One of the notes said the hole allowed gravel etc to enter the tailgate when they washed out the bed. I normally open the tailgate to wash out dirt, etc. If the gravel etc goes into the tailgate and rattles around, I assume it will cause some damage over time. My old F150 rusted out there...
I went from a 2014 F150 to the 2025 Hybrid Maverick. My F150 had the rusting wheel well and the bottom edge of the tailgate - seems to be a usual Ford issue. It bothers me that they would leave such a big opening in the tailgate. Wish I had noticed it before I bought. Not looking forward to the...