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I know this issue has been discussed before in other threads but, after talking to my dealer, I'm looking for "creative" (i.e. cheaper) solutions that don't cost their quoted $1300. Issue: 2017s have a known issue of uncommanded tailgate drops. Mine has done it 4-5 times in the 2 months I've owned it. Right now I'm in the process of ruling out operator error. I'm always putting my key in the center console (to make sure I don't accidentally double-click the tailgate button on the key fob). Today I also disconnected the tailgate button on the dash to make sure I'm not accidentally touching it while releasing my parking brake. Assuming that my tailgate continues to drop, what have folks done to address this? Ford has a TSB on this issue but, again, it comes up to $1300 which is an annoyingly unexpected expense after having just purchased the truck. Thoughts? Any other solutions?
According to the TSB, the tailgate might drop if the wiring harness gets wet. Does your tailgate drop after it rains or you wash the truck? If so, I would pull the harness, clean it up and coat it with some dielectric grease and see if that helps.
According to the TSB, the tailgate might drop if the wiring harness gets wet. Does your tailgate drop after it rains or you wash the truck? If so, I would pull the harness, clean it up and coat it with some dielectric grease and see if that helps.
That’s a good question. I haven’t specifically paid attention to that but I will now. Thanks.
I have a 2017 F350. After the tailgate dropped on me and caused $600 damage to my 5th wheel I was towing at the time, I decided to make a safety fix so that it wouldn't happen again. I went to a hardware store and got a D-ring and about 2 feet of chain. Attached the D ring to my tailgate and when I've got my 5th wheel in tow I just hook the chain to the D ring on the tailgate and one of the cargo handles in the bed beside the 7 pin connector. Stupid to have to do that, but at least I know the tailgate can't fall and destroy the front of my 5th wheel again. $15 dollar fix to a stupid problem. Even after the service bulletin fix, I have never nor will I ever trust this truck's tailgate when I'm towing a 5th wheel. So I use this set up as cheap insurance to prevent it from happening again.
Ive never had a problem with my tailgate on my 2017 f250 or my current 2019 f350.. But I didnt want to take the chance while I tow my 5th wheel so I made this.. A wire cable, like the brake cable off a trailer, D ring and a carabiner.
Are tailgates coming open while driving?
Once you start moving, all of my doors and tail gate lock.
I have to unlock my doors to get my gate to open.
I would be surprised if the gate unlocks itself and comes open while driving.
I have a 2017 F350. After the tailgate dropped on me and caused $600 damage to my 5th wheel I was towing at the time, I decided to make a safety fix so that it wouldn't happen again. I went to a hardware store and got a D-ring and about 2 feet of chain. Attached the D ring to my tailgate and when I've got my 5th wheel in tow I just hook the chain to the D ring on the tailgate and one of the cargo handles in the bed beside the 7 pin connector. Stupid to have to do that, but at least I know the tailgate can't fall and destroy the front of my 5th wheel again. $15 dollar fix to a stupid problem. Even after the service bulletin fix, I have never nor will I ever trust this truck's tailgate when I'm towing a 5th wheel. So I use this set up as cheap insurance to prevent it from happening again.
Thanks. These are the ideas I’m actively considering. Where did you attach the D ring? I don’t see anchor points on the tailgate itself.
Ive never had a problem with my tailgate on my 2017 f250 or my current 2019 f350.. But I didnt want to take the chance while I tow my 5th wheel so I made this.. A wire cable, like the brake cable off a trailer, D ring and a carabiner.
This is spot on! I see a Lowe's trip in my near future. Thanks!
I went to use my button on the lower part of the dash and the whole assembly pushed in. Now Ill have to figure out how to clip it back in from behind the dash plastic. Kinda annoying since it was the first time I tried using the stupid button
I went to use my button on the lower part of the dash and the whole assembly pushed in. Now Ill have to figure out how to clip it back in from behind the dash plastic. Kinda annoying since it was the first time I tried using the stupid button
Just grab the lower panel of the dash from below the steering column. The whole thing pulls down and is hinged.
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