Double Gate instead of tail gate

[fkovalski]

Has anyone installed or is familiar with the installation of a “double gate” in lieu of the tailgate on pickup trucks? It is just like barndoors but only bed height. I am curious as to how the actual hinge mechanism attaches to the sides of the bed. The one I saw advertised was made by “BlackHawk. ” Any drilling required and is it easily interchanged back to the tailgate as the need requires? I have seen this item in accessory catalogs and am thinking about it for mine. double gate

 

[RMcCulloch]

I've been considering one, but have wondered about how to deal with the stoplight mandated for the '03 3500 DRWs.



When I looked last at their website, I got the impression that they might not be available yet.

 

[fkovalski]

When you say "stoplight" I take it that you mean the third brake light? Not being too familiar with the 3rd generation trucks, is it located on the tailgate now? I thought it was on the rear of the cab which is where mine is. My 3rd brake light (on the cab) is blocked by my camper shell. I don't know if the "man" willl come down on you for not having one.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Yep!



For 2003 USDOT mandated a center brakelight on 1-ton tailgates in addition to the one on the cab.



It seems that the BMW drivers were complaining that, from 2' away from the tailgate, they couldn't see that high.

 

[illflem]

If the law for the tailgate brake light is anything like the cab top one it isn't against the law for the vehicle owner to disable or remove it. It is against the law for a shop to disable/remove it or for the manufacturer to sell a vehicle that doesn't include the light though.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I've looked for ideas regarding that tailgate light too. The only thing I could come up with is replacing it with a flush mount LED light. Of course, that doesn't help if you want the double gate. I guess you could hook up that Line of Fire LED that mounts under the tailgate.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Actually, I've been thinking of using two lights and wiring them as turn signals.



I wonder if I'd be able to find a pair of the tailgate lights...

 

[JBlock]

twin tailights

I was going to suggest putting one one ach tailgate, but I think you will confuse people if you wire them to the turn signals.

 

[RMcCulloch]

You've made an excellent point - most of the ijits around here seem totally confused about the use of turn signals: they seem to believe that the flashing light is telling them to "Pass On This Side".



Stop lights they understand, especially when the rear bumper approaches the front of their car rapidly.



Hmmm, I wonder if J. C. Whitney still has any of the aftermarket Sequential turn signal kits? :-laf