Tailgate open latch.

I’ve noticed over the past 6 months or so, that my tailgate latch handle requires two hands to open. Anyone buy an aftermarket unit and install it? I’m a regular user at Partsgeek, and have had good luck with them. Although I discovered a tailgate latch handle with a built in reverse cam, if anyone has used one of those give me a full report.

 

I like my tailgate handle with reverse cam.
Before my old handle was flopping around and only engaging at the end of its full range of motion. Turns out my rear panel was indented really good and was pressing on the inner arms that go from handle to latches. Hammered it flat and fixed my issue. Turns out I didn't need to replace the handle at all. Happy I did though. I love having a back up camera. If you already have a touch screen, it's a no brainer.

 

I actually do have an aftermarket Kenwood touchscreen multi app stereo in my truck already, and the license plate frame cam has failed. So you’re implying the “handle with reverse cam” will work with my existing touchscreen? I’ll go for it.

 

You may be fucking yourself if you get an aftermarket handle (maybe not the tailgaters handle, that seems to be stout). Your issue likely has nothing to do with the factory handle, and everything to do with the fact you're not doing (or haven't done) any maintenance to the mechanisms at all. You may have broken clips inside the handle assembly because you haven't done maintenance.

If I were you, I would start here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/how...gate-clip-repair-overhaul-beef-up-lube.94180/

Take whatever you see inside, check all the plastic bits, make sure everything is working as expected, then lube the shit out of things before re-assembling.

Thing is, an aftermarket handle probably won't handle two-handed opening. It'll break. At least that's what others have found.

 

this

 

I found a thread in the forums that shows what parts to clean, lube, and sand down a bit id necessary. Made a world of difference with mine. Sorry I don't have the link.

 

Thanks, I’ll skim through and track that thread down before I disassemble my tailgate.

 

I bought a tailgate handle from Napa and it was made by Dorman. Works ok but has more flex than the. OEM handle. Yeah it was 1/4th the price but I’d recommend the OEM one.

 

If the thread I dropped in reply #5 above doesn't strike your fancy, there's another option here.

 

Lubing the tailgate mechanism takes maybe 15 minutes start to finish, and it is like working at the bench, no contortions required. More than 2 fingers to open, maintenance needed, before something breaks.

 

mine was horrible, barely opened and made a lot of noise, i doused everything with wd-40 and it works great now

 

WD-40 is not a good lubricant.

 

Only get an OEM handle, it’s about $120.

Mine barely opened the tailgate and eventually broke and almost cut my hand opened. Turned out the back side was completely covered with Bed Liner and it was jamming everything up. With the new handle I can open the tailgate with my pinky.

 

This tread made all of the difference for mine

 

Don't you tread on me, blaksnek