Tailgate not level with bed.

[MakinDoForNow]

And I’m sure that’s the purpose. Tailgate is suppose to act as a support of something long enough to stick out the back, not carry the full weight. If it was even it would carry full weight of what ever item which is bad cause the tailgate only has a 400lb carry weight limit.

If it was even with the bed it would NOT carry the whole weight of the load until the center of gravity is on the outside edge of the tail gate but depending on total weight of the load the 400 lb limit could be reached long before the center of gravity even reached the tail gate! What needs to be answered is what is the load limit of the support cables? Ideally they should hold the gate in line with the bed and not stretch any until at least 400.01 lbs is evenly distributed on the tail gate. I am thinking about installing a two position steel hinged strap to replace the cables. (Yes design will be a little "tricky").

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[Oggy]

If it was even with the bed it would NOT carry the whole weight of the load until the center of gravity is on the outside edge of the tail gate but depending on total weight of the load the 400 lb limit could be reached long before the center of gravity even reached the tail gate! What needs to be answered is what is the load limit of the support cables? Ideally they should hold the gate in line with the bed and not stretch any until at least 400.01 lbs is evenly distributed on the tail gate. I am thinking about installing a two position steel hinged strap to replace the cables. (Yes design will be a little "tricky").

Wasn't a strap used before cables? Shouldn't be too tricky, measure length, hinge in middle, radius the end...

 

[Larrythelunatic]

Wasn't a strap used before cables? Shouldn't be too tricky, measure length, hinge in middle, radius the end...

As I said……
Just like my bottom-end ‘92 Toyota PU.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Wasn't a strap used before cables? Shouldn't be too tricky, measure length, hinge in middle, radius the end...

Don't forget the steel strap has to have two support lengths. Makes the hinge pivot point tricky in order to close tail gate. Thinking about possibly having spring loaded "bullet" pin to shorten strap for the tailgate support position. It would be nice to be able to close tailgate from both positions. Maybe instead of hinge I can use several links of chain.

 

[kw86er]

I got excited after learning about this product right here in this thread. I was planning to buy them when the finally come out, however, this soft answer they provide regarding the weight rating has me second guessing the decision:

Seems to me this would be a pretty simple test to perform. Do it it 3-positions for good measure. Call it "unofficial data", but provide it anyway.

Yeah, my first thought/comment was that it looks like too many moving parts to me. When cocked in the mid position it would be the weakest. I will likely put them to the test if nothing else is available, however.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Don't forget the steel strap has to have two support lengths. Makes the hinge pivot point tricky in order to close tail gate. Thinking about possibly having spring loaded "bullet" pin to shorten strap for the tailgate support position. It would be nice to be able to close tailgate from both positions. Maybe instead of hinge I can use several links of chain.

DUH, all I have to do is put a hinge pin at the center of each length and the thing should pivot at the center of whichever length is being used.

 

[Tappuller]

I can't wait until I get my truck!
Thanks for sharing

 

[kw86er]

If it was even with the bed it would NOT carry the whole weight of the load until the center of gravity is on the outside edge of the tail gate but depending on total weight of the load the 400 lb limit could be reached long before the center of gravity even reached the tail gate! What needs to be answered is what is the load limit of the support cables? Ideally they should hold the gate in line with the bed and not stretch any until at least 400.01 lbs is evenly distributed on the tail gate. I am thinking about installing a two position steel hinged strap to replace the cables. (Yes design will be a little "tricky").

Can't remember where I saw this but the cables are way way over rated for the application and they do not stretch under any loads that they would see in normal use. The 3/16" cable and crimped fastener are pretty standard across all trucks. I would think the tailgate would fail first.

 

[kw86er]

You don't need a level to see the "saggy" tailgate.

It kinda losses it's "Ford Toughness" when you see it like that.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

It kinda losses it's "Ford Toughness" when you see it like that.

aaarrrggghhh!!! Do you suppose that when the length of the cable was calculated the distance of the outside edge of tailgate to the ground was used and then when the truck was built the rear springs being higher than the front caused the cable calculation to be too long?

 

[bgillen35]

Ok saw I saw this account reply on another thread. I hope its legit so maybe they can weigh in here...

Hey @Ford Motor Company, what's up with the tailgate??

 

[kw86er]

10' load

A 2X4 piece of dunnage and a piece of lath levels it out for longer loads. I would imagine I am overloaded with the full load but nothing creaked, buckled or broke. Pretty impressive how it handled with the full load actually.

 

[James L. Harrison]

Is there a chance this was done intentionally? Getting into a tailgate/sitting on a tailgate with a slight lean angle is easier. I noticed it on mine as well, but it was actually easier for me to load the dirtbike in the back with this slight adjustment. Just a thought

.

 

[Shakesbear]

It kinda losses it's "Ford Toughness" when you see it like that.

Looks perfect to me. Makes it much easier to toss a deer into the bed, and much easier to rest your ass afterwards while popping the top on a frosty cold beer

 

[flyfishmich]

This recently bothered me as well. I didn't read the entire thread but has anyone had resolution from Ford?

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