Has anyone come across any good ways to stop the tailgate from bouncing when open? I haul a couple of dirt bikes from time to time in my 5.5' bed so I cannot shut the tailgate when they are loaded and the tailgate will bounce. I know I can strap the tailgate to the trailer receiver and flip the cables over the catches to keep the tailgate at 45 degrees but I am looking for something to effectively lock the tailgate open.

 

Do you have a strut/damper that slows the movement when you open it? It was included on higher optioned trucks, but I put an aftermarket one on to prevent the tailgate from just falling open. I also haul motorcycles and have never heard my tailgate bounce. I have the Dee Zee setup on mine.

 

Got one of these form Amazon, works fantastic, 5 minute install.

 

It is a 502A package Lariat, so it comes with auto open/ close and strut. Surprised you are not having similar issues, the tailgate on my last truck bounced as well and also had a strut. Maybe the factory version does not have enough downward pressure?

 

Looking for something like this http://www.vehicle-systems.com/tailgate.htm but longer so the tailgate can be held flat or almost flat.

 

I find it impossible to drive any distance greater than 20' and have the open gate on the modern truck not bouce. I say 20' because I'd bounce the gate from just exiting my driveway over a curb/gutter design.

I never did this with my dirt bike but maybe a long piece of 2x material as long as the gate. Put it against the front wheel of the bike and let the rear wheel sit on the 2x.
Probably need a way to keep the bike straight during the commute though.

When carrying just one, you can get it to fit corner to corner though. Unless my bike is short. LOL

 

I just noticed this with my 502A Lariat as well. It was the first time I’ve hauled anything with the tailgate open. I’ve had several f-150’s and have never noticed the tailgate bouncing like this one does. Seems like an oversight to me.

 

https://www.dgmtailgatesupport.com/p...50-5-5-8-beds/

This one is more of a ratchet design instead of firm locking, but an option

https://thegateking.com/

 

I built these years ago for when hauling my Outlander. They worked great for keeping the gate at 3/4 closed. I’m sure you could lengthen them to keep it open flat.

 

The rear tires of my KTMs sat on the tailgate, and I used a couple tie downs through the swingarm to hold them down and tight.