I have a ’06 Screw and have noticed the tailgate getting a lot of rock chips on it. I haul dirt bikes in the bed quite a bit, so I’m driving with the tailgate down a lot, I also tow a trailer sometimes for the motorcycles (when I tow the trailer, the tail gate is up). My truck doesn’t have any ‘mud flaps’ at all. I’m wondering if I’m getting rocks bouncing off of the front of the trailer and hitting the tailgate, or if when I’m driving with the tailgate down, rocks are able to bounce up and hit it. Has anyone else noticed this happening to their truck? What are some solutions for dealing with this? My tailgate has about 15 rock chips in it now… I’d like to put a stop to it… I was thinking that it might work to put a magnetized cover on the tailgate when towing, has anyone seen something like that?

 

Simple answer...install mudflaps

If rocks are bouncing off the trailer or getting thrown up by the trucks tires installing mud flaps will quickly reduce both of these occurances.

 

Honestly, I doubt that mud flaps would help, but certainly can't hurt. Rocks are probably bouncing of the roadway and hitting the tailgate when it is down.

 

Same thing happened to my 04 screw. I hauled a Honda RIncon out to big bend on a 5x8 open trailer. Texas had recently repaved Hwy 90 (with loose gravel ) and when I got home the paint was gone from the trailer fenders and the tailgate was peppered! Not sure what would have helped but some type of mudflap would be a good start.

 

Have you considered removing the tailgate and putting up a net when you are doing this, or do you need the tailgate down for an extension?

 

Its probably both reasons. I tow a trailer often, and don't think that Iv'e ever driven with the tailgate down on my new truck yet. Anyways I have about 8 chips in my tailgate now.. My only guess is that they are bouncing off the trailer..

I had husky molded mud flaps on my 05 Screw and never had the chips this one does, while pulling the same trailers. Guess I should look into a pair again.

 

I think I’ll pick up some of the Ford contoured ‘Splash Guards’, those will probably help a little (also help save the side of my truck from the gravel roads…), as far as taking off my tailgate and using a net… I need the tailgate length when my bikes are in it (5.5’ bed), good suggestion though… I could use a net when pulling the trailer; I’ll have to consider that… Thanks for the replies/suggestions.

 

Go with the splash guards 4sure. They will help your rocker panels all the time. For a more complete coverage while towing is an RV rock stop shield, they look like a huge whisk broom across the back bumper. Ive installed 1 about half-way back on the tongue of my open trailer (just far enough back to permit tight turns) and stopped my chips while towing.