You Should Know This About Your Tailgate

A tailgate, better known as a tailboard, is a hinged board or door at the back of a vehicle which can be moved up and down at the time of loading and unloading. A tailgate is sometimes also called the hatch and is found in pickup trucks and hatchback vehicles. An inner and outer glass fiber composite panel combined together with a hardened and heated window glass fastened to the outer surface constitute the truck tailgate panel. There is also a striker pin present at each rear corner of the truck tailgate that engages with a spring loaded latch plate on the body. It also has a single release cable that monitors the functions of both the latches and finishes at the release handle on the driver's side of the cabin rear bulkhead.

The multipurpose pickup tailgate primarily includes a bed and a tailgate that is fixed on it. The first part is referred to as the first panel member. The structure fixes the first panel member at the bed of the truck by simply sliding it. You can extend the first panel member as the tailgate opens. You’ll notice at the free end of the first panel member a second panel member that is connected to it. Also, the third panel member is connected to the free end of the second panel member. The first panel member is pivoted on the sliding mounting structure using an assembly. You can place the first panel member along with the second panel member and the third panel member in numerous angles at the opened tailgate according to the different uses. It should be noted that the pickup tailgate is assembled strategically in a way for enhanced durability and different purposes.

Still don’t know about the important features of the tailgate? Parts Avatar has listed for you all that you need to know about the tailgate features:

1. Locking Ram Box - The tailgate provides built-in bins with a fair amount of space, so to say space for approximately 200 cans! The heavy-duty pickup trucks as well as Ram-light pickup trucks, are provided with gigantic bins on either side of the truck bed, known as Ram Box. The Ram Box is also lockable, with a remote key fob which ensures the safety of the goods inside.
2. Household Power Outlet - Well, you are most likely to find two-or three-pronged household outlets in the SUVs, trucks and minivans (mostly, those with rear-entertainment systems). No shortage of flat-screen TVs walking through a crowded tailgating parking lot can be found easily. So, having the correct power outlet present inside the tailgating vehicle makes fastening up a TV, blender or stereo a breeze. Also, ensure to check the power ratings of the outlet (as in some cases they don’t have enough juice to supply power to a larger TV). In circumstances like these, we advise you to choose a truck like Toyota Tacoma with optional 115-volts, 400-watt outlets that can easily handle an assortment of powerful electrical devices.
3. Rear Entertainment System - The modern rear entertainment systems such as the ones found in many minivans usually comprise of a high-quality Blu-ray screen and HDMI connector for streaming numerous sporting apps or video feeds from a tablet or mobile device.
4. Rear-Facing Tailgate Seat - When the party takes place at the rear of the vehicle, the rear-facing tailgate seats such as the Dodge Grand Caravan and Ford Flex help in providing an amazing view of the action happening off the field. Well, these third rows pivot backward and are the main real estate.
5. In-Car Wireless Internet - The in-car wireless systems have the right 4G LTE speeds that can be tapped and transferred into in-car hot spots. The roof mounted antennas help greatly in transmitting and enhancing the signal strength that gives the vehicle a boost over the hordes of others. These features can mostly be found in Audi and GM.
6. Multiple USB Ports - When we talk about tailgating, it generally refers to a constant battery drain while searching line-ups changes, injuries and the green-flag start times. But, in a truck like Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra a number of USB inputs for charging devices can be used. So, if you want something better? This can be a call for you.
7. In-Car Vacuum - Whenever you take drives to a football field or track, this can often get messed up. So, in a Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica, the in-built vacuum can become an easy choice for cleaning up everything.
8. Yes, Essentials Upholstery - Well, we all agree to the fact that spills are unavoidable. Sometimes, your car is likely to get messed up with mustard, relish, BBQ sauce, ketchup and what not. But you don’t have to worry as with Yes Essentials fabric in certain Kia, Hyundai and Fiat Chrysler Automobile vehicles your task gets easier as the cloth upholstery is always staining and odour resistant.
9. Anything With a Liftgate - So in general terms tailgating is known for collecting around the fold-down tailgate of a truck or SUV, but anything with a that has a lift gate and can be the way to go as the liftgate rises above the rear of the vehicle to the shade tailgates. Isn’t that cool?

Curious to know about the functioning of a tailgate? So, here’s all that you need to know about the operations of a tailgate:

A tailgate is a composite element that is responsible for the opening and closing of the trunk bed of the vehicle. The panel which closes off the trunk or compartment area of truck is made up of aluminium or steel is known as the tailgate shell. 

