Tailgate Emergency.

[GCuzzy]

2003, 2500 the tailgate was recently damaged by backing into a 5th wheel hitch. Can't open it from the latch. I know the prescibed way is though the inside bed tailgate plate. The inside has a spray on liner with fasteners covered with spray lining. I am looking for another route as we are camping with basic tools. Do you know if I can go though the outside (where the handle is located) of the gate. I'm willing to destroy the handle as it will need to be replaced anyway.

 

[Timd32]

Here is a view from AllData, it looks like from the outside the Left side of the handle hits this little part on the latch.

Hardware looks like it all from the inside.

 

[Ozymandias]

You have to open the inside anyways to put the new handle on.