Tailgate Assist Question

[RobN]

I just don’t want the tailgate, of any weight, to free fall. I do miss my Silverado easy up tailgate.

To each his own, but...my hand is already on the tailgate to release it. Having it not free fall requires such little effort, the cost-to-benefit of the money, time, and energy to install the strut (and come up with a new tie-down) has got to be close to a thousand tailgate open/close cycles.

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[Glen Baker LLC]

Tailgate assist is sure nice when your arms are full and you've got maybe one or two fingers to pull the latch.

 

[Jim Walker]

I turned it around and whittled an end off , elongated hole a little , still use a small racket strap

 

[MetalsGeek]

Yes, the original bottle opener tie must go. I made a replacement for that that attached similarly to the original part when rotated 180. It works fine but protrudes above the tailgate when it's down. The folding D-ring is a better approach.

 

[Robert C]

Yes, the original bottle opener tie must go. I made a replacement for that that attached similarly to the original part when rotated 180. It works fine but protrudes above the tailgate when it's down. The folding D-ring is a better approach.

So then I can't enjoy a bottle of beer if I put an assist on my tailgate?

 

[AlsMaverick]

This has to be the lightest tailgate in the history of pickup trucks.
I don't get it.

I believe you don't get it. Has nothing to do with weight. NOTHING!!!

 

[AlsMaverick]

So then I can't enjoy a bottle of beer if I put an assist on my tailgate?

One on the other side not more than 4' away.

 

[MetalsGeek]

So then I can't enjoy a bottle of beer if I put an assist on my tailgate?

No, you're still OK. The OEM bottle opener on the right side will still be there.

 

[Robert C]

No, you're still OK. The OEM bottle opener on the right side will still be there.

Yeah but farther away.
If I can't lift a lift gate how can I move 4 ft to access the bottle opener?

 

[MetalsGeek]

Yeah but farther away.
If I can't lift a lift gate how can I move 4 ft to access the bottle opener?

LOL
If you think that's a dilemma, just imagine a flat tire with a load holding the tailgate down.
You can't lower the spare because the tailgate blocks the winch screw port above the bumper.
... but at least you'll be able to open that beer and wait for the highway patrol to come help.

 

[REMUB40]

I just took mine off and placed it in the armrest storage with a screwdriver type bit. Put in on when needed and take it off when done. I haven't needed to do it yet.

 

[LibDan]

@Glen Baker LLC @Jeff D.

Do you (or anyone else) see any reason for concern that the fold-down ring types only have a single screw to support the load vs. the two screws of all the OEM types and the "pointy" ones I found? Thanks.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

@Glen Baker LLC @Jeff D.

Do you (or anyone else) see any reason for concern that the fold-down ring types only have a single screw to support the load vs. the two screws of all the OEM types and the "pointy" ones I found? Thanks.

With a rating of 900 to 1000 lb I never questioned it.
Hauling a couple pieces of wood or trim work. I don't foresee ever using even a ratchet strap at over a couple hundred pounds. Just not an issue for me.

 

[Jeff D.]

@Glen Baker LLC @Jeff D.

Do you (or anyone else) see any reason for concern that the fold-down ring types only have a single screw to support the load vs. the two screws of all the OEM types and the "pointy" ones I found? Thanks.

Dan, the one I bought has two screws that mount it, but the single screw version should be ok for most smaller loads, I'd think?

It would all depend on what you were securing. Bigger/heavier items, I'd probably opt for the other style.

 

[LibDan]

Dan, the one I bought has two screws that mount it, but the single screw version should be ok for most smaller loads, I'd think?

It would all depend on what you were securing. Bigger/heavier items, I'd probably opt for the other style.

The pointy ones I got have two screws. I like the fold down idea though... if it will hold the weight. A single screw doesn't leave much redundancy.

@Glen Baker LLC I don't have any particular load in mind. My most likely hauls are garden supplies, maybe an old washing machine or refrigerator, a couple bicycles, a kayak or two, things like that. But ten years is a long time and I am reluctant to say "never" if you know what I mean. I'm the guy who got the tow package "just because" and doesn't own a single trailer of any type.

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