What is a tailgate on a truck?

A tailgate on a truck is the rear panel of the bed that hinges at the bottom or sides. It typically folds down to a horizontal position so you can slide cargo in and out of the bed, sit on it, or use it as a small work surface. When closed, it latches in place to help keep cargo inside the bed while driving.

Is the back gate of a truck always called a tailgate?

On pickup trucks, the correct term for the back gate is tailgate. On SUVs and crossovers, the rear opening is more often called a liftgate or hatch rather than a tailgate, even though it serves a similar purpose of closing off the cargo area.

What is the difference between a tailgate and a liftgate?

A tailgate is a hinged panel at the rear of a pickup truck bed that usually folds down manually. A liftgate is a powered platform mounted at the back of a commercial truck or van that raises and lowers heavy cargo between ground level and the bed height. On SUVs, the term liftgate can also refer to the rear door that swings up as one piece.

What is the difference between a tailgate and a hatch?

On a pickup truck, the rear opening is called a tailgate. On a hatchback car, SUV or crossover, the rear door that swings up is commonly called a hatch or liftgate. Both give access to cargo, but a tailgate is part of an open truck bed while a hatch closes off an enclosed cargo area.

Can I call the back of my truck a tailgate if it opens sideways?

Some trucks and vans use split rear doors that open sideways rather than folding down. These are technically rear doors or barn doors instead of a traditional tailgate, but many people still refer to them informally as the back gate or tailgate of the truck.

Why do trucks have tailgates?

Trucks have tailgates to contain cargo in the bed while driving and to provide a controlled opening for loading and unloading. When closed, the tailgate helps keep items from sliding out. When open, it creates a short platform at bed height that makes it easier to slide items in and out or sit on the edge of the bed.

What are the different types of tailgates on trucks?

Common tailgate types include traditional drop-down tailgates that fold horizontally, split or barn-door style rear openings that swing out, multi-function tailgates with fold-out steps or work surfaces, and damped soft-open tailgates that lower slowly instead of dropping quickly. The basic function is similar, but the design details differ between truck brands and models.

What is a multi-function tailgate?

A multi-function tailgate is a tailgate with more than one way of opening or folding. It may include sections that swing aside, fold down into steps, or create a closer standing area at the bumper. These designs make it easier to climb into the bed, reach cargo, or use the tailgate as a work surface.

How much weight can a truck tailgate hold?

The weight a truck tailgate can hold depends on the vehicle and how the weight is applied. Tailgates are designed to support normal use such as sitting, light equipment, and sliding cargo across the surface. However, extreme point loads at the far edge or impacts from dropping heavy items can bend the panel, cables, or hinges. For exact limits, consult the truck manufacturer's guidelines.

Is it safe to sit on a truck tailgate?

Many people sit on open truck tailgates at events, jobsites, or while taking a break, and tailgates are generally built to handle that kind of load. It is safer to sit near the truck side of the gate rather than on the very edge, and you should avoid jumping or placing very heavy concentrated loads on the tailgate.

Can I stand on a truck tailgate?

People often stand on the tailgate briefly while climbing into the bed, especially when a step is built in. For safety, keep your weight balanced, avoid slippery surfaces, and do not use the tailgate as a work platform for very heavy or dynamic loads that it was not designed to support.

Can I drive with the tailgate down?

You can drive with the tailgate down if necessary for long items, but the load must be properly secured and local laws followed. Some regions require flags, lights, or markers if cargo extends beyond the bed. For everyday driving, most trucks are designed and tested with the tailgate up, and that is usually the safest position.

Does driving with the tailgate down improve fuel economy?

Modern pickups are typically designed with aerodynamics tuned for driving with the tailgate up. The closed tailgate creates an air pocket in the bed that can help airflow over the truck. Real-world testing often shows little or no fuel economy gain from driving with the tailgate down, and in some cases it may be worse.

How do I lock my truck tailgate?

Many newer trucks have a tailgate lock integrated with the main door locks, controlled by the key or key fob. Others use a separate key cylinder on the tailgate handle. If your tailgate does not lock from the factory, there are aftermarket lock kits that can be added to help secure the bed when a tonneau cover or cap is installed.

What should I do if my tailgate will not open or close?

If your tailgate will not open or close properly, check for obvious issues like damaged latches, broken handle rods, or debris stuck in the latch area. Rust and corrosion can also cause internal parts to seize. Light problems can sometimes be fixed by cleaning or lubricating, but bent parts, broken rods, or damaged latch mechanisms usually need repair or replacement.

