2019 Silverado 1500 Tailgate Removal

[Pyro In Tampa]

I'm trying to install a light-bar on my new 2019 Silverado. It's my first truck and to be honest, I don't know a thing about them. I figured installing a light bar would be simple, but it's proving to be anything but. There's only about 3/4" of space between the bottom of the tailgate and the bumper. So I'm going to have to take the tailgate off to install the light-bar. If I hit a button on the key-fob the tailgate will come down, but not up. So it's not a power tailgate. It does have a backup camera in it. I have no idea how to take that off, or even if I need to take that off.

 

If someone could tell me how to take the tailgate off I would greatly appreciate it.

 

While I'm asking.... The light-bar wiring has a 4 pin flat clip and a red wire for the brake light. I'd rather not use the 4-pin flat clip in the bumper as it opens top to bottom and I don't want water getting in there every time it rains. So I was thinking about using quick-splice clips to connect all the wires underneath the bed right into the wiring harness. Does anyone know if this is a smart or prudent thing to do?? I don't want to fry the system either.

 

Finally... The light-bar came with 3 small clips and screws to screw the light bar down in case the double sided tape lets go (I assume). I'm hesitant to make holes in a brand new truck! If I just used the double sided tape that runs the entire length of the light-bar, my thought is that it should be enough to hold it in place. As long as I prep the truck good before applying the light-bar. Does this sound reasonable? Or should I bite the bullet and screw the clips into the truck?

 

Thanks in advance for the help!!

[Smoothbassman]

Ok

 

You have a lot here. Let's start at the top. 

 

Tailgate Removal

Put something soft in the bed of the truck to lay your tailgate on. Remove the two bolts holding the tailgate straps. Once removed you can lift the gate up slightly and pull it off the right side and flip it up into the truck bed. There's a camera harness that has enough slack so you don't have to disconnect it. 

 

Light Bar Mount

The double sided tape will work fine provided that you use some adhesion promotor on the surface before applying it.   No need for screws. It will hold if done properly. 

 

Wire Connections

Just grab a CURT 55384 Replacement Vehicle-Side Custom USCAR 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness on Amazon for 20 bucks. Makes the job plug and play. No splicing needed. 

 

Hope this helps. 

[Smoothbassman]

Finished LED

 

[Smoothbassman]

Curt Harness

 

[fatkid24]

Came here to say the same exact thing Bossman did. The only difference is that I had an issue where the adhesion wasn’t secure enough, and I applied 3M VHB tape. Been on for almost two years and holds solid.