Purpose of the brackets on the 2025 Maverick tailgate

[Capt. DA]

Does anyone know what the purpose is of the brackets that are screwed to each edge of the tailgate? (See photo)The bracket does not latch to anything and it prevented me from adding a strut that would soften the opening and closing of the tailgate. Sadly, no one at my local dealership knew its purpose. Any ideas? Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[Don806]

Tie downs
Also bottle opener
Does have to be removed for tailgate assist. There are several options to replace with ones that will work with tailgate assist

 

[Joe Strummer]

It's a tie-down for when you load something onto the tailgate (it also doubles as a beer opener). You can buy a replacement tie-down that is compatible with a damper. Just search this site.

The damper is slightly tricky to install but well worth it.

 

[Lane]

Forum member @MakinDoForNow shared a photo that's the best illustration to date that I've seen, which shows the value of having the two tailgate mounted tie-down points available.

That tie down point is there because someday, it will be necessary.

The tailgate strut is a worthwhile addition. Arms/hands full? Unlatch the gate with one finger and let it drop without that huge BANG!!!.

There are options for a replacement tie down point that works with the strut. I have one available that I make and sell.

Works well and clears the new strut and no issues with the cable. And made in the USA by a fellow Maverick owner. I have a thread here in the For Sale forum.

 

[Backin15]

With our short bed, those tie downs on the tailgate are very useful since we haul with the tailgate down a lot. Amazing that nobody at the dealership knew what they were for!

 

[Dad]

Adding my two cents on the tailgate dampener . . . absolutely worth the $20 or so and easily found on Amazon. Having the remodeled tie down on the tailgate is almost mandatory. You might not think you have a need for it, but if you only have to use it once, it's worth it.

 

[Dad]

With our short bed, those tie downs on the tailgate are very useful since we haul with the tailgate down a lot. Amazing that nobody at the dealership knew what they were for!

Mind boggling the dealer didn't know what they were for. They walk among us.

 

[FischAutoTechGarten]

Mind boggling the dealer didn't know what they were for. They walk among us.

Really discouraging isn't it?

 

[Rileyotta]

Does anyone know what the purpose is of the brackets that are screwed to each edge of the tailgate? (See photo)The bracket does not latch to anything and it prevented me from adding a strut that would soften the opening and closing of the tailgate. Sadly, no one at my local dealership knew its purpose. Any ideas? Thanks!

Tie downs, when you’ve got a long load and need to use the tailgate.
You can move the cables up so the edge of your tailgate aligns with the height of the wheel wells, to load longer items, and those brackets act as your tie down points.
They double as a bottle opener

 

[Manollo3]

The dampener was the first mod I did not mine. So well worth it. Plenty of options out there to replace the factory tie down.

 

[MikeS1942]

Does anyone know what the purpose is of the brackets that are screwed to each edge of the tailgate? (See photo)The bracket does not latch to anything and it prevented me from adding a strut that would soften the opening and closing of the tailgate. Sadly, no one at my local dealership knew its purpose. Any ideas? Thanks!

If you try to install the tailgate lowering cylinder, they will tell you what to do with this tiedown/bottle opener. I find this incredible that these posts exist.

 

[HeyBales]

If you try to install the tailgate lowering cylinder, they will tell you what to do with this tiedown/bottle opener. I find this incredible that these posts exist.

Let me guess - the instructions even call it a tie-down?

Can't the strut be installed both directions - but for water leak only 1 way is correct?
I've seen pictures of upside down - I'm guessing the instructions are skipped by many.

 

[Carlitos_92]

I find this incredible that these posts exist.

Me too. Sigh...

 

[Dad]

Really discouraging isn't it?

Isn't it though? Seems to me one only needs to be around a truck for all of 15 secons to figure out that trucks haul things and I bet this this is something to attach a tie down.

 

[bighap]

These brackets are strut friendly and honestly easier to hook to than the factory ones.

https://a.co/d/8sGlITz

Sponsored