Q&A;: Limiting tailgate opening

Question

I would like to buy an SUV but I could not open the tailgate of an SUV in my garage because it would hit the roller door. Do you think that any of the SUV dealers would fit non standard struts that would restrict the opening height of the tailgate/hatch?
I know that the top of the range of some SUVs have a powered tailgate with a memory function that can control the opening height but I do not want to go to the expense of one of the top of the line models.

Peter

Answer

What you are looking to do is definitely achievable but will involve a little home work. Once you have chosen your SUV and have it in your garage, you will need to measure the overall length of the tailgate struts when the tailgate is open to  your desired position, once you have done that it will be a matter of finding a gas strut with the same diameter (as you may have clearance issues if you get a larger diameter strut) and the length required. A dealer may help you out but if not automotive retailers sell these. It's also worth searching the internet as there are a lot of specialists selling gas struts .