If you own a Chevy truck, you know that tailgates can get damaged, worn out, or become unusable over time. Replacing a tailgate can be challenging, but with the proper knowledge, you can find the right tailgate that fits perfectly.
What Year Chevy Truck Tailgates Interchange? You can interchange Chevy Silverado 1500 tailgates for 2007-2013, 2014-2018, and 2019-2022 models. You can swap it for 2004-2012 and 2015-2021 models of Chevy Colorado pickup trucks. It is easy to interchange the tailgates in 2001-2006, 2007-2010, 2011-2014, 2015-2019, 2020-2021, and 2022-onwards models of Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD. At the same time, tailgates are compatible with the 2002-2006 and 2007-2013 variants of Chevy Avalanche.
I will explain various Chevy truck models and the years when tailgates are compatible. You will also find the reasons for tailgate replacement and different factors to consider while finding a compatible part.
Chevy Silverado interchangeable tailgates
For Chevy Silverado 1500, tailgates are interchangeable for all model years within a generation for the same cab configuration and bed size.
For example, You can swap them for the 2007-2013 model years. Similarly, tailgates from the 2014-2018 model years are compatible with each other.
You can also use them with the 2014-2018 variant GMC Sierra 1500, having the same design and specifications.
For 2019-onwards variants, these parts differ from previous generations because of the introduction of MultiFlex tailgates.
Therefore, you can swap them with the same model years. Some special edition trims also have different designs or features that are not interchangeable with standard models.
Therefore, I always recommend checking with the manufacturer or a trusted mechanic before purchasing a replacement part to ensure proper fit and function.
What year do Chevy Colorado trucks have interchangeable tailgates?
You can swap the tailgates from 2004-2012 Chevy Colorado model years without any modifications.
Moreover, the 2015-2021 years are a direct swap from a mechanical assembly point of view.
However, there have been some changes in cable designs in the last 2-3 model years and their attachment.
Moreover, there are some modifications in the camera design and its HD quality from 2019-onwards variants.
Therefore, you need to do some modification work to ensure compatibility between models before and after those changes.
Chevy Silverado HD version interchangeable tailgates
The compatibility of interchangeable tailgates for the Chevy Silverado HD is generally the same for both the 2500 HD and 3500 HD models.
You can swap them within model years of the same generation, having the same bed length and cab style.
Therefore, you can replace them in years 2001-2006 and 2007-2010. Similarly, 2011-2014, 2015-2019, and 2020-2021 also have compatible parts for replacement from these years.
2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD models have the same option of a 6-function MultiFlex tailgate system as in the 1500 light-duty version of the truck.
Therefore, you must check specifically for this model year to ensure compatibility.
Another variation can be additional features like tailgate assist and change in locking or hinge arrangement in some truck models or trim levels.
Chevy Avalanche model years with interchangeable tailgates
The Chevy Avalanche is a unique pickup truck in production from 2001 to 2013.
It is essential to know that while the Avalanche shares some design elements with the Chevy Silverado, their tailgates are not interchangeable because of changes in the locking mechanism and slight differences in size.
Therefore, you have to do a lot of modification work to swap between the two.
For Chevy Avalanche, you can replace them between first-generation models from 2002 to 2006. While parts from 2007-2013 variants are compatible with the same generation.
Moreover, they differ from earlier 2002-2006 models in terms of the location of the striker latch lock and cable connections. Therefore, you cannot swap across the two generations without much modification work.
What years does Chevy Montana tailgate interchange?
The Chevy Montana is a compact pickup truck that is available from 2003 to 2021 in Mexico and South America but not in the North American market.
Because of its compact size, its tailgate is smaller and interchangeable between model years within the same generation.
For example, for 1st generation, you can swap it between the 2003-2006 and 2007-2010 model years.
Moreover, it works between 2012-2021 chevy truck models with matching physical dimensions.
However, later variants have some added features, and you have to retain the parts like the camera, brackets, supports, and cable connectors from the old tailgate to ensure perfect fitment.
What are Chevy trucks compatible with multiflex tailgates?
MultiFlex is a tailgate feature offered by Chevrolet that allows for 6 different configurations to make loading and unloading cargo more convenient.
Introduced in the Chevy Silverado 1500 in 2021, it is available as an option in all 8 trim levels, including Work Truck, Custom, LT, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, RST, Custom Trail Boss, and High Country.
Moreover, it has an aluminum construction and is compatible with all 3 cab configurations of the truck.
In addition, it has a touchpad operation to utilize its 6 different functions to facilitate loading, unloading, and accessing the truck bed.
Therefore, it is compatible with Silverado 1500 from 2021-onwards models. However, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 also has the same tailgate available, named as MultiPro, and both are compatible with minor differences.
It is also a part of the 2022-present Chevy Silverado HD on select trim levels, including the LT, LTZ, and High Country.
However, since it is a relatively new feature, you will not find it on all of the Chevy Silverado and its HD models.
Therefore, you have to get a new one before ensuring its compatibility with your Chevy pickup truck from authorized dealers.
Reasons to look for interchangeable tailgates for Chevy trucks
You may need to look for interchangeable tailgates for your Chevy truck for several reasons.
Some of the most common causes include a damaged or worn-out part, replacement to upgrade it, to give it a new look, or modification to fulfill your daily needs.
Over time, parts of your pickup can become damaged or worn out due to regular use or environmental exposure. In some cases, it can be more cost-effective to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
If you are upgrading to a newer Chevy truck model, you can swap out the tailgate to match the fresh model or give your vehicle a new look.
In this case, you’ll need to ensure that it is compatible with your truck’s cab configuration, body style, and trim level.
If you like to customize your vehicles by adding aftermarket parts or accessories, swapping out the tailgate is a simple way to add a personal touch to your pickup.
Moreover, depending on your job or lifestyle, you can find a part that has specific functionality.
For example, some of these have built-in steps or storage compartments that can be useful for particular applications.
Swapping out your truck’s tailgate for one with added functionality can make your work or daily routine easier and more efficient.
Factors affecting the compatibility of tailgates in various Chevy trucks
When it comes to the compatibility of tailgates in various Chevy trucks, several factors can affect whether a tailgate will fit properly.
Different model years of trucks have different designs and dimensions, which can affect the compatibility of these parts.
Therefore, it is essential to check the model year of your vehicle to ensure proper fitment. Another important factor to consider is the cab configuration of your pickup.
For example, in some years, a tailgate designed for a crew cab will not fit appropriately on a regular cab truck.
Furthermore, Chevy trucks have different bed configurations, such as fleetside or stepside.
Therefore, it can affect its design and dimensions, making it imperative to ensure that the replacement part is compatible with your truck’s bed configuration.
Its design and size can also vary for different trim levels or special editions introduced by the manufacturer on a time-to-time basis.
Another aspect to consider is the aftermarket modifications, such as a lift kit or custom bed liner, as it can affect their compatibility.
By checking these factors before purchasing a replacement tailgate, you can ensure that it will fit properly and function as intended.
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