If you've noticed your 2020 ram 2500 tailgate cap is looking the little worse regarding wear lately, you're definitely not the only one. These trucks are usually absolute beasts with regards to towing and carrying, but that plastic material trim piece along with the tailgate is normally the first point to show the age. Whether you're sliding 2x4s to the bed or simply leaning over this to grab a toolbox, that cap takes a serious beating. It's a bit of the bummer when a rugged heavy-duty pickup truck starts looking raggedy just because of the piece of molded plastic, but fortunately, it's one of the easiest and many satisfying fixes that you can do yourself.
Why These Caps Fall short in the First Place
Let's be honest, the particular factory plastic isn't exactly bulletproof. Most of us use our Ram 2500s for actual work, and that will means the tailgate is basically a workbench or a loading ramp. Over time, the sun's UV rays start in order to bake that dark plastic until this turns a strange, chalky gray. Once it gets brittle, all it takes is a single heavy object sliding across the top to snap the clip or put a deep gouge in the surface.
Another annoying thing I've noticed is the "lifting" problem. If you live somewhere with extreme temperatures swings, the cement adhesive or the plastic clips can give out. You'll be driving straight down the highway plus see your 2020 ram 2500 tailgate cap fluttering in the backview mirror. Not exactly the look most of us are usually going for with a high-end pickup. If it gets bad good enough, water can really get trapped beneath the cap, which usually is a formula for rust in case you've got any kind of deep scratches in the paint hidden under there.
OEM vs. Auto aftermarket: Which Way Should You Go?
When it arrives time to purchase a replacement, you've generally got two paths: sticking with the Mopar OEM component or going with something from your auto aftermarket world. Have their particular perks, therefore it really depends on what you want out of your own truck.
When you're a purist and want the particular truck to appear specifically like it do the day it rolled off the particular lot, the OEM 2020 ram 2500 tailgate cap is the approach to take. The fitment is usually guaranteed, and the texture will fit your bed train protectors perfectly. The particular downside? It's generally more expensive, and you're basically replacing a part that will failed once with the identical materials.
On the other hand, the aftermarket is huge for Ram trucks. Brands like Bushwacker or Dee Zee make versions that will are often the bit beefier compared to the stock types. Some of all of them have a more aggressive "spoiler" look or a ribbed texture that covers scratches better. When you're already operating aftermarket fender flares, getting a complementing tailgate cap may really tie the particular whole look from the truck together. As well as, you can often find them for the fraction of the particular dealer price.
An email on the Multi-Function Tailgate
Before you proceed hitting that "buy now" button, you've have got to double-check which tailgate you actually have. The 2020 model year had been a big one for Ram, and that 60/40 split multi-function tailgate was the popular option. In the event that you have the split gate, your own 2020 ram 2500 tailgate cap isn't just one particular long piece associated with plastic. It's really split into sections to allow the particular doors to swing open independently.
Trying to place a standard one-piece cap on a multi-function tailgate will be a mistake you'll only make once—mostly because it'll be a huge pain to come back. Always check your own VIN or just walk out towards the driveway and create sure you're buying the best configuration. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how automobile get this wrong.
How to Change It Out With no Losing Your Brain
Replacing the particular cap is truly a pretty fun Saturday early morning project. You don't need a specialized degree or the $500 tool set. Most of the time, you just need a fundamental set of trim removal tools (those little plastic crowbar-looking things) and perhaps a Torx bit if your specific trim degree has some extra screws holding items in place.
First things very first: clear the region. I can't stress and anxiety this enough. In case you're using the cap that hooks up with 3M backing tape, any dirt, wax, or old plastic residue is usually going to wreck the bond. Make use of some isopropyl alcohol to get the metal surface squeaky clean.
When you're pulling the one off, try not to just rip it. The clips for the tailgate are metal, but the slot machines they sit in can be sensitive. In the event that you're gentle along with the trim tool, you won't finish up with a bunch of damaged plastic rattling about inside your tailgate every time you shut it. Once the particular old the first is off, just fall into line the new 2020 ram 2500 tailgate cap , give it the firm press, and you're good to go.
The "Point of No Return" with Adhesive
In case your new cap uses that heavy duty double-sided tape, remember that it's very unforgiving. Once that things touches the metallic, it wants to stay there. I usually peel back just an inch of the backing on each end, line the entire thing up perfectly, and then gradually pull the relaxation of the support out while pressing down. It saves you from that heart-sinking moment where a person realize the cap is crooked plus you've already trapped it down.
Protecting Your New Investment
Now that you've obtained a fresh 2020 ram 2500 tailgate cap set up, you probably want to keep it looking new for more than a week. The particular best thing a person can do is usually hit it by having an UV protectant each time you wash the truck. Don't make use of the greasy stuff that will makes your wheels seem like they're protected in oil—get some thing especially for exterior plastic materials that dries dull.
If you're someone who constantly drags heavy gear more than the back, a person might even consider a "tailgate pad. " These are popular with mountain riders, but they're also great for general protection. It's basically a cushioned quilt that straps within the tailgate, giving your brand-new plastic cap an additional layer of shield.
Final Ideas on the Fix
At the end of the day, a beat-up 2020 ram 2500 tailgate cap isn't going in order to stop the truck from running, yet it sure will make it appear neglected. It's one of those small details that can make a huge difference within the "curb appeal" of your rig. Whether you're thinking about keeping the vehicle forever or you're thinking about trading it in quickly, a fresh cap will be a low-cost method to keep issues looking sharp.
It's an easy fix, but it's one that you'll discover all the time you walk to the back of the truck to drop the door. And honestly, there's something pretty gratifying about taking a part that's all scratched up plus replacing it along with something brand brand-new and clean. It's the little wins that make pickup truck ownership worth this, right? So, move ahead and obtain that old, damaged plastic out associated with there—your Ram should get to look the best.