Temporary cover/fill for tailgate gap?

[Milwrdfan]

One of the tasks I use my current pickup for (and will be doing the same thing with my soon-to-be-built Maverick) is to haul mulch/dirt for outdoor projects around the yard. These are bulk materials that I typically shovel out of the back with the tailgate down. But with the tailgate down, there's a large gap between the bed and the tailgate that tends to get filled with whatever bulk material I'm hauling, especially if I use a scoop shovel or broom to finish getting all of the material out of the bed. I often don't want to remove the tailgate completely (and with the Maverick's electrical connections to the tailgate, is more involved than with my current truck which just is a tip and lift to remove the tailgate completely), so am looking for a temporary rubber-like material that can temporarily bridge the gap and prevent a ton of material from falling down into that gap. I'm picturing some sort of T-shaped semi-rigid gap filler with the top bridging the gap, and something sticking down into the gap to hold it in place.

I suppose I could use something like a pool noodle shoved down into the gap, but wondering what others have done to try and solve this problem?

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[Steamey]

One of the tasks I use my current pickup for (and will be doing the same thing with my soon-to-be-built Maverick) is to haul mulch/dirt for outdoor projects around the yard. These are bulk materials that I typically shovel out of the back with the tailgate down. But with the tailgate down, there's a large gap between the bed and the tailgate that tends to get filled with whatever bulk material I'm hauling, especially if I use a scoop shovel or broom to finish getting all of the material out of the bed. I often don't want to remove the tailgate completely (and with the Maverick's electrical connections to the tailgate, is more involved than with my current truck which just is a tip and lift to remove the tailgate completely), so am looking for a temporary rubber-like material that can temporarily bridge the gap and prevent a ton of material from falling down into that gap. I'm picturing some sort of T-shaped semi-rigid gap filler with the top bridging the gap, and something sticking down into the gap to hold it in place.

I suppose I could use something like a pool noodle shoved down into the gap, but wondering what others have done to try and solve this problem?

Pool noodle?

 

[Lane]

There are a lot of varieties of covers available on Amazon, but I went with a Rok Block.

I don't know if I'd call it "temporary" because once that adhesive is on, it's going to take serious effort to get it off.

Pics & more info on this here in my build thread.

 

[turbobill]

Put a piece of duct tape over it.

 

[Prickly Pear]

I've been shoveling crushed rock out of my Ranger and cringe when I have to try to clean it all our of that joint. It's one of the reasons I'm keeping it for a "work" truck. Even trying to clear that area out before lowering the gate leaves enough stuff to damage the paint and interface.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

There are a lot of varieties of covers available on Amazon, but I went with a Rok Block.

I don't know if I'd call it "temporary" because once that adhesive is on, it's going to take serious effort to get it off.

Pics & more info on this here in my build thread.

Lane,
Where did you purchase the roller/rollers? Did they come with the seal?

 

[Lane]

Where did you purchase the roller/rollers? Did they come with the seal?

I think it's a laminate roller available from any hardware store, or Amazon has plenty of them as well. It did not come with it. You can install it without one but it sure does help you be confident that you've got the best adhesion/grip that you can have from the sticky tape.

I'd wondered how well the tape would stay stuck through weather extremes, but two Wisconsin winters so far and no problems.

 

[MetalsGeek]

When I get a load of mulch, I put a large heavy duty Harbor Freight tarp in the bed to keep the mess contained. I also use large spring clamps to hold the edges of the tarp together (over the load) so it won't blow out on the road. Works great and less overall hassle than cleaning up the bed.

 

[Chilipepper]

One of the tasks I use my current pickup for (and will be doing the same thing with my soon-to-be-built Maverick) is to haul mulch/dirt for outdoor projects around the yard. These are bulk materials that I typically shovel out of the back with the tailgate down. But with the tailgate down, there's a large gap between the bed and the tailgate that tends to get filled with whatever bulk material I'm hauling, especially if I use a scoop shovel or broom to finish getting all of the material out of the bed. I often don't want to remove the tailgate completely (and with the Maverick's electrical connections to the tailgate, is more involved than with my current truck which just is a tip and lift to remove the tailgate completely), so am looking for a temporary rubber-like material that can temporarily bridge the gap and prevent a ton of material from falling down into that gap. I'm picturing some sort of T-shaped semi-rigid gap filler with the top bridging the gap, and something sticking down into the gap to hold it in place.

I suppose I could use something like a pool noodle shoved down into the gap, but wondering what others have done to try and solve this problem?

I used a roll of black frog tape and cut it to fit I used two pieces and worked great

 

[Optimus]

I have used old floor mats, tarp, cardboard, etc …. depending on the scenario, to cover the gap. If you haven’t already made the discovery, you can 3D print a small cover plate that snaps onto the two large-ish holes in the bottom of the gate where the wiring goes in.

 

[Prickly Pear]

I have used old floor mats, tarp, cardboard, etc …. depending on the scenario, to cover the gap. If you haven’t already made the discovery, you can 3D print a small cover plate that snaps onto the two large-ish holes in the bottom of the gate where the wiring goes in.

Do you have a model you could share - I'll fire up the printer.

 

[paneubert]

When I get a load of mulch, I put a large heavy duty Harbor Freight tarp in the bed to keep the mess contained. I also use large spring clamps to hold the edges of the tarp together (over the load) so it won't blow out on the road. Works great and less overall hassle than cleaning up the bed.

Yep. Came here to say "use a tarp". Either under the entire load, or at least to cover the tailgate and a foot or so into the bed.

 

[MetalsGeek]

Do you have a model you could share - I'll fire up the printer.

Those of us who don't have a 3D printer can support the criminals at Mabett who copied the member who made his own and buy THIS one.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I'll support Mabett quality injection molding over U.S. made 3D crap.

 

[Chilipepper]

Those of us who don't have a 3D printer can support the criminals at Mabett who copied the member who made his own and buy THIS one.

Won’t buy anything from them again. knowingly sold defective side lights and refused to replace them. The mud flaps didn’t fit properly and had to modify them.

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