Question about remote tailgate release
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
It could be as easy as adding a contact switch in one of the latch areas on the side...but Ford seems to prefer the micro switch in the latch itself. Either way, a little more wiring, a little bit more cost.
There is already a "door ajar" warning system in the message center, shouldn't be too tough to add the tailgate ajar warning.
There is already a "door ajar" warning system in the message center, shouldn't be too tough to add the tailgate ajar warning.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 391
Likes: 3
Is there an option to disable this feature? If you lock the tailgate will it still work?
The reason I ask is I will need a shoe horn to get the new Super Duty in my garage. If I hit the key fob tailgate release by accident with my truck in the garage the tailgate will hit my garage door.
Bob
The reason I ask is I will need a shoe horn to get the new Super Duty in my garage. If I hit the key fob tailgate release by accident with my truck in the garage the tailgate will hit my garage door.
Bob
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
The tailgate drops *very* slowly. I agree with the cushioning idea. However, it is hard to 'accidentally' release the tailgate...two pushes of the button on the remote, and the in-cab button is pretty low and out of the way. Near the parking brake, but I doubt you are using that in your garage.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 471
Likes: 4
Valet Mode and no one can play with your settings.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 784
Likes: 27
From: Toronto
Good to know. Thanks.
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Chico
Be carefull. Tailgate can drop unexpectantly!
I have been pulling a fifth wheel trailer with my crew cab short bed SRW F350. There is only about 1 inch clearance to my trailer with the tailgate down which means I cannot be at an angle or tailgate hits front of trailer. To my surprise the tailgate dropped on its own 3 times in one day while turning on uneven ground. There was no warning on the instrument panel so I did not know until I stopped. Each time it tore into the front compartment of my trailer when making turns. I now have to run a strap over the tailgate while towing to prevent this. Ford has a defect in the tailgate latch system. With weight on the 5th wheel hitch, the aluminum body twists enough on uneven ground to release the tailgate latch. This needs fixed and software needs changed to give the driver a warning when tailgate is released.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 784
Likes: 27
From: Toronto
I have been pulling a fifth wheel trailer with my crew cab short bed SRW F350. There is only about 1 inch clearance to my trailer with the tailgate down which means I cannot be at an angle or tailgate hits front of trailer. To my surprise the tailgate dropped on its own 3 times in one day while turning on uneven ground. There was no warning on the instrument panel so I did not know until I stopped. Each time it tore into the front compartment of my trailer when making turns. I now have to run a strap over the tailgate while towing to prevent this. Ford has a defect in the tailgate latch system. With weight on the 5th wheel hitch, the aluminum body twists enough on uneven ground to release the tailgate latch. This needs fixed and software needs changed to give the driver a warning when tailgate is released.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
I have been pulling a fifth wheel trailer with my crew cab short bed SRW F350. There is only about 1 inch clearance to my trailer with the tailgate down which means I cannot be at an angle or tailgate hits front of trailer. To my surprise the tailgate dropped on its own 3 times in one day while turning on uneven ground. There was no warning on the instrument panel so I did not know until I stopped. Each time it tore into the front compartment of my trailer when making turns. I now have to run a strap over the tailgate while towing to prevent this. Ford has a defect in the tailgate latch system. With weight on the 5th wheel hitch, the aluminum body twists enough on uneven ground to release the tailgate latch. This needs fixed and software needs changed to give the driver a warning when tailgate is released.
The body isn't what's flexing. It's the frame, and that pulls on the aluminum bed which causes the latch to release. It wouldn't matter if the bed was steel or aluminum...it is rigidly mounted to the frame, and when the frame twists, the bed moves with it. Remember the previous generation Super Duty being the target of Howie Long's frame twist comparison? Remember how the frame twisted so much that the tailgate wouldn't open and actually severely dented? That was a steel bed.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 784
Likes: 27
From: Toronto
He has a short box. I see there are a few others reporting this problem. To be honest I would prefer to have the old tailgate system. I could live without remote release.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
I have been pulling a fifth wheel trailer with my crew cab short bed SRW F350. There is only about 1 inch clearance to my trailer with the tailgate down which means I cannot be at an angle or tailgate hits front of trailer. To my surprise the tailgate dropped on its own 3 times in one day while turning on uneven ground. There was no warning on the instrument panel so I did not know until I stopped. Each time it tore into the front compartment of my trailer when making turns. I now have to run a strap over the tailgate while towing to prevent this. Ford has a defect in the tailgate latch system. With weight on the 5th wheel hitch, the aluminum body twists enough on uneven ground to release the tailgate latch. This needs fixed and software needs changed to give the driver a warning when tailgate is released.
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Chico
Tailgate drop
I have the Ultimate package with electric tailgate release and keyless entry. I also have the factory 5th wheel prep and spray in bed liner. My 5th wheel hitch is a Curt Q20 (20,000#) for drop in Ford prep.
The tailgate only dropped when I was making a sharp turn. First time I had to swing wide and dropped the outside front wheel into a hole causing a good twist. Second time I was making a U turn and had to drive off pavement up over elevated rough ground also causing a good twist. Third time was just after second drop when I continued on to road after U turn but I had a strap holding the tailgate up.
I now strap the tailgate whenever towing, but have not had it release again. I have 12,000 miles on my truck and most towing a 16,000# fifth wheel with about 2500# on hitch.
This is what happens when your tailgate drops without knowing it while pulling a fifth wheel. The first turn you make destroys the front of fifth wheel. Ford needs to modify software to alert on instrument screen when tailgate is dropped!!!!
The tailgate only dropped when I was making a sharp turn. First time I had to swing wide and dropped the outside front wheel into a hole causing a good twist. Second time I was making a U turn and had to drive off pavement up over elevated rough ground also causing a good twist. Third time was just after second drop when I continued on to road after U turn but I had a strap holding the tailgate up.
I now strap the tailgate whenever towing, but have not had it release again. I have 12,000 miles on my truck and most towing a 16,000# fifth wheel with about 2500# on hitch.
This is what happens when your tailgate drops without knowing it while pulling a fifth wheel. The first turn you make destroys the front of fifth wheel. Ford needs to modify software to alert on instrument screen when tailgate is dropped!!!!
Last edited by calfirebill; Apr 28, 2017 at 11:08 AM. Reason: explain photo