For about half the year, growing season, I keep my DR650 motorcycle in the back of my truck. I bought a 2018 SCREW with 157" wheelbase to have a little more bed length. I still can't close the gate with the bike in back and I knew that. I'm thinking of removing the tailgate for the time I'm carrying the bike to keep it from bouncing when it's down and for protection from obstacles around the farm. Any downside to removing the gate? I'm guessing I can unplug the power/camera feed and wrap the end up to keep dirt and water from getting in. Will any codes be thrown or dash lights come on with unhooking the gate?

 

Why not do what a few of us do and get a set of tailgate holders similar to these? https://www.dgmtailgatesupport.com/p...lgate-support/

There are various manufacturers and fixed positions.

 

Removing the gate for extended periods will not cause any issue. As for protecting the plug? You should have a protective cap to cover the plug under the bed. Ford provides a cap to protect the plug. I have a 2016, and it was in a plastic bag.

 

Thanks for the link on the tailgate support. Didn't know about the plug cap, I'll check.
I had a F250 for 4 years and kept the gate down with the bike in back. It constantly bounced when hitting bumps. The tailgate support would solve that problem.

 

Are the supports adjustable as it looks in that picture, I looked at the website and saw nothing about that?

 

They aren't adjustable. From the picture you can tell they are two completely different supports. The website also shows that they have a EX (full length), 13", and 10" support.

Even though it isn't adjustable it seems like a pretty sweet idea. I would probably get something like this if I had a bike or 4-wheeler I was constantly transporting. I would also have the OEM ramp installed.

 

Just keep in mind, depending on the level or length of arm you choose, every time you backup the anti collision alarm will be going off. Removing the tailgate is a better option for that annoyance. Not sure if the alarm can be turned off or not, I never checked.

 

On my 2018, you can disable the backup alarm, but the next engine start, it will resume.

 

I wonder if there might be a Forscan setting that could turn off the backup alarm. I don't see any harm in doing so as long as all drivers are aware that it won't go off.