While all modern Ram pickups come with a standard locking tailgate, the early versions of the 4th generation Ram truck did not come with this handy option as standard equipment. Fortunately, the components that now come standard on the 2013 and 204 Ram will fit on the earlier 4th gen Rams that did not have the locking tailgate so “older” Ram owners can enjoy the same sense of security for both their expensive tailgate and the contents tucked behind it.
As someone who has a Ram without a locking tailgate handle, it frequently crosses my mind that someone could just pop open my tailgate and either steal the tailgate or carry off the contents within but this locking tailgate handle DIY can provide an extra measure of convenience and security for Ram owners who have even moderate mechanical experience. Also, you can spend an extra hundred bucks and buy the electronic components needed to have the tailgate lock and unlock with your Ram’s key fob – with a total price for the whole install of under $300 provided that you do everything correctly the first time.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
