Yesterday my son and I sat on the lower tailgate to change out of walking boots and the left side retaining strap snapped. On inspection, under the rubber sheath, both ends were badly rusteded where the steel cable is crimped into the retaining lug. Thankfully the right side cable and gas strut held us and the tailgate so no damage was done.

Turns out that the right-side is like new and has definitely been replaced recently. I ordered a new Britpart strap from John Craddock on eBay. Being based in Northern Ireland means some companies take the hand when it comes to shipping charges but Craddock's eBay store gives free delivery.

When I fit the new strap I will consider what moisture resistance I can provide such as Lanoguard or white grease.
I would recommend adding this to your maintenance schedule even once a year as the rubber caps andsleeve covers the rot of the steel underneath.

I’m guessing the new strap will be a bit too long. The Britpart one I got was. I’d have got 2 had I not had a 2011 car with the damper on the other side.
 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport