Understand Tailgate Handles Better

Do know about a tailgate handle? A tailgate handles the one that gets lifted up on when at times, you want to lower the tailgate from the truck bed. Generally, it is made up of metal or plastic. A number of times, these handles are equipped with a plastic bezel that helps it match with the rest of the truck’s trim package. The tailgate handle and tailgate bezel can be found in smooth or textured finishes (mostly in black in a number of vehicles). Although, you can paint them if they have a smoother texture. A locking tailgate handle is also an alternate option that is found some trucks. Similar to the exterior door handles, these locking tailgate handles too have a lock cylinder that can be locked and unlocked using a key. Having a cap or bed cover proves advantageous as it protects the tailgate handles.

Confused with so many options? We have listed here everything that you should know about the various types of tailgate handles:

While choosing the right tailgate handle for your pickup truck, we advise you to thoroughly check the material is is composed of. Generally, all the aftermarket tailgate handles are composed of heavy-duty plastic, fiberglass and wood. Well, we advise you to go for the one that is composed of plastic, if you want to stick to the practical decision of just having a tough replacement while you can simply choose one made of fiberglass for replacement, if you are looking for a more durable and sporty type of a tailgate handle. Although, if refinement is your taste, you should surely go for the craftier replacement that is composed of wood.

Apart from the material, tailgate handles also vary according to their fit. Well, there are OE type of simple replacements and the aftermarket ones that are made up of plastic, fiberglass or wood. They are available in custom or can be fitted directly. So whatever decision you make, install the handle fast and super easy.

Still confused? Here we have mentioned in detail the materials of which the tailgate handles are often composed of. The tailgate handles can be built using plastic or metal, and is handled rather roughly, especially on work trucks. These handles may also have a plastic bezel for the purpose of allowing it to mingle in with the whole of the truck’s trim level.

The tailgate handle is an essential component of the vehicle as it controls the tailgate latch assembly. It is connected to the internal elements such as a rotating latch machinery, a pair of metal rods, a pair of panel latches, and recess holes on either side of the truck bed. The handle is responsible for triggering the tailgate latch assembly. The latch assembly works in the following way:

The movement of the spring-loaded metal bars depends on the internal working of the tailgate latch. One end of every metal rod uses a panel latch to connect the tailgate to the side of the truck bed. Small plastic clips fasten the opposite ends of these rods to the rotating latch machinery.

The rotating mechanism is activated once the tailgate handle is lifted. This pulls the rods towards the center of the panel and revokes it from the recess holes on the truck bed. this, in turn, allows the tailgate to be freed and consequently the door can then be folded down and opened.

The tailgate handle serves some very essential responsibilities that we have mentioned it all for you. A tailgate handle plays an important function of providing the easiest way to pull down the tailgate. The tailgate cannot be properly unlocked without the application of an operative tailgate handle.

Many a times, the drivers are likely to face uninvited problems with the tailgate handles. So, don’t freak out as we have listed here all the possible problems that can arise. The main issue with the tailgate handles is mostly problems with the latches. The latches on either side of the tailgate may get encrusted with rust and other contaminants such as dirt. This may cause the latch to stick and the lubrication to dry up. This results in requirement of extra effort to move the tailgate. This in turn, exerts stress on the cast iron arms on the handle, causing them to break. This becomes a frequent problem with many trucks.

Are you thinking of repairing your tailgate handle on your own? Then there is one thing which you must have, that is the right tools needed for repairing your tailgate handle. It is essential to make sure that you are outfitted with the right tools to get the work done properly. Have a look at some tools which you might need to get started with your repair work: -

• Needle-nose pliers
  
• Replacement tailgate handle
• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
  

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some of the top brands for tailgate handles.

Putco Lighting Tailgate Handles

It is very important to arm yourself with information before you shop any auto part. We are here to help you dive deep into the names of the tailgate handles related parts:

• Tailgate handle cover

There are only a number of factors that affect the price of a truck tailgate handle. Here we have listed a few such factors:

• The make and model of your truck affects
• The materials the handle is composed of
• All the special features of the handle such as the LED lighting
• The brand of the handle also creates a difference 

Note that almost all the handles cost between $23 and $138.

Don’t know how to go about this entire procedure of changing the tailgate handles? No worries, these special guidelines laid by Parts Avatar are definitely going to get through it all:

First and foremost is very essential that the car should always be parked on level ground and the engine should be switched off and key should be turned to ‘lock’ position before moving further with the procedure:

Step 1:

A bezel keeps the tailgate handle in place. A good way to create space for the hands to work on is pulling it off.

Step 2:

The opposite side of the tailgate handle is where the securing hardware is placed. This is required to be unbolted, which can be done using the ⅜-inch ratchet and socket tool.

Step 3:

Next, the handle should be freed with care to display the mechanisms which connect it to the lock of the tailgate.

Step 4:

The next step is to remove the clips which connect the handle to the latching linkage of the tailgate. This can be done using needle-nose pliers.

Step 5:

The old handle is to be taken off completely.

Step 6:

A new handle needs to be prepared for the tailgate.

Step 7:

The latching linkage should be installed to the new handle with the help of the needle-nose pliers.

Step 8:

Now you need to push the new handle that you have installed until it clicks home

Step 9:

Next, place the clips back into their desirable places with the new handle bolted. Lastly out back the bezel back into the right position.