Tailgate weight - new ones lighter?

[johnrv4]

I traded-in my '98 and got a '01. 5 Ram. My wife was the first to notice that the tailgate on the new truck seems like it weighs about half as much as the one on the '98. When I lifted it up(to close it) I had to agree. Anybody else notice this or is it just the Wheaties taking effect?

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2001. 5 2500 Quad cab SLT 4x4 ETH/DEE, towing package, snow plow prep, 3:55 anti-spin, and other goodies. Flame Red

 

[Benson]

Hi John,

I have a friend who has an RV4. I've ridden in it several times. Pretty fun. Can't answer your question as my 01 Ram is my first Dodge.

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Late '01 2500 2WD, QC, LB, HO 6 Sp. , SLT/Sport, 3. 54 Open Diff, Tow & Camper Packages, PowerEdge EZ w/elbow. Jardine 4 inch exhaust. Banks (Dynafact) Boost and EGT gauges. Oh yeah, and cup smoothie.

 

[masterstream]

I crunched the tailgate on my '97 and replaced it with what the used-parts dealer told me was an '01 tailgate from a front-end damaged truck. I didn't notice any difference in the weight.

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'97 SLT CC, 4. 10, 4x4, auto, 270 TST all the way forward, 16cm housing, BD converter, Transgo TFOD-HD2, preluber, BFG 295-75s on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Edelbrock shocks.

 

[Guest00]

Yes it is lighter. NO TRIM!!!!!!!! #ad

 

[jmeehan]

I kind of like the tail gate look without the trim. I do wish the factory still put the black trim on the side of the bed though.

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ex Ford tech, now driving '01. 5 2500 4X4 QC LB ETH/DEE SLT 3. 54, Patriot Blue

 

[Okie-Go]

I went to an 01 from a 98 model,no difference that I can tell. My 01 does have the trim on it.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[roadranger]

I think the 01. 5's with the rear disc brakes don't have trim on the bed or tailgate.

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Deezul Doug-2001. 5 ETH/DEE,QC 4x4,3. 54 anti,
Tow/Camper,stock so far...

2001 Volvo S80T twin turbo

 

[johnrv4]

Well I checked a couple at work today and they all seem to be about the same-like the '01. 5 I have. Maybe the '98 was full of cement or something. That one was so heavy it just about knocked my wife over every time she went to open it.

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2001. 5 2500 Quad cab SLT 4x4 ETH/DEE, towing package, snow plow prep, 3:55 anti-spin, and other goodies. Flame Red

 

[Ranger Dick]

What I noticed is that the 01. 5 gate locks very secure and is smooth in the hinges. Can't really compare other dodges, but compared to the furds and chebys, they seem lighter. My 01. 5 doesn't have the lower trim, but I hear that the 3500 does. By the way, Johnrv4, my dad roped me into hauling his rv6a from the family garage to the hanger with the new dodge. Getting ready to shove the wings in and final it out. Got quite a few unusual looks as I towed it to the airport. How many hours on yours?

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01. 5 ETH/DEE QC, 2500 4X4, 3. 54 Everything but leather

 

[rich m]

here's an item from Geno's that you may have spotted in the most recent catalog:
http://216. 167. 98. 200/CoastalData/showdetl. cfm?&DID=30&User_ID=65611&st=8604&st2=69438222&st3=-72354700&Product_ID=396&CATID=1

don't know how many times I've opened the camper-shell lid only to find that someone's already unlatched the tailgate. . can you say "xray my ribs. . i think they're cracked" ? I barely could the first couple of times #ad



[This message has been edited by rich m (edited 03-08-2001). ]

 

[Whitmore]

Johnney4,I added a dz checker alum full tailgate protector to my 2001 it is very attractive and adds alot of strength too,I added alot of extra rivits as to strenghten it more so,I alco believe you can get it in a stainless if chrome is your look,if you use your ram to haul alot of heavy stuff this will help it not to bow #ad


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2001 eth dee,qc,lwb,3. 55,cummins e-brake,jardine 4" exhaust,dz alum checker run boards,bed rail,tailgate protector,better built alum checker toolbox with home made fuel tank under box,"CUMN" licence plates

 

[johnrv4]

Ranger Dick, I've got about 250hrs in the RV-4. I really enjoy the performance of the plane. I equipped it with a inverted oil and fuel system along with a constant-speed prop. The only bad thing about it is that a poor heater along with no insulation makes for a cold ride in the winter. For me it was a five year building project, but was well worth it when finished.

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2001. 5 2500 Quad cab SLT 4x4 ETH/DEE, towing package, snow plow prep, 3:55 anti-spin, and other goodies. Flame Red