{"id":208446,"date":"2026-08-26T23:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T06:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?p=208446"},"modified":"2026-08-26T23:52:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T06:52:02","slug":"how-to-choose-the-right-tailgate-cable-before-you-add-it-to-cart-quickref","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-tailgate-cable-before-you-add-it-to-cart-quickref\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose the Right Tailgate Cable Before You Add It to Cart"},"content":{"rendered":"\nReading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

You might already know that a frayed or rusted tailgate cable<\/a> needs to go before it lets the tailgate drop further than it should. What’s harder to pin down online is which listing actually matches your truck. Tailgate cable listings can look nearly identical in a thumbnail image, but length, mounting style, and what’s included in the set can vary from one product to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since tailgate cables are almost always sold in sets and priced close together, it’s easy to assume any listing in the category will work. It won’t always. Two sets can carry the same product name and still differ on the one measurement that decides whether your tailgate closes flush or hangs off center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article isn’t about diagnosing why your cable failed<\/a> or walking you through swapping it out. It’s about confirming you’re looking at the correct listing before you check out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tailgate<\/a>
Replacement<\/a> tailgate cable available on CarParts.com. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Choose the Right Tailgate Cable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start by confirming your vehicle’s year, make, model, and bed style, since tailgate cable length and mounting points are tied directly to bed configuration. Then check whether the listing is a standalone cable set, sold as a pair for the driver and passenger side, or part of a larger kit that includes the tailgate and latch. Compare the listed cable length against your old cable, and confirm the mounting end style (hook, loop, or bracket) matches what your tailgate uses. Once fitment and cable type are confirmed, use brand as a secondary check rather than the first decision point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a>
A-Premium<\/a> tailgate cable available on CarParts.com.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Start With the Vehicle, Not the Product Image<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tailgate cables look like simple, generic hardware in a photo. They aren’t. The cable’s length and end connectors are matched to a specific bed style and tailgate design, so confirm these details before comparing listings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n