Sierra Denali Tailgate Engineering Blunder

[Takeda]

Here is a photo showing how close the tailgate comes to the hitch receiver, without a ball mount. If you forget to remove the ball mount, before lowering the tailgate, it will smash into the tailgate:

 

 

 

[Keta]

I've read similar comments about this before but I don't feel the same way. I'm not sure what or how this could be "engineered" differently. The tailgate never goes down on its own. Shouldn't you know if you have a hitch sticking out before lowering the mid gate?

[DTB]

A simple switch in the receiver that would be pushed in while a receiver was inserted would of been enough, but that would add 15 cents per truck you know. I do agree it seems primitive, but if we can’t have tailgates we lower ourselves, and they have to be fancy and sophisticated, they might as well cover all the bases. 

[bcato]

I'm about to pickup a 2019 with this gate - it was one of the first things the salesman showed me.  Like a disclaimer almost.  "If you leave your hitch in here...."

[Sierra Dan]

On ‎2‎/‎18‎/‎2019 at 7:22 AM, Takeda said:

Here is a photo showing how close the tailgate comes to the hitch receiver, without a ball mount. If you forget to remove the ball mount, before lowering the tailgate, it will smash into the tailgate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for posting Bob, but you are late to the party. 

This has been heavily discussed since the first news of this Tailgate came out summer of last year.

There are other issues with this Tailgate that have come up. One other nuisance is that the load stop feature will not stay up on its own.

You must have something tight against it to prevent the vertical piece from slamming/closing back down on its own every time you apply brakes.

I guess we can't have our cake and eat it too! LOL

[Sierra Dan]

 

[amxguy1970]

This is not a blunder at all, stop being whiny and calling something it isn't just because something doesn't work in the way you want or think it should... Here is an idea, stop leaving your hitch in 24/7. When you are done towing take it out. Ah but what if I get rear-ended you say? It saves my truck some damage. But you are still going to claim insurance to get the damage fixed and a new rear bumper...

 

Tyler

[Sierra Dan]

1 hour ago, amxguy1970 said:

This is not a blunder at all, stop being whiny and calling something it isn't just because something doesn't work in the way you want or think it should... Here is an idea, stop leaving your hitch in 24/7. When you are done towing take it out. Ah but what if I get rear-ended you say? It saves my truck some damage. But you are still going to claim insurance to get the damage fixed and a new rear bumper...

 

Tyler

What about removing your hitch to prevent you or someone else from banging the knee or shin on it? 

[steve8]

It's illegal to leave it in here/can't get an inspection sticker with it in.

[Takeda]

On 2/22/2019 at 11:00 AM, Sierra Dan said:

Thanks for posting Bob, but you are late to the party. 

This has been heavily discussed since the first news of this Tailgate came out summer of last year.

There are other issues with this Tailgate that have come up. One other nuisance is that the load stop feature will not stay up on its own.

You must have something tight against it to prevent the vertical piece from slamming/closing back down on its own every time you apply brakes.

I guess we can't have our cake and eat it too! LOL

Thank you! I had not seen any photos of the problem. One thing I didn't mention in my original post, if you stand on the tailgate step, the tailgate comes close to hitting the hitch receiver.

[Sierra Dan]

On ‎2‎/‎28‎/‎2019 at 6:44 AM, steve8 said:

It's illegal to leave it in here/can't get an inspection sticker with it in.

I would move to another state 

[steve8]

1 hour ago, Sierra Dan said:

I would move to another state 

Have you ever banged your shin on it when it's in place?

Only takes a second to take it out/put back in. Well worth the effort.

Even if you're used to avoiding it, it will save someone from unknowingly walking into it.

[Sierra Dan]

5 minutes ago, steve8 said:

Have you ever banged your shin on it when it's in place?

Only takes a second to take it out/put back in. Well worth the effort.

Even if you're used to avoiding it, it will save someone from unknowingly walking into it.

No, I have not personally. And never want to.

My receiver hitch stays stored away when not in use.

The move to another state was just a funny response.

North Carolina is great.

The family and I have been to Asheville and toured the Biltmore estate.

Mt. Mitchell state park is also a great place to visit.

[Scooter Scott]

No inspections in the great state of Indiana.

 

I typically always leave mine in....but if I get a new 19 I may take it out.  My hitch pin is a keyed one so taking it out will be a little more annoying.

[smit303]

I usually tow a boat at least once a week during the season, and leave the hitch in until winter, but I will be pulling it out when not in use now. 

 

Somewhat of a pain, but not that hard.