Has anyone had the tailgate not wanting to latch. I have to close the tailgate 2 or three times and pull on handle to make sure it will not fall down. Slamming does not really make much difference. I sprayed oil all over the latching mechanism but really did not help. I have the Bully tailgate handle but do not think that is the problem. It seems to be getting gradually worse. Should I take the plate off and look inside or is it an adjustment problem?

 

I had... and still have the same problem. Dealer lubricated the latch in the hole on the left side of the gate and it worked for about 1 month. Now it's sticking again. Now I just push the latch back with my finger before I shut the gate each time. It's the single latch on the left side, not the latch that looks like a "V" and goes around the post. (wish I could take a pic and show you).

Give that try... if it works, take it to the dealer and have them "fix" it.

 

I see the latch on the left. I didn't realize it only catches on the drivers side, thanks. I hardly pull on the landle when the tailgate unlatches. Is there anything to adjust from the inside or is it some cheap mechanism that just needs to be replaced.

 

I have not been inside the gate to look, but my guess is that the spring to "load" it back to the locking position is too weak. Add in the gunk and crap from every day use and lubrication isn't going to do the trick after a while.

My truck goes in one more time before the warranty is up. I'll get it fixed and if it goes again, it will just be part of my procedure for shutting the gate.

 

My 1999 has always had to be slammed really hard or it will fall open.
Learned my lesson the hard way when it fell down on a trailers jack while driving.

 

Mine seems to close fine but doesnt seem to take much to open it i have been hauling my trailer and have gotten to my destination to find it down! I was really worried that I would have crushed it! Seems like it doesnt take much pull on the handle to get it to open?? I was thinking of putting a few like eye-lits in it and stick a bungy cord on it just to maybe help save my tailgate.

 

Found the problem and fixed it . The handle rotates a plate directly behind it. When the plate rotates ( about 10*) it pulls on (2) rods. The rods release a catch on each side. Turns out the pivot plate was all gummed up and would not return fully. Since the plate would not return fully it would partially unlatch the "catches". Oiled it all up and worked it till the pivot plate would return to position by itself. The passenger side catch was not engaging but some more oil got it going. My handle was working like vince99's. Now both catches work and the handle feels like new. The problem was slowly getting worse till yesterday would not latch at all. It's an easy fix 15-20 minutes. I hated going down the road and BOOM tailgate would fall.

 

Good to know I will have to take a look today! I assume all you did was take off the access panel by the handle and lubed from there and along the edges?

 

Yes Vince that was all I did. Remove the access panel and oiled away. I had to grab the opposing rods to rotate the center plate to get it to cooperate. I forgot to take any pictures. Working in the garage in the winter is not much fun, especially since the garage door has to be open to operate the tailgate.

 

LOL I hear ya! I cant even fit mine in the garage with the tailgate shut so I know exactly what you mean! It would be ALMOST tempting to just take it off oil it up then put it back on but that seems like even more of a hassle. Thanks for the tips.