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I removed the stock chains and put latches on the inside of the bed. I need to know what is used to support the tailgate when 5his is done. I have done a lot of searches but haven't come up with anything that I think would work.
They were a Mar-K product but apparently they are no longer in business.
I got these off Amazon for the project I have going now but I had to make the piece that bolts to the tailgate, These one aren't stainless steel but have a zinc finish and only cost around $30
Last edited by 56panelford; Oct 16, 2025 at 08:57 AM.
I have had both the steel "scissor" type and the strap type tailgate support and I much prefer the straps for the following reasons. The steel has the possibility of scratching the paint. Second, the way most of them attach with two screws on each end and the end on the tailgate is screwed to the inside surface of the tailgate which has the strong potential to pull out over time and use. The straps are attached to the bed and the inside edge of the tailgate with screws that go into expanding anchors and they will not scratch the paint!
I may have had my tailgate opened once since I finished it 8 years ago, I mostly just open the cover and load over the gate. There are two riv-nuts that hold the support to the gate. ..
I may have had my tailgate opened once since I finished it 8 years ago, I mostly just open the cover and load over the gate. There are two riv-nuts that hold the support to the gate. ..
Yes! Riv-nuts is correct. Expanding anchors was used because I couldn't think of the correct name...Riv-nuts. Thank you for correcting me.
I have had both the steel "scissor" type and the strap type tailgate support and I much prefer the straps for the following reasons. The steel has the possibility of scratching the paint. Second, the way most of them attach with two screws on each end and the end on the tailgate is screwed to the inside surface of the tailgate which has the strong potential to pull out over time and use. The straps are attached to the bed and the inside edge of the tailgate with screws that go into expanding anchors and they will not scratch the paint!
The only problem with the web straps is that they tend to grab the 2wind and float up over the top of the tailgate as you fly down the road. No biggie, just detracts from the look of the truck
I have had both the steel "scissor" type and the strap type tailgate support and I much prefer the straps for the following reasons. The steel has the possibility of scratching the paint. Second, the way most of them attach with two screws on each end and the end on the tailgate is screwed to the inside surface of the tailgate which has the strong potential to pull out over time and use. The straps are attached to the bed and the inside edge of the tailgate with screws that go into expanding anchors and they will not scratch the paint!
what kind of bolt was used where the strap is bolted to the bed?
The only problem with the web straps is that they tend to grab the 2wind and float up over the top of the tailgate as you fly down the road. No biggie, just detracts from the look of the truck
You could be right bobbytnm, but I run a tonneau so I have not had that experience.
what kind of bolt was used where the strap is bolted to the bed?
The straps are connected at both the stake pockets and the tailgate with Riv-nuts. For those who might not be familiar with the term, a Riv-nut is a fastener that works like a rivet which is threaded and then compressed using a bolt to compress the rivet as the bolt is tightened. I hope this helps.
