Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
This strong-as-steel plastic tailgate features a cutout that makes it perfect for towing a 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer. The locking tailgate has built-in louvers that reduce drag, and it mounts securely with rotary latches and coated cables.
Features:
Replaces VG-97-3500
Video of Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for Ford Trucks
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today on this 2002 Ford F150 were going to do a test fit of part number VG-97-4000. This is Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series fifth wheel tailgate. Few things to know this tailgate has a cut out for a fifth wheel or a gooseneck trailer. Its constructed from a black composite plastic frame with built in louvers which allows for less drag and improves visibility. It also has a key center release mechanism that works with the latches. This will allow you to lock the tailgate on the truck.
To start off our test fit weve removed the original tailgate. Now Im going to go ahead raise and install the new tailgate. Well slide it into place on the drivers side first. Then well install the bushing for this particular truck. Well go ahead and install in the tailgate and then put the tailgate into place.
Next well go ahead and take our cables. Well hook them over the original cable mounts on the side of the bed of the truck. Thats what it takes to install a tailgate. Well go ahead and close it and then try out the latch. Turn the latch to unlatch it then well push it back into place.
Well make sure that the latch locks in place and then well go ahead and lock it down with the key. With that, thatll finish it for our test fit of part number VG-97-4000, from Stromberg Carlson, on our 2002 Ford F150.
1997 - 1999 Ford F-150 and F-250 Light Duty
2004 - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage Series
1999 - 2012 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty
2000 - 2003 Ford F-150 excluding Stepside
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Average Customer Rating: 
4.0 out of 5 stars (13 Customer Reviews)
by: Paul04/02/2013
Is this review helpful?
Received my tailgate and had the old off and the new on in about 30 minutes, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the simple instructions which even I understood, good quality and great price.73919
by: Ed04/13/2013
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If I was to describe my experience with the installation of this item I would say, NIGHTMARE! First it is not at all what I thought it would be, although it does look nice. A pretty steep price for a molded piece of plastic. I watched the video about installation, but it was not that easy. It wasn't so much what the instructions said, rather, it's what they didn't say. Step 2 instructed you to remove and install the tailgates. What it didn't say was to be sure and remove the rubber spacer from your tailgate and place it in the new one (passenger side). Spacers came with the new gate but none of them fit my truck (2006 Ford SuperDuty). Step 2 stated that you may have to adjust the striker bolt on the truck to some degree. What it didn't say was that you would need to SHIM the striker bolt. There was no way that gate would latch correctly without shimming the bolt. Step 4 gave instructions on how to install the cover plates. What they didn't say was that the machine screws were not long enough to fasten the cover to the bottom of the gate. No matter how I tried they would not work. Also how in the world was I supposed to tighten the bottom screws, once I had the covers positioned correctly. The instructions assume the tailgate is installed on the truck (see Step 2). I'm guessing you remove the gate and tighten them, problem is they're not long enough Finally I noticed the latch doesn't spring back when the tailgate is opened. You have to manually put it back in it's "closed" position. If you don't, it won't latch properly. I can honestly say that in 20+ years of installing accessories and working on cars and trucks, this has been THE most frustrating experience I've ever had! I will recommend e-trailer to others because of friendly, prompt service. In addition on a previous purchase I had questions concerning the product I purchased and their folks were very knowledgeable about the product. As for purchasing something of this size and cost again, I doubt I will. Did I mention through all this the top of one cover where it rolls over the top of the gate cracked? Not because the screws were to tight, but because it's cheaply made. Again a pretty steep price for what it's made of. 75756
by: Bill Harmon09/27/2012
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Really great service gate arrived and was installed same day. If I need other parts for my truck I will be a returning customer. I also will tell others great job. PS gate looks great55986
by: Christopher W.09/11/2012
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Tailgate pictures. 54282
by: Terry T08/16/2012
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Holes were not drilled correctly to attach side pieces. Insert is difficult to take off and on easily. Fasteners should be rust resistant material and all black to match tailgate. Needed to move pins to secure and as a result, makes interchanging with original tailgate difficult. 51918
by: gary08/09/2012
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Extremely poor plastic junk. I am very dis-satisie and will never use your service again and make sure everyone is aware at the guality of your junk!51196
by: Dawn L.07/03/2012
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We really like the ease of installing this tailgate & it looks great, also it's sturdier than most others we have looked at. Looks great & thank you for the prompt shipment & arrived in great condition too. We have already recommended etrailers.com to some friends. Thanks again!46616
by: Terry05/05/2012
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It took less then a half an hour to remove the original tail gate and install the 5th wheel tail gate. I have never even attempted to remove the original tail gate until this time, so I am quite a novice. I just read the instructions a couple times and pressed on. My wife does most of the hooking up of the 5th wheel trailer of ours,so she is happy. She also loves the new look of the tail gate. Thank you for an easy to install item.39473
by: Brian G02/17/2012
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The right side solid cover did not fit (drilled holes for screw would not line up) and I had to attach it with a zip tie. If I had not already put so much work into it or had purchased it locally, I would have returned it and bought something of higher quality.31956
by: Bob D.08/24/2011
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Excellent Company and Excellent product. Both exceeded expectations. It was a pleasure doing business with.22695
by: Melvin V.05/12/2011
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The tailgate came in as was stated in about 4 days. I'm vary happy with the product. The only thing I don't like about it is the clips on each end for the end trim. Never did get one to take hold, had to replace with small scews and nuts. 13742
by: Eric03/28/2011
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My sales rep Katie H, was amazing, knowledgeable and polite. The product was delivered as promised and correctly the first time. I would not hesitate to purchase from etrailer again in the future. Thank you Katie10525
by: mike hacker04/10/2012
Is this review helpful?
the tiniment screws for the top cover and bottom cover should be pk screws not machine to hard to get started. if they where pointed they wpold start easyer. but i got them in. looks great picture will follow.36799
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