Hello! I need help with an issue on my 2013 Sahara JKU involving the tailgate check/receiving arm.

After some recent tailgate upgrades, the check arm has popped completely out of its track twice. The body shop replaced it with a brand-new OEM arm after the first failure, but the new one popped out again after only a few days. At this point, I’m confident it’s not the part itself but the added weight and leverage on the tailgate.

Current Tailgate Setup:

• Kentrol Tailgate Hinges (80578)
• Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT spare (on OEM tire carrier)
• Smittybilt 3721 Tire Relocation Bracket
• Rough Country 10630 Tailgate Table

My Questions:

1. Should I switch to a strap-style tailgate limiter instead of the OEM check arm?
2. Are there any strap/limiter setups you recommend that hold up long-term with added weight? (I came across the RedRock strap but not sure about the quality).
3. Any other setups I should consider?
4. Anything else I should check (tailgate alignment, hinge load, mounting points, or sag)?

Please help! I really appreciate any insights or recommendations you can send my way. Thank you!

 

The tailgate "check arm" is not there to limit the tailgate's travel as it swings open. It's purpose is to hold the tailgate open, after the operator has stopped its travel by hand.
The hinges have stops, but they are easily bent if the gate is allowed to swing open against them.

The tailgate has a lot of leverage over any type of travel limiter that is installed at or near the hinge line; especially if there is added weight.
Mine has pulled out only once. That was right after I installed it, (my 2008 didn't come with one). Since then, when I open the gate, I slow its travel by hand, until I feel it drop into the check rod's detent.
Whatever type of travel limiter you choose, the last few degrees of travel must be done carefully.

 

Thank you so much @ronjenx ! If I go with the strap setup, I was thinking of adding on a tailgate strut or stopper like this one to help keep the door open: https://www.extremeterrain.com/jeep-...-hl-93109.html . If you have any insights on if this would be a good option, please let me know. I pretty regularly have to park on uneven surfaces, so I'm concerned that I will continue to have issues with the check arm. This last time it popped out, I had stopped the tailgate (or so I thought), but I was parked on slightly uneven ground and it rolled back and popped out when I was unloading. Thank you again for taking the time to provide your help and insights! I really appreciate it!

 

You have aftermarket hinges. See if they make a limiter to keep the tailgate from opening too far.

 

Thank you, @Ghost JK ! I didn't see anything on their website, but I'll reach out to them directly to double check.

 

Those hinges aren't the cheapest thing out there. I'm surprised they don't have a built-in stop. My Teraflex hinge carrier stops dead where it should due to the hinge's design. Even with a heavy 37 on the tailgate, it stops where it is supposed to.