The door is locked in place because of a latch mechanism which is placed inside this panel. To facilitate the doors to swing open or close, hinges are attached to the side and the lower part of the panel. Another alternative mechanism that can be used for the mechanization of the doors is torsion springs or harnesses. A tailgate has a variety of functions. One of its most important functions of a tailgate is to load cargo onto the back of the vehicle. It also may serve as a step to obtain access the bed or as an extension to add to the carrying capacity of the truck. Other benefits also include space which could be used for the accommodation of larger pieces of lumber or longer pipes, for extra seating. It could also provide as a worktable at work sites.

Here we have listed a few problems that you are likely to face frequently with the tailgate:

• The tailgate actuator fails to open the liftgate or glass the tail liftgate a number of times and the vehicle has no key access on the external portion of the vehicle. It can be seen that on the inside of the vehicle, there isn’t a manual release for the liftgate. So that means, in case of accidents, the third-row passengers are left with almost no ways for getting out of the vehicle, hence making it a big safety concern.
• One of the most frequent issues with the tailgate is that the tailgate lock on the driver’s side of the vehicle does not work properly. It needs to be greased or replaced if the problem occurs frequently.
• Any minor problems with the button result in the failure of opening and closing of the tailgate.
• The paint on the fenders begins to bubble up in a quite short period of time. The tailgate also may start rusting fast.
• There are also complains about the tailgate not opening a couple of times, even after the actuator being replaced. The remote may also exhibit signs of trouble and problems in opening and closing the doors. Sometimes, the stereo also turns off as soon as the engine is turned off.

There are a number of skilled auto mechanics who have a goal of opening their own car repair shop at some point in their career. But let’s face it; if you want to put up an efficient as well as profit making shop, then you might need much more than mechanical skills. There are a number of tools which you might need to perform the car repairs quickly as well as reliably. Auto repair equipment that you will need to repair your Tailgate may include:

• Hammer
• Dust mask
• Disc sander
• Screwdriver
• Sanding block
• Compressed air
• Plastic spreader
• Panel beating kit
• Trim removal tool (if necessary)
• Body filler for galvanized metal
• 80-grit abrasive sanding discs
• 80- and 240-grit sanding paper

Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Tailgate which would offer safety and at the same time decrease the risk of disappointment:

Do you want to know the related parts of the car Tailgate? Don’t worry! PartsAvatar Canada is here at your service:

• Tailgate Hinge
• Tailgate Emblem
• Tailgate Pad
• Tailgate Handles
• Tailgate Handle Cover

So the total costs differentiates according to the vehicle’s year, model and make. The cost of OEM replacements range between $50 to $900. Also, you can sell the auto parts individually or as part of a kit. Although, you can replace your vehicle’s tailgate on your own, but, we advise you to consult a trained mechanic for accurate installations as damaged tailgates risk the drivers' safety and also if you want to make the most of the functionality of the workhorse, this replacement should be performed immediately.

Following these simple steps you can change the tailgate of your vehicle easily:

Step 1 - Analyse the damage

So before starting the procedure, it is essential to inspect the entire part. Carefully inspect both panels as the outside is often prone to easy scratches and paint chips while the panel faces the truck bed. There are also heavy chances of rigors faced from the constant loading and unloading. Then you should check the hinges for any signs of corrosion. You can do that by simply opening and closing the door of the truck bed a number of times. If they are all good, you’ll likely face no resistance while doing so. Lubricate all the gaps between the hinges of the tailgate.

Step 2 - All the dents should be knocked out

So if you find a trim on the spot behind a dent or where the dent is, you should take it off using a trim removal tool or screwdriver. Using a hammer (present inside the panel beating kit) knock out the dent until you see a flat surface. We advise you not to start from the middle of the dent. Start working on it from one side instead and working your way to the other side.

Step 3 - The dented surface should be sanded

Put on a dust mask and get your hands of a sander and put 80-grit disc on it. The machine should be kept steady using both the hands. Start removing the paint by putting the sander on until the affected area including a couple of inches around it are back to bare metal. Then, a can of compressed air should be used to drive all the excess dust away from the tailgate's panel.

Step 4 - Apply the filler

For this, you need to prepare a mixture of hardener and body filler. Ensure that is is enough to cover the spot that has been affected. Evenly apply the filler onto the dented spot on the tailgate and past the edges of the entire dent using a spreader.

Step 5 - Sand the filled area

Now if your filler has dried completely, you need to get a sanding block. Then wrap a sheet of 80-grit sandpaper around its surface and rub the filler through long, sweeping movements. This rubbing should be continued until there is a flat working surface. In case you have overdone the process, apply some more to compensate for the ones that have been eliminated. It should be done until the desired state and level are achieved.

Step 6 - The last finishing touches

If all’s good and the tailgate panel is back to its original form, sand the filler with 240-grit sandpaper lightly. Through this procedure, the repaired area will get ready for painting. And now of the painting has been done, you can fit it with the tailgate accessories that you want to install.