Tailgate latch broken

[Jeeperjamie]

Well I went to open my tailgate this morning to grab my stuff for work out of the back and I think the latch on the driver's side is broken or needs to be fixed, the tailgate will not open. I could fix more than likely but the problem I got is I have a tri-fold cover and I cannot access the latches to open it up without getting the tailgate open. Anyone got a suggestion on how I can get the tailgate open, I'm trying to avoid cutting into the tri-fold but if end up having to that then that's what will happen. Any help would be appreciated

Sponsored

 

[TomH]

I had this happen. I was able to use a coathanger to reach the pull cord on the Tri fold top. Once I got that open you can take the panel off the tailgate and see if anything is broken. My tailgate had just come apart on the inside. The parts inside the tailgate are very cheaply made. Surprisingly so.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I had this happen. I was able to use a coathanger to reach the pull cord on the Tri fold top. Once I got that open you can take the panel off the tailgate and see if anything is broken. My tailgate had just come apart on the inside. The parts inside the tailgate are very cheaply made. Surprisingly so.

Mine has two latches on each side that latch under the top of the bed not a pull cord. I'm gonna give the clothes hanger a shot though and see if I can get it pulled forward on both sides.

 

[TomH]

I had the dealer look at mine as it was still under warranty and the service guy played around with it a bit and couldn't get it open. He told me to bring it back on Monday and they would cut the Tri Fold off and replace it with a Mopar Tri Fold. I was able to get it open that weekend, so I never took it in. But they would replace the Tri Fold under warranty, even though I had purchased it second hand.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I had the dealer look at mine as it was still under warranty and the service guy played around with it a bit and couldn't get it open. He told me to bring it back on Monday and they would cut the Tri Fold off and replace it with a Mopar Tri Fold. I was able to get it open that weekend, so I never took it in. But they would replace the Tri Fold under warranty, even though I had purchased it second hand.

Mines a aftermarket trifold and I'm out of warranty. I'm gonna use a clothes hanger I guess and give it shot and see if I can pull the latches forward. If not I guess I'll cut the thing and order a new tri-fold. This one was a deal at $170 , now it's $239. It's starting to fade a little so maybe it's time for a new one.

 

[Bobchadwickga]

I had issues with mine when the overnight temps dropped below the teens over Christmas. Once the temp warmed up, everything worked fine.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

I had issues with mine when the overnight temps dropped below the teens over Christmas. Once the temp warmed up, everything worked fine.

Yeah unfortunately this isn't a temperature thing. It was 70 here yesterday and in the 60's today. I can hear the latch working on the passenger side, it's clicking but doing nothing on the driver's side. I hope it's not broken and just came loose on the inside. I think the wife went ahead and ordered me another Tri-Fold, she text me earlier asking me which one I had in mine. I suspect she already got a replacement on the way.

 

[AmishMike]

She's a keeper!

 

[Jeeperjamie]

She's a keeper!

For Sure!!!!!

 

[Gren71]

haven’t had this specifically happen but i have noticed my tailgate doesn’t open even after hitting the unlock button a couple times.

makes me wonder if the latches are a component that should have a little wipe down s d grease added every now and then. ?‍

 

[Jeeperjamie]

haven’t had this specifically happen but i have noticed my tailgate doesn’t open even after hitting the unlock button a couple times.

makes me wonder if the latches are a component that should have a little wipe down s d grease added every now and then. ?‍

Who knows but you maybe on to something. I think rhe rod inside mine is either slid out or broke. From what I understand it's plastic components now, figures. I hope it's a easy fix. My problem is getting this dang cover off to do what I need to to do. As soon as I get home from work I'm gonna try to figure something out

 

[TomH]

haven’t had this specifically happen but i have noticed my tailgate doesn’t open even after hitting the unlock button a couple times.

makes me wonder if the latches are a component that should have a little wipe down s d grease added every now and then. ?‍

I couldn't believe how lightweight and cheaply made the components in the tailgate are.

 

[PlayfulBird]

If anyone is in there, some pictures would be great of the components. Any ideas on how to upgrade them?
When we had a lot of ice I yanked on the tailgate handle. It all felt cheap and like I almost broke it. Every day use is fine, and you don't notice it, but when you yank on the handle roughly you notice a lot of flex and cheap feel.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Well my wife found a guy local that has 2 new ones for $125 so I guess I'm going to cut this one off mine and go buy one of his tonight.

She found this one new for $125

oEdRo Soft Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator JT , Fleetside 5 Feet Bed https://a.co/d/b0GWoyK

And this one used for $125 but excellent shape

Gator ETX Soft Tri-Fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover | 59701 | Fits 2020 - 2023 Jeep Gladiator (JT) w/o track rail 5' Bed (60") https://a.co/d/dLV8dLa

Which one would you guys grab. I got the Tyger one now and it was $160 when I got it about 3yrs ago but it's not $254. I think they are all about the same at this price point or am I missing something

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Here's my issue, the plastic piece in the middle broke off that holds the latch mechanism together. Looks like I'll need to order that part. Now I got to figure out the part number I need. Always something. Looks like a easy fix if I can find that part

Sponsored