Third Tailgate Position?

[3JB]

I am familiar with the two tailgate positions officially provided by Ford.

But looking at the provided arrangement, it seems that there is a third position that might work. This is what I found:

The standard connection point for regular tailgate operation has a wheel with a groove - about the same size as the tailgate cable. Looped in like this, it seems to be "home". I drove it around town for a while without a load on it and it held beautifully. I like that it allows a long load (just a few 2X4's, or in my case, a pole mounted lopper) to be held up a little higher without having to open up the bed cover.

What I don't know is if this is some kind of specific no-no from Ford, or if anyone has tried it with bad results.

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[Tbone289]

My only thought about it is that, if the load on the tailgate is light and the tailgate is allowed to "bounce", the cables could slip out of the grooves causing the tailgate (and load) to slam down to the fully open position. I don't think it's likely that would happen, but it's possible.

 

[3JB]

My only thought about it is that, if the load on the tailgate is light and the tailgate is allowed to "bounce", the cables could slip out of the grooves causing the tailgate (and load) to slam down to the fully open position. I don't think it's likely that would happen, but it's possible.

I had that concern too - still do. But my test drive, with almost no load on, resulted in no suggestion that that might happen. The cable seems to set itself inside the tracks of the "bed flat" attachment point. I thought "Oh, great, now it's gonna get stuck". but, no, it just seems to settle in and comes right back out.

FWIW, in this position, if it slips out and falls, the tailgate is in the tilted position - not flat

 

[Tbone289]

I had that concern too - still do. But my test drive, with almost no load on, resulted in no suggestion that that might happen. The cable seems to set itself inside the tracks of the "bed flat" attachment point. I thought "Oh, great, now it's gonna get stuck". but, no, it just seems to settle in and comes right back out.

FWIW, in this position, if it slips out and falls, the tailgate is in the tilted position - not flat

Good points. It will be more secure if the cable "seats" into the groove, and of course it will only fall to position "2", not fully open as I stated above, which should minimize damage in the rare event that they slip out.

 

[commadorebob]

What if you leave it connected to the bottom and loop it over the top?

 

[Redline]

I'm familiar with that configuration. I've used it, like you said, to haul lumber. I don't recall exactly when, but I saw that position demonstrated in a video. With some weight on it, I doubt the cables would slip off. I consider it a viable option.

 

[3JB]

I'm familiar with that configuration. I've used it, like you, to haul lumber. I don't recall exactly when, but I saw that position demonstrated in a video. With some weight on it, I doubt the cables would slip off. I consider it a viable option.

Good to hear! Thanks!

 

[3JB]

What if you leave it connected to the bottom and loop it over the top?

I don't think I would want to do that. The cable itself doesn't seem to want to "lay straight", and has several bends in it. More of concern is the top connector is long and skinnier, putting more moment force on it and could break. The way I am doing it, the cable stays right up against the body of the truck.

 

[scottjl]

nice to have options, i'd have a concern if there was some sort of damage and ford found out you were using it in an "unsupported" position.

maybe some 3rd party will release shorter cables that can be swapped in and have the same result.

 

[3JB]

nice to have options, i'd have a concern if there was some sort of damage and ford found out you were using it in an "unsupported" position.

maybe some 3rd party will release shorter cables that can be swapped in and have the same result.

I hear you. I'm not thinking I would use this option on a frequent basis, at all. Just another tool in the toolbox - never know when you might need it!

And there is always the old "My goodness! HOW did that cable get wrapped around that connector like that?!?"

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

The hood prop rod has two options as well. Normal, and one for extra tall people.

Unofficial hack, like here.

There is the slotted hole in the hood you all know about.

There is a square hole near the passenger side hinge that makes the prop rod hold the hood open more.

Works well. I use them both interchangeably.

 

[Chops]

The hood prop rod has two options as well. Normal, and one for extra tall people.

Unofficial hack, like here.

There is the slotted hole in the hood you all know about.

There is a square hole near the passenger side hinge that makes the prop rod hold the hood open more.

Works well. I use them both interchangeably.

That hole you are using is not meant to hold the prop rod. Use it at your own risk…

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

That hole you are using is not meant to hold the prop rod. Use it at your own risk…

I said hack. Less risky IMHO than the tailgate hacks. Both are low risk.

I think use of the square prop rod hole is more secure than the slotted one. It's sometimes a little difficult to get the rod back out without some effort. I'd want to use the unofficial one in windy conditions. Less chance of slamming on me. (But I don't often (or ever) do engine work in windy conductions, but I like, and sometimes need the extra headroom. )

 

[Cancunbadlands]

My only concern is the possibility of a bouncy cable

 

[SilverBullet2.0]

I don't think I would want to do that. The cable itself doesn't seem to want to "lay straight", and has several bends in it. More of concern is the top connector is long and skinnier, putting more moment force on it and could break. The way I am doing it, the cable stays right up against the body of the truck.

Now there are 4 positions!

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