Rocks in my tailgate!
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New User
Joined: Dec 2017
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Rocks in my tailgate!
Hey everyone. Because of a user error on my part I didn't have a tarp down when getting a load of gravel and I have a bunch of rocks in my tailgate. All they do is rattle around and I cannot figure out how to get the plates off of the tailgate or take it apart. Can anyone lead me in the right direction of how to get this all apart to get these rocks out please!! Thanks so much in advance.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 8
The panel should come off with a torx head driver.
But what I find easier is to have a buddy help me take the tailgate off and then tip it back and forth a few times and let the rocks fall out the hole in the bottom.
But what I find easier is to have a buddy help me take the tailgate off and then tip it back and forth a few times and let the rocks fall out the hole in the bottom.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 516
Been there. I don't have good news for you. There is no open access to the lower part of the tailgate. I removed the upper panel and that's a dead end. There's a non-removeable panel that separates the upper and lower parts of the tailgate.
There is very limited access through the holes from which the rocks found their way into the tailgate. I know this doesn't come as news to you. I used a flex claw through those holes to take out as many rocks as I could. I also used a shop vac with a variety of hoses to suck out rocks. I repeatedly opened and slammed close the tailgate to get the rocks to migrate to the holes. I ran a lot of water from the top of the tailgate to flush out some rocks. I can't tell you how many hours I devoted to purging rocks. I got most of them, but every now and then if I go down a bumpy road, there'll be some small rocks on the top of the bumper. I think these things will just be part of the truck and be there long after I'm gone.
So, let this be a lesson to all; If you're going to carry rocks and landscape sand and stuff, put down a tarp before you get a load.
There is very limited access through the holes from which the rocks found their way into the tailgate. I know this doesn't come as news to you. I used a flex claw through those holes to take out as many rocks as I could. I also used a shop vac with a variety of hoses to suck out rocks. I repeatedly opened and slammed close the tailgate to get the rocks to migrate to the holes. I ran a lot of water from the top of the tailgate to flush out some rocks. I can't tell you how many hours I devoted to purging rocks. I got most of them, but every now and then if I go down a bumpy road, there'll be some small rocks on the top of the bumper. I think these things will just be part of the truck and be there long after I'm gone.
So, let this be a lesson to all; If you're going to carry rocks and landscape sand and stuff, put down a tarp before you get a load.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 852
Likes: 90
From: Florida
I had a rock issue also. What I did was flood the tail gate with a water hose through the latches on both sides. While doing this make sure the tail gate is opened and laid down. When tail gate got full simply pick it up like your closing it and all the water rushes out the bottom holes. The rocks will follow. Do this several times and you’ll get them out. I had the issue with rocks, mulch and dirt lol.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,343
Likes: 4,368
From: SW VA
If you mistakenly forget to put a tarp down beforehand...once you open the tailgate and clear out the initial few scoops, you can roll up a small tarp and stuff it in the crack between the bed and tailgate to keep the rest of it out. I did this, and not a single rock in my tailgate! The free tarps from HF work perfect.
I have an idea for a bolt-on flap I want to try this year. I have a lot of mulch to haul for my mother, as she wants to redo all her flowerbeds around the house.
I have an idea for a bolt-on flap I want to try this year. I have a lot of mulch to haul for my mother, as she wants to redo all her flowerbeds around the house.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 250
I think everything on these newer trucks is cheap(all brands)except the price.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Best I have been able to do is flood the tailgate with water. Some will remain but they will eventually make their way out the bottom but it will take a good while of driving.
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