Tailgate not shutting/flying open

Moore

Well-Known Member
Feb 12, 2012
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Maryland
So it takes like 10-15 trys of me slamming the fuck out of my tailgate to close it, then if I hit a decent size bump driving down the highway it flys open...any ideas guys?
 

Huck

BIIIIG SQRBDY GUY
Jan 27, 2011
12,335
1,389
113
Gainesville, Ga
I've never had to play with the mechanism but have you tried adjusting the latch? Or at least the strikers?
 

j.mo

Well-Known Member
Apr 24, 2012
7,497
735
113
Nor Cal
When I bought my ford, it had a camper shell, which took the spot for the gate.


So I had to add the gate, and hardware. When installing, I had to adjust the latches to have it shut properly.
Check the hardware/latches that bolt to the truck next to the tail lights. They should have the ability to adjust

Is it hard to shut? Or just doesn't want to grab/stay latched?
 

Tylers88

3 GM's and a Jeep
Apr 16, 2012
6,949
494
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Clarion, IA
Pretty much what the others have said, check the latches. Also is the handle all the way back in? I could see it sticking part open so it doesn't want to stay latched
 

Bassmaster

Media Mod
Mar 8, 2012
10,302
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63
South Jersey
normally they get a little rust where the handle mounts and then where they come out of the gate. spray it good with some wd-40 or penitrating oil, then some lubricating oil, that way the latches move freely.

i used to have the same exact problem.

This, my gate did the same. Just sprayed all of the latches and behind the bezel with WD and worked it in. It freed up and works fine

Sent from my Galaxy S-Fawhore
 

Moore

Well-Known Member
Feb 12, 2012
1,136
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Maryland
just sprayed like half a can of wd40 everywhere, i guess its working cause it only takes 2 tries instead of like 15. Hopefully it stays closed on the highway