Tailgate gap

When I bought my Tundra the gap on both sides was even. Now, it looks like this, which drives me up the wall. Does everyone have a gap issue like this or is it just me? Could it be caused by stepping on the tailgate to get inside the bed (although we typically get in on the side with the smaller gap, the driver's side)? Also, what is the best way to fix it?

 

My 2018 had wear in the plastic bushings for the tailgate hinges. Remove the tailgate and you'll be able to see the parts where the hinges separate. Replacing the hinges (with the new bushings) fixed the problem... maybe the same issue? You may also have wear on the tailgate latches and strikers which would explain the gap at the top.

 

I don't use the tailgate much, so I don't think the bushing would be destroyed after opening the tailgate a max of 100 times. Also, the hinge has zero play in it, if that means anything. There is some play on the passenger side once the tailgate is closed, and the tailgate is not touching the rubber stopper, so maybe it is the latch. I thought the screws got loose on the latch and striker, but that is not the case. I will inspect it tomorrow again.

 

Stop looking at it.