Replacing tailgate

Jace817 · 10-26-2018, 05:21 AM

Made my first big bonehead move with the new rig. Forgot to drop the tailgate when unhitching. Was flustered when picking it up after warranty work ready to go on trip only to find parts uninstalled and missing.

Now I get to pay stupid tax. Anyone with a similar experience have any idea what it costs to replace?

JohnWedell · 10-26-2018, 05:43 AM

If you don’t have a tailgate camera, I would just buy a fifth wheel tailgate ( a cheap plastic one ) and replace it with that. to replace the tailgate is very expensive after it’s painted to match the truck.

namusmc65 · 10-26-2018, 05:46 AM

Since you are going to have to replace it anyway and if you don't have the tailgate camera, I would get one of those with the cutout for the 5th wheel. Then you don't need to lower the tailgate.

**norty1** · 10-26-2018, 05:49 AM

My 2nd purchase after the new truck was a metal V gate. I can stand on it when it is down. The original is in my garage in a cardboard box. Best money I ever spent.

No worries about forgetting the gate.

Jace817 · 10-26-2018, 07:54 AM

I’m not completely opposed to a nice looking V gate, but I haven’t been able to find one that uses the factory camera or has a decent capacity. Both are must haves.

PlayersZ28 · 10-26-2018, 08:23 AM

Check car-part.com for your fitment. Depending on the truck you may also find an upfitter that has them. I know up here I can buy brand new tailgates, bumpers and boxes and they mostly come up from the oil field upfitters in TX.

JohnWedell · 10-26-2018, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jace817

I’m not completely opposed to a nice looking V gate, but I haven’t been able to find one that uses the factory camera or has a decent capacity. Both are must haves.

check out Husky they have a option to install the factory camera

Mopar_Earl · 10-26-2018, 08:34 AM

5th wheel tailgates aren't 100% fool proof. If you hitch up or disconnect at an angle, the pin box frame work could catch it.

Earl

**Midnightmoon** · 10-26-2018, 08:59 AM

Check craigslist.com. At least in my area, there are many new takeoff gates and beds available from the local truck up fitter outfits.

RedHorse1 · 10-26-2018, 04:14 PM

Ouch, Jace. I feel your pain as I did something similar. After hitching I raised the gate and proceeded to do my “test pull” (to make sure I captured the pin correctly). I raise the landing gear about an inch or so and gently pull forward. For some reason I failed to notice the 5th wasn’t following. It gently landed on its legs and the pin box hung on the tailgate top as I inched forward.
My damage was limited to the plastic cap covering the top of the gate and is part of the fold-down step. I found a replacement on Amazon and replaced it myself.
I now do the test pull with the gate DOWN.
My damage was much less but I doubt I felt any less the idiot. After owning 2 units over a 6-ish year period I’ve found that the mistakes that I’ve made and learned from (most embarrassed by) and remember the best have cost me some $$.

merlinhomeauto · 10-26-2018, 05:24 PM

I damaged the tail gate on my 2015 chevy and body shop quoted $1000. to replace with new OEM part.

Cannon · 10-26-2018, 05:55 PM

I got lucky and found one on craigslist the correct color for $150.00 The down was it cost me over $600.00 to fix my DW new Enclave that I back into.

prm99v6 · 10-26-2018, 06:29 PM

Did the same on my 15 450 Platinum. Was almost $5,000. The plastic silver section is $1500 alone.

Quantum · 10-26-2018, 06:56 PM

Around here there are guys that sell just the tailgate. They are takeoffs from trucks that get conversion beds.

artoo93 · 10-26-2018, 07:59 PM

I backed into the hitch on the toyhauler while backing into the driveway one late night. Bent mine inwards. Also did the same as you with the old F350. That one was way easier to replace as the local pull a part had 13 to choose from. Purchased a fifth wheel gate for my Dodge. Really like it and super light and easy to remove!

txauditr-ret. · 11-03-2018, 05:52 PM

I believe this item should be covered under your accidental insurance for car insurance
If you want to replace it on your own you might want to try the scrap yards or bone yards

Dave A · 11-03-2018, 06:52 PM

Salvage yards are pretty tough to find a good tailgate. I found out that tailgates are one of the most stolen items there is. Finding a good one in good condition is tough.

alwalk63 · 11-03-2018, 06:57 PM

You would be correct. Dealers used to get hit alot before locking tailgates.

Wrascal · 11-03-2018, 08:10 PM

Just yesterday I sold my basic tailgate (2014 F250). No camera, no step, white, $530. It had numerous calls (posted on craigslist) but only one guy with cash.

Miamibill95 · 11-04-2018, 08:40 AM

The day I stop paying “ tuition” is the day my obituary is posted.
Always learning and always paying to learn it seems

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