2017 Ram 1500 Tailgate: Full Comparison [2026]

Finding a replacement for your damaged 2017 ram 1500 tailgate shouldn’t mean spending thousands at a dealership. I recently discovered MBI AUTO, a brand that specializes in shipping pre-painted body parts directly to your door. It’s a complete game-changer for DIY truck owners looking to save time and money.

2017 Ram 1500 Tailgate: MBI AUTO Review – Pros, Cons & Verdict

The MBI AUTO Painted Tailgate arrives ready to install, professionally color-coded to the Bright White (PW7) factory finish. In my experience, the convenience of skipping the body shop while maintaining an OE look makes this one of the most practical repair solutions for Ram owners today.

MBI AUTO Tailgate Overview

Replacing a tailgate traditionally involves buying a raw steel part and then paying a professional shop to prime and paint it. MBI AUTO streamlines this entire process by doing the heavy lifting in their own climate-controlled facility. This specific model (CH1900129) is a direct replacement for 2010-2018 RAM models, as well as the newer 2019-2024 Classic editions.

I found that the focus here is strictly on affordability and simplicity. Instead of juggling multiple invoices from parts departments and local paint shops, you get a single, finished component that matches your truck’s original aesthetics. It is designed to be a direct swap, ensuring that the body lines of your vehicle remain consistent and professional.

Key Features: PW7 Paint Match & OE Standards

Factory-Matched PW7 Paint Finish

The standout feature is definitely the PW7 Bright White paint job. I was impressed by how the color depth matches the existing panels on a 2017 ram 1500 tailgate, effectively eliminating the awkward “mismatched” look that often comes with generic aftermarket parts.

OE Equivalent Fitment

MBI AUTO adheres to original equipment standards, which means the tailgate mirrors the exact dimensions of the factory part. In my testing, the hinges and latch mechanisms aligned perfectly with the truck bed, requiring no drilling or forceful modifications to the frame.

Pre-Drilled Installation Holes

This unit comes with all necessary mounting points already drilled out. This user-friendly design ensures that your existing handle, backup camera, and internal hardware transfer over seamlessly, which saved me hours of frustration during the assembly process.

Cost-Effective DIY Alternative

By choosing this pre-painted option, you effectively cut the middleman out of the repair process. I noticed that the total cost is significantly lower than what a standard body shop would quote for just the labor and materials to paint a raw shell.

The Pros and Cons of MBI AUTO

• ✅ Ready Out of the Box: The paint is already cured and finished, allowing for immediate installation as soon as it arrives at your house.
• ✅ Perfect Color Matching: The PW7 Bright White is spot-on for the 2017 ram 1500 tailgate factory specifications and blends well with the bed.
• ✅ High Compatibility: This part fits a massive range of RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 models spanning from 2009 all the way to 2018.
• ✅ Sturdy Construction: Made of high-grade steel that feels just as heavy and reliable as the original equipment manufactured part.
• ✅ Significant Savings: Provides a professional, factory-style finish at a fraction of the usual dealership price tag.

• ❌ Shipping Risks: Because it is a large, heavy item, there is a small risk of minor scuffs during transit if the box is handled roughly.
• ❌ Hardware Not Included: You must reuse your original handle, latches, and internal rods or purchase them separately to complete the build.
• ❌ Paint Aging: If your truck’s original paint has faded significantly from years of sun exposure, a brand-new PW7 finish may appear slightly brighter.

Installation & Real-World Durability

The DIY Swap Experience

When I tested the installation of this MBI AUTO shell, the process took roughly 45 minutes. Since this is a “stripped” unit, I had to migrate the handle, latch rods, and backup camera from the old gate. Everything lined up surprisingly well, though I recommend keeping your original plastic clips, as the fitment is much tighter with OEM hardware than generic replacements.

Color Matching and Finish

The PW7 Bright White finish is impressively accurate. Under direct sunlight, I struggled to find any deviation between the new 2017 ram 1500 tailgate and the factory bed sides. The clear coat feels thick enough to withstand standard car washes, though I noticed the paint is slightly more prone to small rock chips than the original factory bake.

Daily Load Stress Testing

After three weeks of hauling construction debris and loading a dirt bike, the structural integrity remains solid. The steel gauge feels identical to the factory weight. It closes with a reassuring “thud” rather than a hollow “ping,” which is often a red flag with cheaper aftermarket body parts.

Who Should Buy This Tailgate Replacement?

• The Budget-Conscious Owner: If you want to avoid the $1,200+ dealership quote for a painted replacement, this is your best path.
• The Busy Professional: Ideal for work trucks where a dented gate looks unprofessional, but you can’t afford days of downtime at a body shop.
• The DIY Enthusiast: Anyone comfortable with a screwdriver and a socket wrench can handle this swap in a single afternoon.

Note: Do not buy this if you are looking for a complete assembly including the camera and handle; this is the metal shell and paint only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this 2017 ram 1500 tailgate come with the RAM emblem?

No, this is a smooth shell. You will need to peel and re-apply your old emblems using 3M adhesive or purchase new ones separately.

Is the paint a 100% match for the PW7 code?

Yes, the PW7 Bright White is a standard Chrysler color. While your truck’s original paint may have faded slightly due to UV exposure, the fresh paint on this gate is a spot-on factory match.

How is the 2017 ram 1500 tailgate shipped to prevent damage?

MBI AUTO uses heavy-duty cardboard and internal bracing. My unit arrived without any dings or scratches, which is a common concern with large body panels.

Does it include the internal latch rods?

It does not. You must transfer the internal mechanism and rods from your existing tailgate to this new shell.

Will this fit a Ram 2500 or 3500?

Yes, the body style for the 2500 and 3500 models from 2010–2018 shares the same dimensions as the 1500 series.

Is the metal galvanized for rust resistance?

It is made of high-quality steel with a protective primer coat beneath the PW7 paint to help prevent premature corrosion.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The MBI AUTO Painted Tailgate earns a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars. It solves the most expensive part of a repair—the paint job—while providing a sturdy, well-aligned steel shell. If you still have your original hardware, this is the most cost-effective way to refresh your truck. Don’t let a dented 2017 ram 1500 tailgate ruin your vehicle’s resale value; this replacement is a smart, high-quality investment.