Tailgate Removal
Tried to remove the tailgate on 2024 Chevy 2500HD. The B.U. Camera wire runs in above spare tire and is almost impossible to reach and disconnect without lowering the spare. In a different post, s...
Forum Discussion
I lubed it up, wiggled it around - twice - second time, it came loose and out. So that problem is solved. Now I have to lower the spare tire to get to that disconnect. Everyone once in a while, or maybe more often, truck manufactured come up with what I call a bone-head improvement - this is one. Nearly impossible to get to the disconnect to remove the tailgate. One answer here was to buy an extension, which I tried, but so far - only fits up to 2019 Chevy. So will keep searching or have one made if that's possible. Truck campers need tailgate off and on more than other types RV, so it becomes a PITA to do it the way it's set up now. I'll find a fix somehow. But my camper is on the truck more than off, so that helps.
The idiocy of locking the spare is not new. I have a 2008 F250 and the special key was nowhere to be found and the dealership was useless. One dealer wanted to remove the entire bed to get at the lift winch from above. Spent a couple hours getting the spare down and then wound up removing the lock portion of the lift winch.
Actually might not be bad having to lower the spare to get at the tailgate wiring. Things tend to get caked with mud/dirt and corrosion, so when you do go to lower the spare, it may be frozen or the tire doesn't have any air. Lowering it a couple times per year will ensure it works if you do have a flat. Assuming things are working fine, most of the time and effort is getting the handle out from behind the seat.
Seems like GM makes it difficult for thieves, but impossible for owners. I got the lock out and will look at it to see how easy I can make it to do everything that makes the tailgate easy to remove. I'll need to do it every time I put my truck camper in the bed. I may just leave it off, and build a end-rack to keep things in the bed when I need it. easy to install, easy to removes. I've driven Rv's over fifty years with no 'back-up camera', so won't miss it when I don't have it.
