Are These Tailgate Straps Useful? Yes, They Very Much Are

[Vincent]

A club member posted this pictures below and was thinking if the back tailgate straps appear to not really support the tailgate as it was looking line the hinges appear to do all the work.





He further said he was considering removing 1 or both for tailgating camping reasons. That they appear to just be there as a backup. Belt and suspenders approach.

When I heard this, I had to share my own story with him were I had one that was loose. The mobile tech came to take a look at it (among a couple of other minor things) . After both of us scratched our heads messing with it, we finally realized, when you put sufficient pressure on the tailgate, the loose end got tight. By sufficient pressure, it wasn't a ton, just pushed down with a hand. Enough to deflect maybe 1/4 inch? Certainly less than when you are hauling lumber. He double-checked with someone and was told that this was normal.

Initially, I took both off as a test. Made me realize that the tailgate bends further down a few degrees and there was a popping noise. This means that the tailgate straps are definitely required but the hinges don't have an actual stop they can rest against.