With the tailgate down, it is about 1/2" higher than the truck bed. Why is this? I thought that they would be level. With it higher if there is anything longer than the bed, most of the load will be taken by the tailgate hinges & cables.

This cannot be good.

 

My guess is additional reinforcement for the tailgate panel. I don't know if it makes that much of a difference but I have seen way to many Superduty tailgate panels crushed in this same area.

MikeyB

 

Arent the raised ribs in the bed the same height as the gate?

 

Not mine - lay down a strait edge & rib-to-rib the tailgate will be 1/2 in higher.

 

I noticed that when i bought mine and had my RBW 5er hitch put in. had to take off the tailgate to slide it in. Ive had that hitch in 3 other trucks and never had that problem.

 

Cowboy133 - surely me & you aren't the only ones w/ high tailgates - anyone else out there?

 

i have a 2004.5. my tailgate is about 1/4 inch higher-if that .