Can Tailgate Release Be Temporarily Disabled on XLT?

[Bocephus]

I would like to disable tailgate release when I have bikes on the back. Not to be confused with the power tailgate which can be disabled in settings. It’s just a matter of time before I lower the tailgate and it hits the bikes. Hard to believe Ford could have missed this.

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[flatag]

Interesting concern. I guess you could always unplug the tailgate. But then again how would you lock it.

 

[Its Not Me]

Similar concern when trailer is connected...I don't want to damage the tailgate dropping it onto the horse trailer.

 

[CommoSGT]

I would like to disable tailgate release when I have bikes on the back. Not to be confused with the power tailgate which can be disabled in settings. It’s just a matter of time before I lower the tailgate and it hits the bikes. Hard to believe Ford could have missed this.

I saw a guy's truck in KC that had a bike rack like this and he built an adjustable brace that hit near the tailgate release with a padded end and was attached to the hitch with a thumbscrew to lock it in.

 

[Bocephus]

Similar concern when trailer is connected...I don't want to damage the tailgate dropping it onto the horse trailer.

Yes,, same issue with trailer

 

[daemonic3]

Do you mean just lock it to it can never be released with the button/handle?

I have the trailer jack issue so I change my power to manual, but I have to open it a little bit to unlatch my tonneau, then close the tailgate and access the bed again. Is there a release on an XLT that doesn't require you to be there to catch it manually?

 

[imgone10]

Do you mean just lock it to it can never be released with the button/handle?

I have the trailer jack issue so I change my power to manual, but I have to open it a little bit to unlatch my tonneau, then close the tailgate and access the bed again. Is there a release on an XLT that doesn't require you to be there to catch it manually?

He is talking about the non-power tail gate. There is a button on the dash that releases it, and it drops open.

 

[jeffcrum]

He is talking about the non-power tail gate. There is a button on the dash that releases it, and it drops open.

Right. Or on remote.

It gets too be habit. Would hate to hit the button forgetting it shouldn't be done.

 

[daemonic3]

He is talking about the non-power tail gate. There is a button on the dash that releases it, and it drops open.

Gotcha! This sounds like a new feature as my 2017 XLT did not have this. Makes sense now.

 

[lostmimic]

Not a disable, but you can use the clamp holes in the tailgate top and hook a strap to inside the box so even if it releases, it wont move?

 

[Bocephus]

Thanks but that's not going to work with a tonneau cover.

 

[KartRacer25]

I think if you look at tailgate removal instructions for electic tail in the manual the first thing is remove the wire harness at bottom right and put the cap provided in the ziploc bag in the glove box over the open end that leads into truck. Cant find the page right now.
That might do the trick to disable electric release. Then electric tape the other end and zip tie them somewhere safe, maybe together.?

 

[Bocephus]

I think if you look at tailgate removal instructions for electic tail in the manual the first thing is remove the wire harness at bottom right and put the cap provided in the ziploc bag in the glove box over the open end that leads into truck. Cant find the page right now.
That might do the trick to disable electric release. Then electric tape the other end and zip tie them somewhere safe, maybe together.?

The wires are on the left, not right as described. Based on what I see, I will never remove the tailgate.

 

[KartRacer25]

The wires are on the left, not right as described. Base on what I see, I will never remove the tailgate.

I'm not saying remove the tailgate. just unplug the connector and it wont open accidentally. Not sure if you can open it manually then. LOL
Just an option. Maybe temporarily until a permanent fix can be figured out.
Since its obviously designed to be removed and the vehicle still operate, and they give you a cap for the onboard side, it should be safe.
At least save your paint job for now.
You can be the guinea pig and save the rest of us, until someone smarter than us comes up with a better solution.
Not sure about all the other electronics and sensors in tailgate though, like back up camera, led.

 

[Bocephus]

It's less than ideal but this is what I am going with until I can come up with a better solution.

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