That is badass man, i've seen people do it but i never understand how you get it in and out of the truck. It must be a real lightweight boat. I've always just used a cheap trailer so i can load and unload the boat in the water by myself

 

Sounds like something from "Dukes of Hazard" !

 

you worry too much. if you've got the jon boat tied town securely in the bed, there's no way the boat and/or tailgate would bounce. people have been driving around with their tailgates down with nothing in the bed for a hundred years. and look at all those people with tailgate extenders driving around. it's fine.

 

I used to just use the anchor rope to tie it down in the truck. Couldn't get a trailer in where I fished with the 14' jon boat with electric motor.

 

Your tailgate wont be bouncing with either of the boats unless its just sitting in there loose. Strap em down properly and away you go

 

Its probably better than doing this!

 

Wonder how bad that hurts the ol' gas mileage?

 

I'm with him. Don't over think it and get out on the water!

 

I use a ratchet strap from the tailgate catch on one of the sides to the safety chain loops on the receiver to keep the tailgate from bouncing.

 

While I agree you may be overthinking this one a little, It's still better to overthink than under-think so good on you! Some of the things I see people haul or tow make me cringe.

I will say the bed extenders work really well, they make loading, hauling, securing, and unloading long items much easier especially if you are doing it by yourself.

HTH