Tailgate, open or closed?

Well folks as the title states, any problems with hauling items with the tailgate down? Christmas tree time is here and I need to haul a 7 foot tree in a 5 foot bed. I’ve read (on the internet so it must be true) that driving with the tailgate down is asking for stone chips in the tailgate. What say you?
I’ve searched here but couldn’t really find an answer.

 

You gotta do what u gotta do. Otherwise drape a rug or something over the closed tailgate and rest the tree on it.

 

I guess if you are haulin ass down a rock road it's highly possible.
If you are concerned about it, Harbor Freight sells cheap moving blankets, wrap a blanket around it and a few rounds of duct tape should do it.

 

It's a risk for sure, but I just recently moved 300mi away and hauled a queen sized bed and a couch on two different trips (600mi) and didn't get any chips. You could also wrap a tarp around the bottom to protect it a bit.

 

Pickup trucks are required by law to be able to be safely driven with the tailgate down. It is why they are not allowed to put the back-up lights or license plate on the tailgate.

Won’t save you from stone chips.

 

I wouldnt worry about it for a second, send it.

Especially if you have mud flaps. (all our region models have them)

 

The only thing you have to worry about is your load sliding out of the bed. Make sure to strap it down

 

Doesn't the tailgate remove in like 2 seconds? I'd do that before dealing with draping something over it

 

^this^

^and this^

Other than that - noting to worry about. I've driven with mine down a lot - part of having a 5 foot bed and buying big stuff. I don't give it a second thought.

 

Leave the tailgate up and put the tree in diagonally? There should only be about a foot sticking out.

 

Duct Tape

 

"If you can't fix it with duct tape, then you didn't use enough duct tape"

 

I've driven trucks since the 1970's with the tailgate down when necessary. Never had any issues. And if I ever do, it's a TRUCK. They are supposed to be used to haul stuff and when you do stuff happens.

But this is the best answer in this case.

 

Didn't know I needed to think about this!

 

Either way works, but for a couple things to consider:
Cops can't read your license plate easily, so may be inclined to find a reason to stop you.
Anything in the truck bed not tied down is one of those reasons.

 

I’ve probably put 100k miles on my Tacoma’s driving with dirt bikes in the back and the tailgate down. Never noticed a single chip.

 

It’s a truck. Put the tailgate down and haul your damn tree. Isn’t that why you got a truck? Chips and stretches are just memories. Go make memories.

 

Drop the tailgate and live dangerously .

 

NO, it does not, unless you have a model without the rear backup camera. You would have to disconnect those wires before just lifting the tailgate off.