This may sound like a really stupid question but I am new to having a truck so I figured it's better to be safe then sorry. Do I need to worry if I ride with my tailgate down while transporting my mountain bike? I am worrying that going over bumps, etc.. would cause damage, dents, etc...

Again I am new to owning a truck so your help is greatly appreciated.

 

damage to the tailgate? No you'd be fine. unless you got air perhaps and the taillgate flew up then smacked back down.

 

chips and dents? Yeah.. I've got a few from using the bed extender.. Wasn't happy

 

Angle the rear of the bike and close tailgate. I do it all the time so no reason to leave the gate down.

 

Nope, on my old truck I had my tailgate down a lot because of having the quad in the back. I did get a few chips on it though, which I assume is from rocks flying up and hitting it. I might have to wrap my tailgate in that 3M clear wrap now that I think about it before my new truck gets those same little chips.

My tailgate was frozen shut the other day, then it got really warm the next day. It thawed out and fell open. Didnt do any damage but I was on edge walking up to it, hoping it didnt dent lol

 

Should have got a real truck with the 6' 5"

 

Proper response would be why aren't you riding the bike instead of riding around with it.

 

Would one of the DZ tailgate struts stop it from bouncing? I have one but never drove with the gate down and good mud flaps could help with chips.

 

I'd recommend taking the front wheel off and buying a 20$ mounting block for it. I have mime on top of the cover but u can easily do the same in the bed

And btw I ride with my tailgate down often, and the biggest draw back is that it's easier to remember it's down and back into something. Ask me how I know..

 

should have gotten a diesel if you want a real truck