Looking for 5th Tailgate
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From: Alabama
I did not find a single tailgate that claimed those kind of work-loads; I think I saw one claiming 200# (but I was dubious). If factual then they should flaunt it - that would have made the sale to me.
The one I'm having fabricated will use 1.5 inch square steel tube for the perimiter and 1.25 square steel inner bars. I think it'll hold me, the wife and our puppies (EST 500 pounds), although I'm not sure the cables would be that capable. It won't be as fashionable but it'll get 'r done.
The one I'm having fabricated will use 1.5 inch square steel tube for the perimiter and 1.25 square steel inner bars. I think it'll hold me, the wife and our puppies (EST 500 pounds), although I'm not sure the cables would be that capable. It won't be as fashionable but it'll get 'r done.
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husky tailgate
i called husky and talked to a guy who helped design the TG and knew what he was talking about. he said it could withstand 500lbs easily and collapsed at 1,000 lbs during a test. HOWEVER, if you put it down and load it with something and drive off, the bouncing of the truck greatly increases stress. Another plus i have found is it is easy to get into the truck bed by stepping on to the bumper and then walking through the "V" area. a nice plus.
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i called husky and talked to a guy who helped design the TG and knew what he was talking about. he said it could withstand 500lbs easily and collapsed at 1,000 lbs during a test. HOWEVER, if you put it down and load it with something and drive off, the bouncing of the truck greatly increases stress. Another plus i have found is it is easy to get into the truck bed by stepping on to the bumper and then walking through the "V" area. a nice plus.
That's good to know, it sure seems like it will hold more than the 200lbs published in the specs.
Stepping up through the v is way better than the factory step that came in the tailgate, definitely a nice plus.
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From: Alabama
First fitting today, he had to break two welds and flex it for square'ness by 1/8 inch/ then re-weld. Then a few more cuts to clear the trucks hardware and bring it up tight to the bed. Then he attached a couple of sliding bolts (my choice) with padlock locking capabilities (L&R) to secure the gate closed, and rattle free. Finally he drilled for/attached the two cables that hold the gate open at 180 degrees.
Now that we're both happy he'll finish all the welds and clean up the crud spots. He says I can pick it up Monday and take it for a powder finish. I'm thinking a regular black, not flashy/shiny nor a spooky dead/dull black. Is there a name for that?
I paid him his asking price, $250; I'm thinking it should have been more but he wouldn't allow it.
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From: Alabama
Sorry for poor quality, I didn't think to get a picture of it fitted on the truck and so had to snap quick pics of it on the bench, by holding phone blindly over my head and aiming down.
Looks like I screwed this up three ways (3 postings). Good thing this site is Free <grin>.</grin>
Looks like I screwed this up three ways (3 postings). Good thing this site is Free <grin>.</grin>
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From: Alabama
This is NOT the locking mechanism he welded on but it is quite similar in that the sliding bolt can be locked both open or closed. Rather than attach a separate catch to the truck (and/or drill a hole in the truck) this bolt rides directly behind the original pins that normally catch the tailgate latch. Hope this poor description makes sense.
There is one on each side making it a tight (and lockable) rattle free gate. Not a complete theft deterrent but still pretty good. Once finished and installed I'll try to provide better pics to show this. What I wanted was NO CHANGES to the trucks original stuff so as to be able to return it to stock when I resell the truck down the road.
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From: Alabama
Excellent question, and the answer is ... I don't know.
BUT, I would guess (SURPRISE!) half that of the current tailgate?
Handling the OEM one by myself is a chore, this new one is easy. Anyone know the weight of the original gate?
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From: Altamonte Springs, FL