Tailgate sitting low when open

Hey guys,

I have a question as I don’t remember my last third generation having this issue. My tailgate sits lower than being level with the bed when open. I noticed that the mounting points for the tethers on the actual tailgate were slightly loose and they appear to be bent. I snugged them up but the problem persists. The edge of the tailgate is a little over half an inch lower than the leading edge of the bed as shown in the pictures. Even the gaps are uneven when closed, but it is less evident in the pictures than in reality. Is this normal, or is something up with my truck? Appreciate the feedback before I bring it in to the dealer.

 

yeah they're definitely uneven coming out of the factory, my tailgate will close even more if you push slightly harder to close it

 

You bought this truck New?

 

brand new. 2023 TRD Pro…

 

Just here for the "part it out" replies.

 

You been carrying anything heavy on the TG..

 

The most I’ve had in the back is 40 2x4x8’s which was tonight. That’s actually how I noticed the tailgate wasn’t sitting level as there was a gap below the 2x4’s.

 

I think this qualifies as a part it out reply!

 

Geeez now I'm gonna have to get my long-level out and see if mine is the same...

First-world problems for sure....

 

I am guessing you are being sarcastic. Having only a 5 foot bed, it would be nice to have the leading edge of the tailgate to support longer material. It’s definitely not ideal…

 

Yea I'm a bit of a ham definitely a piece of work.
But I am going to grab my long-level and look at mine, never thought about it...
And I have the AC 6-foot bed and I do use it to haul stuff.

 

Interesting, I’m always amazed at how people notice stuff like this. Let us know if you end up getting it fixed!

 

It's better that it tips down, my last Chevy the tailgate tipped up about the same amount yours is tipping down. Made for difficult removal of heavy things that needed to be slid onto the tailgate, and the tailgate surface became all gouged up! I doubt the little bit it sticks out closed has anything to do with the low open position. I haven't noticed this on my '23 probably because it isn't a problem vs the stupid Chevy design. I'm going to check anyway.

 

Appreciate it. It would be nice to have a comparison.

 

Sure here we go:

This image is setting on the Tonneau Cover so we're starting at a slight angle.




This image shows it setting on the bed-mat. Slight gap on the left side but it's on the mat at this point:





This image is on the bed proper, with about the same off-center as when setting on the Tonneau cover, but no gap over
on the left side like the second image when setting on the bed mat.

 

Perhaps the straps (?) are too long? I’ll measure mine later and reply back.

 

Fold a paper napkin three or four times and wedge it under the panel.

 

It looks like from the pics that something is bent...its got a gap when closed to.
How much does 40 2x4x8’s weigh...

 

I cant be the only one wondering if that plastic piece of shit on the right side in the hinge is broken?

 

With the tailgate down, check for significant looseness and freeplay along the hinge line. The RH hinge bushing is known to be short-lived.

It's possible the tailgate cables are stretched. You can compare cable lengths with other 3rd gens in your area (or find a dealer with used 3rd gens on the lot).