Wondering how much my tailgate weighs? Thinking of removing it when towing my 5th Wheel Camper. I have the electrical kit to put on the truck side connectors, and have read about the hassle involved with them.

F-350 CCSB SRW with tailgate step if any of that matters...

 

I take mine off about twice a month. it's about 45-50lbs and sort of awkward to take off with the wiring. Note: the tailgate with the step weighs much more and I do not have the tailgate lift assist.

Unplug the wiring under the truck and place the caps on the connectors (caps supplied with the truck in the glove box) push the wiring all the way through the bed, tilt the tailgate 45 degrees, unclip each support cable and lift it off. Try not to ding or scratch the tailgate.

 

I leave my tailgate on. Not worth hassle to remove it. Just have a good checklist so you remember to check tailgate when hitching and unhitching your trailer.

 

My tailgate gas the step, and I don't find it heavy at all.

The few times I've removed it though, I got the wife to help cause I wanted to be careful not to brush up against anything and scratch it.

 

Our 2019 F350 CCSB SRW’s tailgate with the built-in step weighs 84.4 lbs. 🥵 Our younger adult son works for FedEx, and he helps me — er, I help him — remove / reinstall it.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

I find that it not the weight as much it is the awkwardness of it, and getting it lined up to unhook and replace in the hinges
The other problem is getting all the wires in and out. With the crane its held in place while I feed the wires in/out
I use a Harber Freight crane and hydraulic table to remove and install by myself.
I temporary connect the crane to the 48" hitch extention, the crane swings 360 deg so its easy to do by myself.
if I have help I will just two person it.

 

Now that's quite the setup for removing a tailgate! Good job with the ingenuity


I just grab mine like I'm carrying a surfboard. Just gotta make sure I set up a place to set the tailgate before I get the 'gate in my hands...lol

 

Thanks all. 85lbs and awkward...

 

My family is in the home health and personal mobility products business. You want a job? Ha ha ha. I bet that's not the biggest challenge you've solved!

 

Very nicely done! I had thought about the table, but I hadn’t figured out the crane part.

I had the “unintended tailgate opening” recall done on our 2019 F350. Removing the wire harness is now quite difficult.

Safe travels,
Jim / crewzer

 

I started using the hydraulic table and a piece of plywood.
It was easier, but I still needed help.
I had my wife help me once and the tailgate smashed her finger (she wasn't ready for the weight as it came off the hinge).
I thought about using a cherry picker (engine hoist) but it was too hard to control becase my driveway is too sloped.
The angle of the tailgate with the strong back and the hook up point on the tailgate puts it at the correct angle to pull/place the passinger side hinge in the slot.
I did my 2011 by hand myself a few times but I scratched up the bumper cover and also put a dent in the tailgate, i didn't want to do thst to my new truck.
Again, if i have help I will do it by hand.
this gives me the tools to get it done safely without Damage with no help.

 

The hoist and the table are ~$400? That’s less than the deductible for an ER visit! 😉

Thanks again, and I hope your wife’s finger fully recovered!

Safe travels (and lifting),
Jim / crewzer

 

This makes it a hell of a lot easier and is easier on the connectors.

 

Thank you! Her finger is fine, and So is her memory, she won't help any more.
I looked at it that it was all cheaper than repairing/replacing the talgate, but the ER is good too.

 

Just removed mine yesterday so I could load the camper. Without the step it's an easy 35 lb lift but you have to know the process. First, disconnect the harness and install the plug that came in the glove box (thank you Ford). Second, undo the clips on the support cables with the tailgate nearly flat. Third, go to the right side, raise the tailgate until the tab and slot align and then lift it out while keeping the the left side firmly planted in the socket. Now move to the center and get a good grip - I sort of bear hug it - and slide the left side out.

Installation is easier with two people, but still doable by yourself.

I wrestled with whether or not to order mine with the step. Now I am so glad I didn't.