Bed Extender Down on Long Road Trip

Are there any issues or special steps required to drive long distance with the tailgate and OEM bed extender down? Are there states that have laws against driving with the tailgate down? I searched both the forum and Google, and was unable to find an answer on this.

I planned on purchasing the front header rail and fork locks to transport two bikes with me to Asheville in a few weeks, but even with the front tire removed, it looks like my fat tire bike is several inches too long. If I could angle the bike higher or lower, I could possibly get it to work, but I'm not sure how I'd be able to do that with the header rail.

If it ever stops raining outside, I'll play around with some other ideas, but just in case, I wanted to get input on driving that distance with tailgate down.

 

Just a guess here, but I'd think you'd be okay if you put some high-visibility tape/ribbon on the end of the extender to give drivers behind you a frame of reference? I see contractors doing that around here in CKY all the time when carrying ladders/lumber/whatever that stick way out the bed of the truck. If it's only the extra length of the tailgate itself I can't imagine it being a problem, but again, I'm just thinking out loud here. Good luck.

 

If you're exclusively on pavement, probably be ok. A word of caution on dirt, I drove my old tundra down a dirt road for about 45 miles with the tailgate down and it was riddled with tiny pits in the paint.

 

No problem drivong with the tail gate down. I do it all the time as bed extender does not stick out further than the tailgate. Most places the rule is 2' beyond the furthest point of vehicle, like lumber. The tailgate is part of the truck, so no marker unless it extends way out.

 

Ugh, I didn't even consider rocks spitting up and hitting the tailgate when it's down. I'm going to have to play around with some other ideas.

 

No issues on pavement with rocks. Gravel roads a different story.

 

It's all interstate until we get close to the house we rent. It's up in the mountain area, and all gravel roads to get there. Only a few miles though. I'll see if I can figure something out after work tomorrow that keeps the tailgate up.

 

Wait, even if we have a bed extender, some states outlaw it? It’s just make your bed longer and with the cage guard, the bed is still closed off, just now longer...plus there is no lights on the tailgate...why is it illegal in some states?

 

I wonder if a layer of car vinyl wrap on the tailgate would protect it sufficiently. Doesnt have to be well done if its just temporary throwaway protection.
Not my area of expertise, just a thought.

 

Simple. Get a roll of wide masking tape and tape the tailgate before you put it down. Instant protection.

 

Or cut out a large piece of thick cardboard and buy a couple of boxes of Saran Wrap.