Can I replace my truck tailgate with a different style?

In many cases, you can replace a damaged tailgate with a new or used one from the same truck generation. Some owners also upgrade to a different style, such as a tailgate with an integrated step. When your truck has a backup camera, power locks, or sensors in the tailgate, you must ensure the replacement is compatible with the wiring and electronics.

Why is my truck tailgate rusting?

Tailgates can rust when road salt, moisture, and dirt collect inside seams, around the latch area, or on the underside of the panel. Over time, unprotected metal corrodes, especially in regions with harsh winters. Rinsing the tailgate area regularly, touching up paint chips, and applying rust protection can slow this process.

What is a damped or soft-open tailgate?

A damped or soft-open tailgate uses a gas strut or similar mechanism to control the speed of opening. Instead of dropping quickly when unlatched, the tailgate lowers itself slowly and smoothly. This reduces impact on the hinges and cables and makes opening the gate safer and more comfortable.

Is a tailgate considered a door?

On a pickup truck, the tailgate is not usually counted as a passenger door. It is part of the cargo area and is classified as a tailgate or rear gate rather than one of the vehicle's side doors. On SUVs and vans, the rear opening can be referred to as a rear door, liftgate, or hatch depending on the design.

What Is the Back Gate of a Truck Called?

Q: What is the back gate of a truck called?

The back gate of a truck is called a tailgate. It is the hinged rear panel that opens to give access to the truck bed for loading, unloading, and securing cargo.

November 26, 2025

The back gate of a truck is called a tailgate. It is the hinged rear panel that opens downward, or sometimes swings outward, to provide access to the truck bed for loading, unloading, and securing cargo. Tailgates are standard on pickup trucks and designed to support weight when partially opened, making it easier to slide items in and out of the bed.

In everyday conversation, people may say “back gate” or “truck gate,” but the correct term used by manufacturers, dealerships, and service manuals is tailgate.

What a Tailgate Does

A truck tailgate serves several functions that make hauling and cargo handling easier. Most tailgates are built to:

Provide access to the bed for loading and unloading.
Support weight when opened, functioning as a short cargo platform.
Secure cargo when closed by preventing items from sliding out.
Integrate features like backup cameras, soft-open dampers, or built-in steps.

Common Tailgate Designs

Modern trucks offer several tailgate designs to improve convenience and usability:

Traditional Drop-Down Tailgate

The most common design, hinged at the bottom and supported by cables. Used on trucks like the Ford F-150, RAM 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado.

Barn-Door / Split Tailgate

A two-door setup that opens sideways, common on some vans and specialty trucks. While not technically a classic tailgate, many drivers still refer to it as the rear gate.

Multi-Function Tailgates

Tailgates with multiple folding or swinging configurations. They may include steps, work surfaces, or removable sections to improve access to the bed.

Soft-Open Tailgates

A modern feature where gas struts lower the tailgate slowly, preventing sudden drops and reducing wear.

Tailgate vs Liftgate vs Hatch

Many truck owners search for the difference between these terms. Here is the correct usage:

Tailgate: Rear gate of a pickup truck bed, opens downward.
Liftgate (commercial truck): A powered platform that raises and lowers heavy cargo.
Liftgate / Hatch (SUV): The upward-swinging rear door on SUVs and crossovers.

How Strong Is a Tailgate?

Tailgates can support sitting, loading light items, or sliding tools and cargo, but they are not designed to hold extreme point loads. Concentrated weight on the far edge can bend hinges, cables, or the tailgate skin.

Driving With the Tailgate Up or Down

Driving with the tailgate up is usually safest and most aerodynamic. When hauling long items, you can drive with the tailgate down as long as the load is properly secured and local regulations are followed.

Tailgate Features Owners Care About

Integrated backup cameras
Power locks
Built-in steps or handles
Work-surface features
Accessory mounting points and tie-downs

Repairing or Replacing a Tailgate

Tailgates commonly suffer damage from impacts, rust, or dropped cargo. Repairs may involve replacing cables, hinges, latch mechanisms, or the outer skin. Trucks with integrated cameras or power locks require compatible replacement parts.

Tailgate Safety Tips

Fully latch the tailgate before driving.
Keep fingers clear of hinges and latch points.
Avoid extreme weight at the edge of the open tailgate.
Use tie-downs to prevent cargo from sliding into the gate.
Clean mud, salt, and debris to prevent corrosion.

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