I hauled a load of rock in my 2016 XLT Ford F150 and when I opened the tailgate to unload the rock, the tailgate would not open all the way. All the rock got jammed into the gap between the bed and the tailgate. Once I pulled the rock out of the gap and got the tailgate opened, I laid plywood across the tailgate to cover the gap. Does anyone have better method for hauling rock?

 

Welcome.

You could apply a rubber seal.

 

Will the rubber seal make it easier to unload the rock or does it just keep the rock out of the gap? I’m looking for a way to not only keep the rock out of the gap but also an easy way to unload the rock from the bed out to the end of the tailgate.

 

You need to drape a tarp over the tailgate and bedfloor before loading, then toss it over the rock.

You’ll understand what I mean once you try it.

Hopefully the rock loading hasn’t damaged the tailgate cap or bumper pad.

 

That sounds like a great temporary solution! I will remember to bring a tarp with me the next time I get a load of rock or mulch.

There was a guy selling a strip of rubber with 3M tape and applying it to the end of the bed and to the back of the tailgate. Has anyone used that product and if so, how well did it work?

 

I found a new product that recently came out that will fix all these issues for good. Hope this helps!

https://tailgatedefender.com/

 

Here you go my friend. Grab the seal and apply it to the bed/tailgate gap and then get one of these truck bed unloaders.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-l...der-60800.html

 

I checked out the tailgate defender link. This thing gets permanently installed and functions with the tailgate as it opens and closes. It is formed to fit into the corrugations in the bed. They Literally drive a truck over it in the video. That is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! I’m going to order one. Thanks for the tip.

 

Only problem I see is you can’t load lumber or pallets unless you buy a sheet of plywood and leave the tailgate open.

I do remember having a truck with a tailgate step I was able to do the plywood method with but cut it short and the forklift would slide it in so I could shut the tailgate.

Probably only something to worry about if you had an 8ft bed and were having to leave your load in for extended periods where you had to shut the tailgate.


Anyway…. Post up pics of it in action so we get a review.

 

It takes me about 10 years of ownership before I will load rock/gravel/dirt in the bed, lol! I bought a utility trailer and modified it to be able to haul that stuff. But man...the Taligate Defender is pretty sweet. Wish I'd known about that when I had my 2010, because yeah, that 'rock-lock' sucks.