Use caution when moving dirt or gravel smaller then 1/2 inch.

[gizmoii]

So I'm relandscaping my back yard when my roomate thinks it would be a nice touch to get 1/2 in rock for a lawn border, no big deal, nice touch. We go to the locate rock yard and have them throw a little more then a ton in the back. (yes I know, 500 lbs more then recommended) We get it back an start unloading it. I noticed when my roomate was pushing out the rock into the wheelbarrel that lots of rocks were falling down inside of the latch and right into my tailgate. Now i have to figure our how to remove all the little lava stones, also be carefull when opening the tailgate with a load of stones, I chiped my paint and made several small dent where the tailgate meets the bed when opened.

[Tom Roper]

Pretty much unavoidable. I'm a wuss about my truck, since it's for carrying motorcycles, not aggregate.

My neighbor had the tailgate of his Ford damaged when they carelessly dropped a load on his.

Moral of the story...have it delivered. (sorry about that)

[Squid]

Now i have to figure our how to remove all the little lava stones

Answer:Shop Vac.

And then next time place a tarp in the bed first.

[rrumaner]

Take the tailgate off and turn it upside down while shaking it slightly. This should get most of it out. After that while it is stillupside down. stick the nozzle of the shop vac in and suck the rest out.

Last time I moved a load of dirt, I simply put a rag into the opening when I lowered the gate.

[OnebadSE]

Next time have the stone delivered! Takes care of that!

[bvstone]

Been there, done that... 2 weeks after buying my titan I hauled a yard of rock in it, just like you. Rocks fell inbetween the tailgate and bed, and I got a few nice chips/scratches on the bottom edge of the tailgate.

Then I said "at least the liner held up.. and it's a truck! It's not supposed to be perfect, especially the tailgate!"

And just think, repainting just the tailgate would be nothing.

[honeykeeper]

Thats why I have a 6 x 10' trailer with electric brakes........I put the messy stuff in the trailer and I'm planning on gettting a 5 x 8'dumping hydraulic trailer with a mast and boom with a winch for other rock and tree moving stuff....Trailers have there place!!