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PhilR's avatar
PhilR
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2019

Tailgate removal 2019 Chevy 3500HD

The wiring in my new Chevy 3500 tailgate looks more complicated than in my 2013 truck. Time to remove the tailgate and load the camper on. Would appreciate input from anyone who has done this. Thanks.
  • If you are talking “new” fancy extra feature tailgate, be also aware of the increased weight. For instance, my F450 tailgate, and easier to lower springs with step weighs about twice what my previous truck, F350 tailgate weighed. My guess is the F450 newer step tailgate weighs about 90 lbs or so.
  • Ford supplied me with plugs to put into disconnected wires to protect them from dirt.
    Check if Dodge has those too.
    I have to go under the bumper to disconnect.
  • fyi - on my 2015 F350, the tailgate lifted off easily, but I noticed a black plastic bushing on the truck-right-side male pivot pin that risked falling off without the tailgate female slot holding it in place. I threw a few wraps of electrical tape on it, lest it fall off an be a royal pain to replace.

    --SiletzSpey
  • Things sure got more complex than my 97 Ford. I just pop off the cables and my wife and I remove it. Of course being a 97, the tailgate actually weighs something unlike the paper thin ones made today...lol My 97 Tailgate weighs around 75 pounds give or take.
  • 2016 Chevy 3500 here. Backup camera the only wiring to unhook to remove tailgate and it's just a single plug to unhook. I remember it has locking tabs so don't break those an your good to go.
  • I would strongly suggest that you have your dealer show you how. The backup camera disconnect cable can be a little tricky.

    LeRoy