Patent ID: 8075038

Claim:
A method for positioning a tailgate of a vehicle, the method comprising: selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, second side, tailgate, and first tailgate support, the tailgate connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion, the first tailgate support comprising a first end connected to the first side, a second end connected to the tailgate, an adjustor located between the first and second ends, and a flexible member extending between the adjustor and one of the first and second ends, the first tailgate support, wherein the adjustor comprises a traveler and an extension, the extension being substantially rigid, the traveler connected to the flexible member and configured to selectively travel with respect to the extension, and the first tailgate support having a tensioned length achieved by pulling the first and second ends away from one another; unlocking the the traveler with respect to the extension; moving, after the unlocking, the traveler with respect to the extension to transition the tensioned length from a first value to a second value, distinct from the first value; and locking, after the manipulating, the traveler with respect to the extension to maintain the tensioned length at the second value.