Tailgate removal, 04 Ram dually, advice

[joe_julie81]

This may be an easy chore; I just have no idea. Is it something I should let the dealership handle where I'm buying the truck camper or should it be easy enough to take care of at home? And how easy is it to put back on if I want to do it myself? What are the steps including unplugging the brake light? Thanks

[sljohnson1938]

work2much wrote:
click here

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X2 - my 99 Dodge is the same. very easy, but also very heavy, watch it.

[TxGearhead]

I use my cheap Harbor Freight engine hoist. I put "add a links" on the tailgate cable and a light duty chain back to the hook on the hoist. So far, so good.
Hardest part is disconnecting the back-up camera.

[K_Mac]

To limit the time I have to hold the TailGate,(bad back) I have it sitting on plastic folding horses, usually 1 step from back of truck. Works great when alone.

[ScottG]

It's so easy to get the tail gate off that many folks put a hose clamp around the notched end so it slows down thieves.

[work2much]

Reddog1 wrote:

work2much wrote:
click here

With the exception of the tailgate light wires, this link does a great job. On my truck, I have no indicators saying my tailgate wires are not connected.

You got me thinking. Yes, there was a tailgate light on my 2004 Ram. Definitely need to break that connection loose first.

[Reddog1]

work2much wrote:
click here

With the exception of the tailgate light wires, this link does a great job. On my truck, I have no indicators saying my tailgate wires are not connected.

[wanderingbob]

On my 2014 Ram 2500 when ya remove the gate a lite on dash sez take to dealer for service . I did and they scoped it and said that my center of tailgate brake lite was not working , DUH , it was in my garage . .Eighty mile trip for nothing !

[work2much]

click here

[joe_julie81]

Thanks, very helpful information.

[Ski_Pro_3]

Like reddog said;
Lower tailgate to 45 degrees, release the cables that hold the tail gate flat when down at the truck bed. Lift passenger side up, slide off driver side. Rest on the bumper as you get a good grip, then haul it to where you want to store it. Not light, so if there's any reason you can't horse 50 pounds of awkward load, get a buddy to help. Sometimes a garden cart works if you can move to that and have it close at hand. Just don't drop it or you'll surely screw up the paint.
Reverse the steps to reinstall.
Oh, one more thing; the driver side cup has a plastic bushing. Don't leave it on the truck, instead remove it and leave it with the tail gate. Sometimes it comes off with the tail gate, other times it sticks to the truck, so make note!

[mike_kellie]

If you're going to have the camper dealership help you remove the tailgate, it will have to be carried home somewhere, somehow. We traveled to pick-up ours as well and it was easy to remove however we didn't have electrical to our 2008 GMC dually.

[Reddog1]

I have a '04 Dodge Dually. I suggest you remove it at home or have the dealer (Dodge or TC) show you how, then take the truck home to remove and store the tailgate. It is heavy.

First look between the bumper and tailgate for the Tailgate light wires. They connect behind the bumper just below the top. Disconnect and route over the top of the bumper.

Lower the tailgate about 45 degrees. There is a cable on each side of the tailgate, held in place with a flat spring. Raise the open end of the flat spring with your finger and lift the cable eye off the pin on the tailgate.

The bed of the truck has a large cup (abt 1-inch dia.) on each side at the bottom of the tailgate. The tailgate has tailgate has a pin on each side that goes into the cups. This is the hinge. One of the pins has two flat spots an with matching openings in its mating cup. With the tailgate about 45 degrees, lift one (right side I think) end up out of the cup (while pushing tailgate to opposite side) and sit this end of the tailgate on the bumper. Then, holding the weight up on the opposite side, slide the tailgate off of the remaining cup and sit it on the bumper.

This tailgate is not only heavy, but awkward to carry. I am 6 foot tall, 280 lbs with long arms. I can get mine off the truck, but need a hand truck to move it around. I would not want to get it out of my TC or the back seat of my Quad Cab, doable but prefer not.

Wayne

[DutchmenSport]

Your dealership should set you up with the new camper. He should show you how to prep your truck, including removing the tail gate and then you will probably watch as someone else will actually load the TC for you, explaining everything as they go. If they don't ... well ... they should! As with any new camper purchase, 5er, TC, MH or TT, this should be part of the PDI process. Now, when you get it home ... you're on your own. So take a video. You've paid for their time and their instruction, so get your money's worth at the PDI.

[d3500ram]

Not hard to do. Easier with an assistant but can be preformed solo.

I do not have a dually, but I would think that the plug (I assume that there should be one) that the plug should first be disconnected.

The two straps while holding the tailgate in a slightly open position would then be removed. There is a metal tab retainer that keeps the straps on the body lug that need to be slightly pried to slip the strap end-ring off the lug.

Open the tailgate down to about a 45^ angles and lift backward the right side hinge. The hinge receiver on the tailgate has an "open cup" shaped housung thingy that slips out. When the tailgate lifts out from this right side, the left side will slide out when moving the tailgate towards the center of the truck bed.

If doing alone be sure to hold the tailgate and be aware of its weight as it will drop when fully disconnected if you are not prepared for it. Perhaps the first time is best with help... this way you can see, feel how to to it for the next time if done solo.