So, is the tailgate of the Gladiator NOT metal?

[jlg]

Seems like it's not -- I tried to put a magnet on it, and it wouldn't attach -- it DID attach to the fender, but NOT the tailgate?

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[Hockeypilot44]

I think it's aluminum while the body is steel.

 

[WhatExit?]

No, it’s not metal. Not much is steel on a Gladiator body. Lots of aluminum though

Edit: My mistake (I know aluminum is a metal; I'm in the industry) - I meant to say it's not steel as I went on to say, "not much is steel...

 

[Murgatroid]

No, it’s not metal. Not much is steel on a Gladiator body. Lots of aluminum though

Aluminum is metal. The tailgate, doors and I think even the hood is aluminum.

 

[Murgatroid]

The frame, roll cage, bed are steel, would have to run out with a magnet to see if the bed sides are steel.

 

[Rocksalt]

The frame, roll cage, bed are steel, would have to run out with a magnet to see if the bed sides are steel.

bed sides are steel.

 

[Incommando]

I am pretty sure that the tailgate is a composite material

 

[Factoid]

Aluminium for you Brits.

 

[Jake]

I figured that out a long time ago. Tried to attach this magnetic sticker to the tailgate.
Had to put it on the side. Fail to understand why Jeep did that. Save a few pennies I guess.

 

[Murgatroid]

I figured that out a long time ago. Tried to attach this magnetic sticker to the tailgate.
Had to put it on the side. Fail to understand why Jeep did that. Save a few pennies I guess.

I learned on the test drive, couldn't find a spot that the magnetic license plate would stick.

 

[whiteglad]

Hood, fenders, windshield frame, tailgate are aluminum, which costs more in material. Tailgate access panels, bed including outer sides, body tub are steel. You can check for yourself with a small magnet. It was mostly about saving weight and fuel mileage.

 

[Cshadow2]

Don’t you remember ford going on and on about using aluminum? But for real it’s lighter, harder to actually dent easily and it doesn’t rust. The down side is once you do dent it you probably have to replace it it doesn’t really straighten easily and it cost more than steel.

 

[Rocksalt]

the aluminum is a weight saver

 

[nyyankees]

Having just had to replace my tailgate I can say the downside is that PDR is very difficult on aluminum. Had to replace the tailgate vs. dent removal.

 

[LostWoods]

I figured that out a long time ago. Tried to attach this magnetic sticker to the tailgate.
Had to put it on the side. Fail to understand why Jeep did that. Save a few pennies I guess.

I can assure you Jeep didn't save any pennies going with aluminum. It's an accepted added cost because lower weight means better economy and less emissions per mile to meet federal standards.

Like most things that piss of Jeep and BOF SUV fans, blame CAFE standards.

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