My wife has an 08 Explorer Sport Trac. I understand it's not an F150, but this concept is the same. Has anyone tried to modify the tailgate in such a manner so instead of the tailgate going down to open it, it opens from the side? I've never seen a pickup truck with such a modification, but the reason I'm tempted is because we're expecting another member of the family and having to reach into the bed with the tailgate down is not an easy task for my wife (who is only 5' tall) unless she jumps in it. Also, it gives me an excuse to tinker with her stuff.

I know I'd have to build new hinge points, secure the hinges, delete one of the handle latches and remove it, install a system to keep it from slamming shut and opening beyond its limit.

The truck is paid off with less than 55k. Also it's been very reliable with no problems, so trading it in is not an option at all. Again, just curious if anyone has seen this done to a pickup truck before so I can kinda learn from faults.

 

The Blackwoods did this. They possibly opened both ways, not sure about that. You could look at their system as a guide.

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Ahhh, I haven't seen that truck in a long time, quite a rarity in my opinion. The doors did open outward. I may end up doing something like that then. I thought about it, but it's hard to imagine how effective it will keep a seal against water down the center if I'm gonna use a bakflip cover for her truck. I think I may try with just the single-side opening, then later attempt the dual-door opening like the Lincoln Blackwood. I got a tailgate from a junkyard for $60, some scratches, no dent, gonna get cut up so repaint is inevitable. Thanks for the heads up Bluejay!

 

Never knew Blackwoods did that, thought only the Ridgeline, ( a sad excuse for a truck ) did this.

 

Wow, I didn't even know the Honda Ridgeline could do that! Lucky me, I know a guy who owns a Ridgeline. I can imagine the engineering behind folding down ANd out is going to be a feat if I'm converting from a tailgate that currently only goes down. Hrmmm, might be easier to just get the wife an SUV and I use this truck as a gas saver since I get 9mpg in my truck?