{"product_id":"t1a-tailgate-handle-latch-for-dodge-ram-1500-2500-3500-2013-2018-textured-black-metal-camera-keyhole","title":"T1A Tailgate Handle Latch for Dodge Ram 1500\/2500\/3500 (2013-2018) - Textured Black Metal, Camera + Keyhole","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe T1A Tailgate Handle Latch is a durable metal replacement handle that directly replaces OEM part 68197873AA-MT for 2013–2018 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf your Ram’s exterior tailgate handle is worn, cracked, or the keyhole or camera alignment has failed, this upgraded textured-black metal latch offers a precise, leak-resistant replacement engineered to match the original fit and function. Built for rear camera compatibility and finished in a corrosion-resistant textured black, it restores appearance and operation with minimal downtime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this handle fit my 2013–2018 Dodge Ram tailgate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYes — this part is manufactured to match OEM part number 68197873AA-MT and is compatible with Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks from model years 2013 through 2018. The design keeps factory mounting points, keyhole placement, and the camera opening aligned for a seamless swap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDirect OEM number match: 68197873AA-MT\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFits 2013–2018 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFactory mounting and alignment preserved\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncludes cutout for rear backup camera and keyhole\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat materials and finish does the upgraded handle use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis handle is made from premium metal with a textured black finish that resists chips and surface corrosion better than many economy plastic replacements. The metal construction provides a firmer feel and improved longevity, especially for trucks used in heavy-duty or outdoor environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePremium metal construction for strength\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTextured black finish to hide wear and resist rust\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDurable surface for frequent use and heavy loads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow difficult is installation and what tools are needed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic hand tools; the handle is engineered to drop into the same mounting points as the OEM part, minimizing modifications. Depending on your truck’s trim and whether you have to remove interior panels, most installs can be completed in 30–60 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDesigned for bolt-on replacement with stock fasteners\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTypical tools: screwdriver, socket set, trim removal tool\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCamera and keyhole align to original openings—no cutting required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes this handle support the factory backup camera and lock cylinder?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYes — the assembly includes the proper camera hole and keyhole alignment so your factory backup camera and tailgate lock cylinder can be reinstalled without modification. This preserves original functionality and keeps warranty- or inspection-related concerns minimal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePre-cut camera aperture for OEM camera fitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eKeyhole opening matches factory lock cylinder placement\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRetains original wiring and mounting routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for: The T1A Tailgate Handle Latch is aimed at Ram owners who want a rugged, OEM-matched replacement—truck drivers who need reliable tailgate operation, body shops performing repairs, or DIY mechanics restoring appearance and function. It's especially suited to those who prefer a metal, textured finish over plastic replacements and require rear camera compatibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDIRECT OEM REPLACEMENT: Matches OEM part number 68197873AA-MT, ensuring an exact fit and enhanced functionality for your vehicle's tailgate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCOMPATIBLE WITH: 2013-2018 Dodge Ram 1500, 2013-2018 Dodge Ram 2500, 2013-2018 Dodge Ram 3500. Designed for seamless replacement and robust operation with rear camera compatibility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePREMIUM METAL CONSTRUCTION: Crafted from durable metal in a luxurious textured black finish, providing superior strength and a sleek, stylish appearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEASE OF INSTALLATION: Engineered for easy installation, this tailgate handle allows for a quick and straightforward replacement process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAMERICAN OWNED \u0026amp; OPERATED: Proudly American owned and operated in Detroit, MI, providing exceptional US-based customer support for your peace of mind.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Is this handle an exact OEM replacement?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. It matches OEM part number 68197873AA-MT and fits 2013–2018 Ram 1500\/2500\/3500 with factory mounting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Will my backup camera and lock cylinder fit the new handle?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. The handle includes the camera and keyhole openings for direct reuse of factory camera and lock components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"T1A","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67587320185017,"sku":"B0D975SL58","price":104.64,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0822\/3765\/3177\/files\/t1a-tailgate-handle-front-view_3ed174fa-2d06-40d3-bf42-e8f1c7360168.jpg?v=1790505892","url":"https:\/\/redleafauto.ca\/products\/t1a-tailgate-handle-latch-for-dodge-ram-1500-2500-3500-2013-2018-textured-black-metal-camera-keyhole","provider":"Redleaf Auto","version":"1.0","type":"link"}