Weak Tailgate

The point of this thread is just venting more than anything. So I picked up my sliders today, and while the guy at Fastenal and myself were loading them up the tailgate made a pop noise as the guy was stepping up back onto the loading bay. We didn't think much of it, I figured it was the cover creaking or something. Well when I got home and unloaded the bed, as I put up the tailgate I saw a nice new dent, or crease I should say, denting outwards. After taking the cover off the backside of the tailgate, the crease is in the exact spot where one of braces is for the tailgate. You can tell that it flexed too much, causing the brace to push against the thin exterior sheet metal.

For the hell of it I took it by the dealer to see if maybe its something they'll warranty but it isn't looking promising. The overall design of the tailgate is poor. We'll see what happens on that end.

I'll attach a pic of the area that looks like it caused the crease. Honestly the damage is minor, but I can see a wave in the paint where it happened.

 

That sucks. The tailgates were even beefed a few years back. They are thin and light.

 

Well that sucks...on a 2014? (per your side bar)

I had an 06 I later learned could have been upgraded...sold it and bought a 2014 last month.

Was the guy a fat-bastard? I don't want this crap to happen to my tail gate. Going to Fastenall on Monday to also pick up sliders

 

I feel for you! We all know our tailgates suck!

From my experience.. I recommend to everyone buying a new taco that their first investment should be a new tailgate reinforcement plate:

http://www.relentlessfabrication.us...ate-reinforcement/p/14437186/category=3368787

Already had a few friends bypass my recommendation and drop some cash on other upgrades, then come to me bitching because they bent their tailgates!

 

Thanks, yea the truck us a 2014. The guy helping me was just an average sized guy. I'm really just frustrated that this happened from normal use. I have to make an appointment to see a guy at the dealer next week. I'll prolly roll up there with the cover off the back side of the tailgate so I can point out the design fault and specific point of failure. If I end up with a new one out of this I plan on re-enforcing it for sure.

 

I was going to bring this up too. I've been lucky with my factory tailgate so far. I would like the reinforcement, I just wish it looked a bit more appealing on the exposed side (side with the handle ).

Edit. I just looked at it again and it says you can put the cover back on the metal. Perfect.

 

Here's a photo of the support I'm talking about. Between this and the exterior skin is a layer of something like silicone, but it looks there wasn't enough coverage on this support and when the weight was applied it flexed beyond the silicone, creasing the tailgate.

 

Wow that looks weak.

 

Our tailgates might as well be made of tin foil.

 

http://youtu.be/w-0TEJMJOhk

 

I installed the Relentless Fab aluminum page on mine because I USE the truck like a truck and had the fear of this same issue. Well worth the cost.

 

2x What he said!
Just because I care how my truck looks does not mean she does not work! She has hauled and squatted many times on my behalf. The Relentless Fab plate has earned its price. Or should I say saved me from buying a new tailgate twice over. Tested regularly!

 

I once put a tailgate down onto a cart I put too closely and caused a nasty crease. It wasn't my truck. My friend was looking the other way when it happened and for a moment I thought of trying to cover it up but my conscience got the better of me; I admitted to causing the damage. I wonder if something else may have caused this dent.

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You don't have to wonder, and I really don't care what you think.

 

Ok np sry tc

 

That sucks op, hope the dealer will do something for you.

I highly recommend the relentless fab reinforcement aluminium plate. I put one on about 6 months ago and have been very happy so far. You can put the stock plastic cover back on over the top to keep the stock look if you want as well.
This is what mine looks like after install.

 

+ 1 on the Relentless Fab Reinforcement Aluminum Plate

 

I wonder how strong is the aluminum piece? Any thoughts anyone?

 

So if you out the plastic back on this mod is not visible at all?

 

Thanks for the photos of the Relentless plate, I didn't know you could run it with the factory cover too. Looks good!