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2009 F350 Tailgate bent after loading once

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14K views 23 replies 18 participants last post by  GULS67  
#1 ·
My buddy was loading my RZR into his 2009 F350. He got the front tires in the bed, then all of a sudden both tailgate straps broke and the tailgate slammed into the bumper. The tailgate is creased and bowed. The Ford dealer said the tailgate was overloaded and won't repair it. They said the tailgate is bowed. Replacement cost is $1200. It is extra expensive because it has the man step and the back-up camara. Has anybody else had similiar issues? This was the first time a RZR ever went in that truck.

Thanks, Skip
 
#9 ·
Wow. That's a new one on me about the tail gates. Great information and I'm glad you shared that. I have the 2008 F-350 with the pull out step and I was told that tail gate was in the 2500.00 range.
Both of those prices sound "reasonably cheap". When I bought my '08 F-250, the dealer told me to always keep it locked because the tailgates with the steps were a hot item for thieves. I was told those tailgates cost $4600 CAD. I assume that's with paint, new straps, etc... When the tailgate steps first came out in '08, that particular dealership had 3 stolen on the first night the trucks hit the lot (They were PDI'd and the mechanic never locked the tailgates).

For $1200, I wouldn't ask any questions......pay and run!! :rofl3:
 
#7 ·
My buddy was loading my RZR into his 2009 F350. He got the front tires in the bed, then all of a sudden both tailgate straps broke and the tailgate slammed into the bumper. The tailgate is creased and bowed. The Ford dealer said the tailgate was overloaded and won't repair it. They said the tailgate is bowed. Replacement cost is $1200. It is extra expensive because it has the man step and the back-up camara. Has anybody else had similiar issues? This was the first time a RZR ever went in that truck.

Thanks, Skip
I have the exact setup only on a 2008 Ford 350. Before I bought a rack, I loaded and unloaded the RZR several times drove hundreds of miles with back tires riding on tailgate, I have had no issues what so ever. This is what I'm using now.
Fireman, Isn't that really top heavy on your truck? Looks like it's dangerous top heavy
 
#8 ·
My buddy was loading my RZR into his 2009 F350. He got the front tires in the bed, then all of a sudden both tailgate straps broke and the tailgate slammed into the bumper. The tailgate is creased and bowed. The Ford dealer said the tailgate was overloaded and won't repair it. They said the tailgate is bowed. Replacement cost is $1200. It is extra expensive because it has the man step and the back-up camara. Has anybody else had similiar issues? This was the first time a RZR ever went in that truck.

Thanks, Skip
I have the exact setup only on a 2008 Ford 350. Before I bought a rack, I loaded and unloaded the RZR several times drove hundreds of miles with back tires riding on tailgate, I have had no issues what so ever. This is what I'm using now.
That truck is sitting level....airbags?
 
#10 ·
The cables did not tear. The cables came out of the round connectors that attach to the bed. This happened the first time a RZR was ever loaded into it, so it is not from years of wear and tear or old cables because the truck is a 2009.
 
#12 ·
My buddy was loading my RZR into his 2009 F350. He got the front tires in the bed, then all of a sudden both tailgate straps broke and the tailgate slammed into the bumper. The tailgate is creased and bowed. The Ford dealer said the tailgate was overloaded and won't repair it. They said the tailgate is bowed. Replacement cost is $1200. It is extra expensive because it has the man step and the back-up camara. Has anybody else had similar issues? This was the first time a RZR ever went in that truck.

Thanks, Skip
I have the exact setup only on a 2008 Ford 350. Before I bought a rack, I loaded and unloaded the RZR several times drove hundreds of miles with back tires riding on tailgate, I have had no issues what so ever. This is what I'm using now.

Fireman, Isn't that really top heavy on your truck? Looks like it's dangerous top heavy
The truck handles it very well. I does not adversely affect the handling. I can drive the legal limit where ever I go. No Air bags yet, but its in my future. Loading it the first few times felt strange. I have thousands of miles on it now, traveling to Utah and Oregon. It works well and allows me to pull my trailer.:ride:
 
#13 ·
Sounds like bad cables to me...

I've got a Dakota and have loaded my old quad several times with my wife and I both on it. Judging by the advertised weight, we were over 1000lb.

Ask the dealer for documentation on what the tailgate cables should hold. I wouldn't blame the tailgate itself, if the cables snap and shock it against the bumper like that, no tailgate will hold without damage.
 
#16 ·
I thinkin faulty cables as well. My RZR has been haul in the back of my 2008 F-350 countless times do to the fact i couldn't haul it any other way. Sounds a little fishy to pull the cable out of the eyelets.
 
#18 ·
Oh boy! guilty as charged lol
 
#20 ·
I've got an 08 Tundra. Even loading in the bed backwards I have two nice little dents in my tail gate where the wheels sit.. I've probably only hauled it this way 1000 or so miles.. It was enough I bought a trailer for it lol. Flatbeds are cheap.. Cheaper then your tailgate! I bought a 5x10 utility trailer with 24" sides. works great for a standard RZR.. I just ordered a cargo trailer for it though. For a make shift toyhauler.. Little more secure when you have to stop in a parking lot also..