Tailgate Cable Alternative

[Jeff D.]

I remember on older trucks, atleast '70's and prior Chevys, they had metal arms that were used instead of cables. These seemed to work good. They could be disconnected and the tailgate removed easily, they were easily inspected for corrosion and wear, and they certainly could carry loads.

Why did they go way from that design? Was it cost alone? They didn't take up alot of room, as they were fairly narrow, and I believe they might even be able to fit in the same area the Mavericks cables do.

I had an '95 Chevy that broke a cable. It was corroded and I couldn't see the corrosion as it was covered with rubber. At that time I thought it was a poor design.

Perhaps I'm missing something? I'd be interested in replacing my cables, if an aftermarket design similiar to the earlier ones were offered for the Maverick. I'd certainly be less worried when carrying a load on the tailgate, which happens on the Maverick alot more due to the short bed.

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[jwm135]

Go online and look for Maverick Tailgate Assist. I put one on my truck and you just release the tailgate and it gently falls into the down position. Works great.

 

[Jeff D.]

Go online and look for Maverick Tailgate Assist. I put one on my truck and you just release the tailgate and it gently falls into the down position. Works great.

Thanks, John. I do have one of those and like it.

The linkages I was referring to would replace the cables for limiting the tailgates travel. I've noticed the tailgate seems to go past "level" when a load is on it, I'm nervous about cables breaking when the tailgate has a load on it, and Mavericks have had issues with the cables not being the same length. One cable takes a disproportiante amount of the weight when it's like this, and can cause a twisting stress is the tailgate when it happens.

The linkage (arms) I am thinking of were used for many years and seemed like a good idea. There may be a good reason cables are better, but I don't know what that would be.

In my example below, if the cable were to break my snowmobile would certainly be put in a dangerous position for me and other motorists. That's my fear. I'd be more comfortable with the old style arms in that instance.

 

[Ravinus]

I remember on older trucks, atleast '70's and prior Chevys, they had metal arms that were used instead of cables. These seemed to work good. They could be disconnected and the tailgate removed easily, they were easily inspected for corrosion and wear, and they certainly could carry loads.

Why did they go way from that design? Was it cost alone? They didn't take up alot of room, as they were fairly narrow, and I believe they might even be able to fit in the same area the Mavericks cables do.

I had an '95 Chevy that broke a cable. It was corroded and I couldn't see the corrosion as it was covered with rubber. At that time I thought it was a poor design.

Perhaps I'm missing something? I'd be interested in replacing my cables, if an aftermarket design similiar to the earlier ones were offered for the Maverick. I'd certainly be less worried when carrying a load on the tailgate, which happens on the Maverick alot more due to the short bed.

https://www.roughcountry.com/product/tailgate-assist-73211

Works great. Super easy to install.

 

[Jeff D.]

https://www.roughcountry.com/product/tailgate-assist-73211

Works great. Super easy to install.

Thanks, Kevin! I think I beat you to the post. See my post above for a better explaination of my thoughts. I must have been unclear on my first post.

Thanks, though.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Thanks, Kevin! I think I beat you to the post. See my post above for a better explaination of my thoughts. I must have been unclear on my first post.

Thanks, though.

Update...
The cables are not stainless steel
I would worry more about over stressing the attaching points.

 

[Toddman45]

When hauling the snowmobil you'd be better off using a trailer. At least that would be the safest route.

 

[Carlitos_92]

I'm positive that money and ease of manufacturing were what backed the decision to move to cables, but it could be also that there were some people that lost fingers in the linkage-guillotine apparatus.

I doubt the cable has less capacity or is any more prone to fail than the flat-bar linkages, and that is probably why it will be hard to find a bar-type retrofit. If that's what you're after, though, - good luck in the hunt.

 

[Jeff D.]

Aren't the cables stainless steel?
I would worry more about over stressing the attaching points.

Glen, I don't know. Good question. I know they haven't always been, if they are now.

I had a heck of a time finding a picture, but here's one of a similair design to what I was thinking.

I'm not saying my idea is best either, just wondering as I am curious. Maybe someone here knows more.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Glen, I don't know. Good question. I know they haven't always been, if they are now.

I had a heck of a time finding a picture, but here's one of a similair design to what I was thinking.

I'm not saying my idea is best either, just wondering as I am curious. Maybe someone here knows more.

Couple years ago someone posted pics of ones he DIYed for his Maverick. I looked but haven't found the thread.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Glen, I don't know. Good question. I know they haven't always been, if they are now.

I had a heck of a time finding a picture, but here's one of a similair design to what I was thinking.

I'm not saying my idea is best either, just wondering as I am curious. Maybe someone here knows more.

Those old ones sometimes would rust at the joint. They were made out of regular steel.
Also, when trying to raise the bed they didn't always bend. You had to reach over and knock one or the other down with your hand in order to get it to bend. There's a reason why it was so hard to find a picture and why they don't use them anymore. Cost was also a factor.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Couple years ago someone posted pics of ones he DIYed for his Maverick. I looked but haven't found the thread.

"MakingDoForNow" James,
This is what I found on the forum.
It isn't a folding support though.

 

[Ravinus]

Thanks, Kevin! I think I beat you to the post. See my post above for a better explaination of my thoughts. I must have been unclear on my first post.

Thanks, though.

lol…I noticed after I posted. Just read the original post. Apologies.

 

[Jeff D.]

This is what I found on the forum.
It isn't a folding support though.

Thanks, Glen. That's a bit more industrial looking than I would want, though.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Thanks, Glen. That's a bit more industrial looking than I would want, though.

Sorry,
My post was actually directed to "MakingDoForNow" he was looking for a DIY one that he saw on the site years ago.

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