2nd Gen Off-Roading without tailgate

I'm thinking about ditching my tailgate. Before I do, I am wondering if I am compromising the strength of the bed or causing unnecessary bed or frame flexing. I've searched and didn't find any thoughts on this.

 

You'll be fine.

 

I thought i read somewhere that wheeling without the tailgates a bad idea and someone had a hard time fitting the tailgate back on. Bunch of people recommended using some sort of bedside support, think the thread might have been on TTORA

 

i only recall a small handful of folks who reported that their beds flexed enough to where the tailgate did not completely line up and maybe one person who couldn't get their tailgate closed...

being familiar with the wheeling the OP has been doing, i vote to leave the tailgate on or get some bedside supports just to be safe...

 

What is the significance of wheelin without a tailgate? if ur worried why take it off in the first place?

 

when desert prerunning, if you take a hard enough hit, i have seen tailgates shake loose and open up...

TW member in2nite's tailgate flew off his truck going through the whoops at about 45mph out in Barstow... luckily, it landed paint side up so he was able to sell it when he built his rear...

 

Thanks Mike. Styx, I have an aftermarket bumper that was a prototype and wont allow me to store the spare or lower the tailgate. I keep the spare in the bed and right now cant justify a tiregate, so I was thinking about just removing the tailgate and using a net. Besides, then I could sell the tailgate for money to mod the truck a little more. Ill probably just keep it on until I have the funds for a tiregate.