That was my thought too....'what did I back in to' but I didn't access the bed all weekend. My wife also didn't drive it this weekend so she's off the hook. lol

 

Another possible "how" someone backed in parking lot behind you with long item sticking outta their bed. Didn't judge it right and pole or the like hit it?

whatever the case good luck with the fix!

 

Possible....guess I'll be getting an estimate. I have a buddy who's a painter. Wonder if I could get an estimate, order a new tailgate, and just have him paint it.

 

Did you go to a car wash? I had this happen with a previous truck, although it was on the railing of the bed and not the tailgate, and it happened in one of those Speedway car washes. The arm with the brushes came down too far and smacked the rail putting a dent that was very similar looking to that. Thankfully when I had the bed liner put in that truck they were able to pull the sheetmetal back enough that once they put the bedliner on (I did over the rail), you couldn't even see it anymore.

 

Lots of tailgates in the junk yards and craigslist as they often survive a total.

 

Yes, I did wash it Friday or Saturday but I would think I would have felt it hit the tailgate hard enough to cause that dent.

 

Good point....

 

I had looked into ordering a 2014 tailgate with ladder for my old truck. After the parts guy picked his teeth off the floor, parts were close to $3K . Would probably be cheaper if parts were salvageable from your existing door. Unless you can find one at a recycling center (junk yard), it's insurance time.

And the price above did not include painting.

 

I recently had my tailgate replaced due to damage while loading a sled onto the bed. It was about $2400ish Canadian in total. The tailgate itself was $800, but with paint, new spray on bedliner on the inside, new tailgate cap, badges, etc plus labour was $2400.

 

Looks like someone tossed a bowling ball off an overpass at you.

Next time shoot first.