Abstract: A vehicle with a rotary tailgate latch operating system in accordance with one embodiment in the present invention includes a longitudinally extending vehicle frame having a pair of opposing longitudinal ends, a vehicle body having a tailgate opening, a tailgate having an upper end and a lower end, at least one latching mechanism connected to the body adjacent to the lower end of the tailgate, a lift cylinder for raising and lowering the vehicle body, a rotary actuator, and a fluid operating control system. The vehicle body is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame adjacent one of the longitudinal ends. The upper end of the tailgate is pivotally connected to the vehicle body in the tailgate opening. The latching mechanism has a first position which secures the lower end of the tailgate adjacent to the body and a second position which releases the lower end of the tailgate.