Dumb tailgate question - Slam it or open the handle?

[pltmgr]

I believe according to factory lit the gate should close with one hand (slam). It took some lubing/adjusting to get mine to do it, however I open the latch if I have both hands free.

[TexasTruck72]

I open the handle to close it for 2 reasons. One is that my latch is kinda rusty and probably could be lubed sometime. Two, there's a dent on my tailgate from where a tree fell on it years ago(that what the PO said) and the dent messes with the latch action. I always enjoy seeing my friends try to open the tailgate, they think you're supposed to lift the handle.

[GSequoia]

Open handle, slamming won't do.

If you guys want to slam it and can't lubrication isn't the only answer. You may have to adjust the latches on the tailgate (bend them in a bit). I know on mine they run a bit wide and contact the bed striker bolts on the flat area, no the angled part, so if slammed it will just stop and drop when I let go. If those are bent in a bit to where they contact the angled part of the striker bolts it will force them inward and should automatically latch. You may also have to adjust the rods that drive the striker bolts, I'm not sure of the details here as I've always just dealt with opening the latch anyway, maybe one day when I restore it I'll fix it...

[westernkansas]

I always open the handle, less stress on all the parts including me. I cringe when someone tries to close it by slamming it.

I always cringe when someone tries to open or close it. I always have to rush to the tailgate and open or close it before someone else attempts to rip off the handle

[cdeal28078]

I keep mine lubbed up so it'll close without using the handle but I still mostly use the handle of of habit
clint

[speed bump]

I have to pull one side of my bed in slightly so I generally use the handle while I am at it.