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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Diisononyl phthalate, Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Tailgates are roughly like a doorway to your pickup's bed. They are able to secure loads when closed, and they can also provide additional floor space when opened. Unfortunately, tailgates will always get banged up and damaged. With some extra care though, you can be sure that they will last a long time. Here are some Dodge Dakota tailgate maintenance tips you should know:
Load the back of the Dakota properly.
When putting heavy loads at the back of the pickup truck, be sure to load stuff properly. Try to arrange the load in a way that doesn't make an opening in the tailgate necessary. If there are too many things that need to be loaded or if the loads are too big, then you may lower the tailgate to accommodate them. Just be sure to put the majority of the weight on the truck itself and not on the tailgate. When loading large objects onto the truck bed, be sure to use a ramp to make the job easier. Some people may try to lift the heavy object and throw them onto the tailgate before pushing them into the truck. This puts too much stress on the tailgate and may even damage it.
Consider using a tailgate cap or a tailgate protector.
Tailgates are prone to damage--it's just the nature of their job. Fortunately, you can buy tailgate protectors and tailgate caps to provide additional protection to your tailgate. Some products are secured with fasteners or adhesives, making installation a breeze. If you're using a tonneau cover, then take care when getting a protector or a cap. They may not be compatible with each other, which may make installation a problem. Fortunately, there are some protectors and caps that are compatible with the tonneau cover.
Inspect the tailgate for damage and corrosion.
Given the ruthless nature of the tailgate's job, it's a good idea to inspect it from time to time. Pay special attention to any damage sustained and to rust formation. Minor damage can be ignored, though you can do some minor fixes if you're too concerned about the appearance of your Dakota. Significant damage and extensive rust should be repaired immediately. Check the tailgate cables as well and be sure that they are free from rust and damage.
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