Forum Discussion

SouthpawHD's avatar
SouthpawHD
Explorer
Feb 09, 2017

Hauling ATV in bed and towing TT

Looks like I might be getting an ATV, and likely to be a slightly larger one and I don't think the the tailgate will close all the way based on some quick measurements.

So if the tailgate won't close all the way, I can't tow my travel trailer with the tailgate down, what options exist?

I know I can take the tailgate off as one option, but that isn't always the nest option as I need a locking bed when I get to my destination. Is there a way to partially raise/close the tailgate and secure it part way up so its safely out of the way?

An expensive over the rail cargo system isn't an option at this point.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.
Tow Vehicles

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  • patperry2766's avatar
    patperry2766
    Explorer II
    Feb 09, 2017
    The absolute cheapest option is to take the tailgate off and store in in the camper until you reach your destination where you can put it back on.

    Unless you have a lockable tonneau cover, a locking tailgate really won't stop someone from taking something out of the bed anyways.
  • SouthpawHD's avatar
    SouthpawHD
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2017
    Hmmm, never thought about shorter cables, so that's a good option.

    Love those tailgate supports. I'll be looking more at those.

    And that Diamondback tonneau is awesome! But out of my fun-money budget for the moment.
  • pbmazda32's avatar
    pbmazda32
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2017
    I know you said expensive rail systems arnt an option, but everyone's "expensive" is different. my 1SG uses a Diamondback HD tonneau cover. works really well and looks good on the truck. good luck
  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2017
    Old Biscuit is explaining something like this. But instead of getting shorter cables, I just wrapped mine over the top of that locking bolt that sticks out of the side. Shorter cables is a safer bet but we did this multiple times, including a 1200 miles round trip to Disneyworld with no problems at all.
  • The_real_wild1's avatar
    The_real_wild1
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2017
    Tons of options. Some quads will fit with the gate closed. You can take the tail gate off. You can close it partially and run a strap from he rack of the quad down to the hitch to keep the gate closed. You can use a riser in the bed. You can run a sled deck.
  • 1320Fastback's avatar
    1320Fastback
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2017
    They make truck bed racks where the atv sits sideways on top of the bed rails per say up against the cab. They also make racks where your drive up and the front wheels sit above the rear window up on top of the truck. Either one would have the atv well in front of the tailgate.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 09, 2017
    With TT hooked up you would need real good measurements for how open tailgate can be WITHOUT interference with TT (tongue jack etc)

    Then go to junk yard and get another set of tailgate cables that support it when open. Mod/shorten those cables to hold tailgate open just far enough.
    Swap mod cables with OEM cables and vice versa as needed


    OR

    Relocate tongue jack etc so no interference

    OR

    Stand ATV UP in bed and close tailgate

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