Patent attributes
A tailgate assembly is provided for a vehicle having a cargo area disposed between first and second bedsides. A tailgate having at least one step is pivotally supported on the first and second besides. A tailgate latch assembly releasably retains the tailgate in a stowed position. First and second swing links are pivotally connected to first and second close faces of the tailgate. First and second swing link latch assemblies releasably retain the first and second swing links in a stored position. First and second support cables are connected to the first and second swing links to limit rotation of the tailgate between the stowed position and a first open position when the first and second swing links are in the stored position and to limit rotation between the first open position and a second open position when the first and second swing links are in a deployed position.
