Drive with lift glass open?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Brand0n

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2021
Posts
183
Reaction score
114
Tried searching with no luck online or here. Is it okay to drive with the rear lift gate glass open? Need to fit some lumber in the back and wasn’t sure if it would risk breaking the glass or not. Manual isn’t clear either.

Thanks!
 

KMeloney

Full Access Member
Joined
May 2, 2009
Posts
2,804
Reaction score
273
Seems to me that you can draw exhaust into the rear of the truck... So, if you're going to do it, I think I'd have other windows open as well.
 

Silverado4x4

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2023
Posts
120
Reaction score
145
Location
Maryland
I wouldn't take the chance as the wind blowing against the glass while driving could push it down a slam it shut breaking the glass
 

Larryjb

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2016
Posts
1,159
Reaction score
1,087
Knowing how the hinges are glued to the glass, and knowing how easy it it to actually remove the hatch glass, I think now I would remove the hatch glass in this case. Even the newer style (from 2006), I would still be concerned even though the hinges seem to be more secure.

And opening the other windows is a good idea too.
 

KMeloney

Full Access Member
Joined
May 2, 2009
Posts
2,804
Reaction score
273
I wouldn't take the chance as the wind blowing against the glass while driving could push it down a slam it shut breaking the glass
I think the smartest thing to do would be to have it open enough to let the lumber pass through, and then rest it back down on the lumber (on a towel or something) so that there's no ability for it to slam.
 
OP
OP
B

Brand0n

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2021
Posts
183
Reaction score
114
Appreciate the quick replies. Looks like I’ll make a few trips and cram a handful of stacked studs in at a time with the tailgate closed instead.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,176
Reaction score
39,218
Location
Stockton, Ca.
Appreciate the quick replies. Looks like I’ll make a few trips and cram a handful of stacked studs in at a time with the tailgate closed instead.
you can do it, the only issue is you want to try and secure it down somehow on a padded surface, as soon you have to hit the brakes or hit a good bump the glass is going to get slammed around. hence the padding so tie it down somehow so it's resting on something padded like a blanket
 

Fless

Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
11,832
Reaction score
24,067
Location
Elev 5,280
What year?

Agree with @Doubeleive about tying it down to some padding. I also work a bungee cord in there to hold it tight but that also allows a bit of movement up and down for flexibility.
 

bill1013

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2020
Posts
454
Reaction score
977
Location
Waianae, Hawaii
Be advised that the lift gate glass is very expensive to replace. And just as easy to break. I just secure the entire gate (partially open) with the load extending out. I’ve hauled lumber, kitchen appliances and furniture with no problems. Hope this helps.
 

Doubeleive

Wes
Supporting Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2017
Posts
26,176
Reaction score
39,218
Location
Stockton, Ca.
What year?

Agree with @Doubeleive about tying it down to some padding. I also work a bungee cord in there to hold it tight but that also allows a bit of movement up and down for flexibility.
I have literally watched someone driving with the glass up, hit a bump and "smash" glass shattered, it's cringe worthy
 

Forum statistics

Threads
132,269
Posts
1,865,093
Members
96,831
Latest member
FPinzon
Top