. Compatibility depends on how the cover or shell meets the rear edge of the tailgate. Covers that extend over or interfere with the tailgate's top edge may require adjustment or may not be compatible. Contact us with your truck and cover model if you're unsure.
Yes, with many popular tonneau covers and camper shells. Compatibility depends on how the cover or shell meets the rear edge of the tailgate. Covers that extend over or interfere with the tailgate's top edge may require adjustment or may not be compatible. Contact us with your truck and cover model if you're unsure.
What is the difference between SENTRY, SHIELD, ARMOR, and ULTRA ARMOR?
SENTRY is our most affordable PALADIN option, with running-light configurations. SHIELD adds 1/8-inch 5052 aluminum armor and full-function LED lighting. ARMOR uses a heavier 14-gauge steel armor plate. ULTRA ARMOR features heavy-duty 12-gauge steel armor for demanding applications. SHIELD is a strong starting point for full-function lighting and aluminum tailgate protection; choose ARMOR or ULTRA ARMOR for heavier steel protection.
SENTRY is our most affordable PALADIN option, with running-light configurations. SHIELD adds 1/8-inch 5052 aluminum armor and full-function LED lighting. ARMOR uses a heavier 14-gauge steel armor plate. ULTRA ARMOR features heavy-duty 12-gauge steel armor for demanding applications. SHIELD is a strong starting point for full-function lighting and aluminum tailgate protection; choose ARMOR or ULTRA ARMOR for heavier steel protection.
How do I find the correct SHIELD SERIES protector for my truck?
Use the Year / Make / Model selector on this page to find the PALADIN SHIELD SERIES designed for your vehicle. Your vehicle-specific listing will help you identify fitment, available lighting configurations, finishes, and installation requirements. Confirm your truck's details before ordering.
Use the Year / Make / Model selector on this page to find the PALADIN SHIELD SERIES designed for your vehicle. Your vehicle-specific listing will help you identify fitment, available lighting configurations, finishes, and installation requirements. Confirm your truck's details before ordering.
PROTECT THE FRONT. ILLUMINATE THE BED.
Complete your truck's protection with the PALADIN REVEAL SERIES. Combining a rugged front bed rail protector with powerful integrated white LED lighting, REVEAL helps protect your truck while illuminating the bed when you're working, loading, or searching for gear after dark.
PALADIN REVEAL SERIES
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FRONT BED RAIL PROTECTION
Help protect your truck's vulnerable front bed rail from dents, dings, and damage caused by shifting cargo, tools, and everyday use.
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THREE ARMOR OPTIONS
Choose the protection level that fits your needs: 1/8-inch 5052 aluminum, 14-gauge steel, or heavy-duty 12-gauge steel.
3
POWERFUL BED LIGHTING
Bright 6000K white LEDs illuminate your truck bed, making it easier to find tools, load cargo, and work after dark.
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BUILT FOR REAL TRUCK USE
A rugged protective enclosure and your choice of black textured powder coat or premium polyurea-based bed liner deliver lasting durability and distinctive styling.
At TRUCKED UP™, American craftsmanship means more than a label. It reflects our passion for quality, innovation, and products built to perform.
We're proud to offer the PALADIN Truck Armor System™, manufactured by Powershift Manufacturing (PSM), alongside our own product lines and carefully selected truck accessories.
As a family-owned American business, we're committed to bringing truck owners rugged protection, innovative solutions, and distinctive products that deliver performance, durability, and style.