Advice needed on broken tailgate latch

Ok. So I did something stupid. I put my camper in the truck, closed the tail gate and then broke the latch trying to open it again. Now I have the camper in the truck and the tailgate closed with no way to get the camper out of the truck or the tailgate off. And yes the tailgate needs to be open to get the camper out since I don't have enough clearance to get the camper out otherwise. The latch was a lockable Pop Lock (I think that is the name). If I can get it off I'll go back to OEM.

Helpful posts only please.

Camper with tailgate open:


Stand that supports the camper out of the truck:

 

The tailgate handle simply pries down on a lever inside the tailgate. If it's just the handle that broke, you may be able to stick a rod in there and pry down on the lever.


If all else fails, can you relocate the pulleys on your lifting thing and get more height so you can lift it over the tailgate? Maybe let most of the air out of the tires to lower the truck? Heck, you could even excavate some of the gravel away to lower the truck.

 

All good. I was able to lift the camper 12 inches and remove the top trim piece. There is a hole in the top center that I was able to push a screwdriver down and pop the latch. Now waiting for the replacement latch. Should be here today.

 

Did you build that camper yourself,looks nice,kinda like a little house on wheels

 

Yup. Been a work in progress for the last 10 years.

 

Pics of the inside pls!!!!

 

That's is very nice!