I don't see how driving with the tail gate down is going to cause damage to the tail lights. And as far as damaging the tail gate, unless you're bahaing with your truck, I don't think you're gonna hurt the tail gate either.

 

I read that rocks kick-up and hit the tail gate when it is down and you don't have mud flaps.

Greg

 

Gotcha... Don't know why I was thinking the OP said the tail lights would get dinged with the tailgate down.

 

It's true. the tailgate can get dinged up. But if you want to use the extender then what else are you going to do? Lot's of people do it. It's a truck. It serves a utilitarian need and it gets banged around. That's what trucks are for.

 

Yea I know that eventually it'll have a few marks here and there, but I'm just trying to find a way to keep it looking new as long as possible.

I had read something about some sort of plastic sheet applied to the tailgate as some sort of protection...maybe a carpet cover that is self-adhesive that could easily be applied and removed? Just hoping someone might have a trick they've used or seen used that would look and work better than having a blanket wrapped around the tailgate.

 

I've owned numerous trucks over the years and have hauled items with the tail gate down. I've never had any issues or damage. I suppose that anything is possible, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

Epheisey, you could have that clear vinyl protector applied to your entire tailgate if that'll make you feel safer. It's the same stuff they put on the front and sides of vehicles.

 

I carry my 4 wheeler all over with the gate down. the only problem ive had is mud collecting inside the gate up by the spoiler. no rock chips though and sometimes I haul hours away

 

If it were me, I would do as Gantman suggested and put the clear vinyl sheet on the tailgate.

 

Working at an RV dealership, you see customers with full flip on covers to protect their tailgates from bouncing rocks. There is always the gate glove.. Looks like it would do the job, but bit pricey.. HERE is the link.

 

Now that's along the lines of what I was looking for! Definitely a bit more expensive than i was thinking, but that's cheaper than repainting the tailgate.

 

ive done it once when I moved (packed the bed to the sky and back) and didnt have any issues... only thing that happened was as soon as I went into reverse, the parksense started screaming right away due to the tailgate being "seen" by the sensors... scared the crap out of me, lol...

no damage though, however, it wasnt a long drive...

 

you could use a large piece of vinyl with a magnetic backing, like what they use for door signs
the clear plastic from 3M would cost about the same & it can be peeled off if it gets too damaged & another piece can be applied
some tint shops have a machine that cuts it from a pattern
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/...ps/portal/3M/en_US/Scotchgard_Paint_Protection/Film/Solutions/For_the_Consumer/

other wise, tape or bungee a old blanket or a large beach towel over it

 

The danger with tying something around a painted surface is chaffing I'd think. You get this insidiously slow buildup of grit that sandpapers everything it contacts.

OP, why are you so opposed to mudflaps? I run 'em. and here I am hanging with the cool kidz :50:

Can't be that bad!

Var

 

I'm a cool kid??? Saaawwwwweeeeeetttt!


Damn, I just lost the kewlness, didn't I? :doh:

 

Thread jack ahead - last one OP .. sorry!

CHP, this is you and me ..

Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know I'm training to become a cage fighter. Since when, Kip? You have the worst reflexes of all time. - Try and hit me, Napoleon. - What? I said come down here and see what happens if you try and hit me. Such an idiot. Let me see what your best move is. - [Sighs] - [Doorbell Rings] - [Sighs] - [Doorbell Rings] I'll go get it. Geez!

And this is my hero screaming in yer face as I slam the door!

 

Thread jack ahead - last one OP .. sorry!

CHP, this is you and me ..

And this is my hero screaming in yer face as I slam the door!

This is all I gotta say to that.

And OP.. Somehow I found the patents for tailgate covers here. I have had no more luck finding products though..