Tailgate handle

Does anyone know if the make a tailgate latch that can actually handle working for a farm truck? Wondering if they make metal ones. I’ve broken 2 plastic ones already and I’m tired of it.

 

And yes, I’m easy on them and do all of it’s little tricks to make it open better, such as push in on the tailgate and shake it a little bit.

 

I haven't found one. I've broken two in two years also, the plastic gets brittle and fails (plus in general is kind of a bad design).

 

I noticed this, my tailgate cover broke off so I’m using a long screwdriver to move the mechanism. It moves very nicely, and is lubricated frequently, it’s just they they used a poor design. Also, I wish that they didn’t feel cheap. My dad has a GMC Denali 2500 and there are no tricks or gimmicks to getting it to open, and it is SO EASY to open it. Tundras on the other hand are just really stiff for some reason.

 

I had been thinking about machining a handle last time it broke but it's not the simplest part. I've had the little post thing on the back rip off and had the hand hold disintegrate too. It seems dependent on brands which one lasts longer since the second one that broke lasted about 3 months.

 

Noted. I’m sure that you get what you pay for. Mine broke going halfway up to the metal rod that it pushes on, so somewhere along the plastic part. I’ve thought of fabricating my own too, but I don’t know how it would work out.

 

Following

 

Looks like plastic is about the only option here. I guess just keep replacing them as they break.

 

My tailgate was getting sticky and harder to open a while back. It felt like I was going to break the handle prying on it. The tailgate was also having a hard time latching all the way in the winter. I ended up dropping the tailgate down and pulling off the access panel (8 or 10 torx screws - T55 maybe?). The linkage didn't look horrible but it was dusted and coated with dirt and sawdust. I inspected the handle itself and found the same thing, but noticed how much leverage the outside handle gives to the mechanicals inside that move the linkage. I gave them a good, simple cleaning, then lubed everything with some grease from my grease gun for the u joints, paying close attention to parts that slid over other parts including the latches at the edges of the tailgate.

It now opens with one finger. Feels like butter. I figured I was just going to make it serviceable until warmer weather arrived and it would be easier to replace some parts. But, seriously, it feels easier to open now than when it was new. So I'd clean and lube the tailgate latches before placing all the blame on the handle. My tailgate gets opened every day - most days several times. Maybe even as much as the driver's door. I thought I took some pictures of it, but I don't see them. I'll post them if I can find them.