Removing tailgate

[kensiko]

Hello,

I learned this week that I can't comfortably put my ATV in the box with the tailgate up. I wanted to do that to be able to attach an RV trailer with the ATV in the truck. I might reconsider trying again if I don't find any better solution.

I've searched a lot for quick solutions since yesterday, one being a trailer hitch extension (https://www.reesetowpower.com/product/80306_trailer-hitch-extension#product-faq-content), but that drops a lot the towing capacity and I still don't know if the chains will be long enough. The best solution would be a steel bed cover (https://diamondbackcovers.com/en-ca/products/diamondbackatvs?variant=32217271689), but that costs a lot.

Another solution is to put the ATV riser on the front wheel of the ATV but remove the tailgate.

Is removing the tailgate easy ? I see that it's quick on a normal tailgate but on the lightning it's powered and has the camera. Any link to a video ?

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[RickLightning]

Tailgate removal requires 2 people, and is described in the manual.

1. Unlatch the tailgate.
2. Disconnect the power door locks in-line connector. It is under the pickup box on the right-hand side of the vehicle near the spare tire.
3. Install a protective cap on the in-line connector portion that remains under the pickup box.
Note: A protective cap should be in the glove compartment.
4. Partially lower the tailgate. Carefully feed the tailgate harness up through the gap between the pickup box and the bumper and place it out of the way under the pickup box.
5. Lower the tailgate.
6. Use a screwdriver to gently pry the spring clip on each connector past the head of the support screw. Disconnect the cable.
7. Disconnect the other cable.
Note: To avoid damaging the tailgate, you may need assistance when removing. The tailgate weighs approximately 97 lb (44 kg).
8. Lift the tailgate to 45 degrees from the horizontal position.
9. Lift the right-hand side off its hinge.
10. Lift the tailgate to 80 degrees from the horizontal position.
11. Remove the tailgate from the left-hand side hinge by sliding it to the right.
12. Install the tailgate in reverse order.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Thread pinned for quick reference.

 

[PuckDucker]

I removed the tailgate from my F150 Lightning this weekend. The process wasn't difficult. (See above procedure)
The primary thing I wasn't expecting is that none of my cameras worked while the tailgate was disconnected. (Yes, I used the protective caps)
However, when I reconnected the tailgate and all wiring connections, everything went back to normal.

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