Tailgate fell off my GM pick up!

[j54mark]

"this entire ordeal sounds almost unreal"

Well, you have to understand that tailgate technology is still in its infancy. Sure, sissors-type hinged supports worked great the first 80 years or so they were tried, but engineers are still seeking a better solution.

Sheesh!

Mark

[Morning Dew]

maybe we're talking about something different then. My tailgate is the thing on the back of my truck that folds down. I've taken it off once. i estimate its weight at about 200lbs. to keep it from falling off it held on with high tension steal cable coated in black shrink wrap. i work on boat lifts so just buy looking at the cable i'd say its got a breaking point of 7000lbs. my point is how the hell can a tailgate bouncing up and down snap a cable rated for 7000lbs?? i'll check it out on my buddys truck next time i see him but i can tell you right now that something like this CANNOT happen on my dodge.

[uncleneal]

It CANNOT happen as long as the cables don't rust, like they are doing on the Gm's. My cables were rusted in two. Part of the problem is the plastic covering that they put on them that holds the moisture next to the steel cable. GM is supposed to be replacing them with stainless cables.

I don't really see the advantage of a 200 pound tailgate that takes two people to close. I've never had my cargo break out thru the tailgate, and I don't use it for a battering ram.

Neal

[Morning Dew]

i'm sorry, i didn't mean two people to close. i meant if you remove the tailgate from the vehicle it takes two strong people to carry. it does take to arms to close it though, you just cant "flip" it closed.

[SYC2Vette]

Be interesting to know what the tailgate cables are rated for on different vehicles. A friend (maybe 180 lbs) sat down on his Toyota Tundra tailgate when we were camping and the cables both broke! It did look corroded and he parks occasionally at the beach. I have stood on the gate on my 2000 K2500 often. Just ordered new cables and now consider this a maintenance item. Maybe go back to chains?

[Bobbo]

Originally Posted by SYC2Vette

Be interesting to know what the tailgate cables are rated for on different vehicles. A friend (maybe 180 lbs) sat down on his Toyota Tundra tailgate when we were camping and the cables both broke! It did look corroded and he parks occasionally at the beach. I have stood on the gate on my 2000 K2500 often. Just ordered new cables and now consider this a maintenance item. Maybe go back to chains?

Wow, a 15 year old thread.

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by Bobbo

Wow, a 15 year old thread.

Yeah but my Chevy truck is 19 years old LOL. Shows you some of these subforums don't have much action when a 15 year old thread is in the top 10 !

[Al U. Minium]

My 2001 was recalled for rusted cables which I poo-pooed the idea that they would rust, until one broke. Dealer replaced for free. Son is still owner of that truck.

Assuming all is better with this after 18 years. Not worrying about it with my 2015.