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Trevor Klassen
Easy to install and use, the Gate King allows you to haul an assortment of cumbersome gear.
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Trevor Klassen
Even though the Gate King allows for more space in your truck bed, straps and/or tie-downs are still highly recommended to gear or equipment in place.
Words by Trevor Klassen
Having a short box truck presents some minor challenges when it comes to hauling everything you need for an outdoor trip or activity. As a motorcycle enthusiast, I always find it interesting to see how other riders haul multiple bikes and all of their gear to the track in the back of their truck.
I have seen some guys leave the tailgate open and strap their gear bags to the motorcycle tire to keep them secure; others place the rear wheel right on top of the closed tailgate; I even saw a few guys slide the wheels over the tailgate, and then use a couple of tie-downs to secure the bike’s foot pegs to better hold it partially closed.
In my opinion, The Gate King is a convenient and safe aftermarket option as it provides more use of the truck bed’s space and tailgate. Consisting of what the company calls Tailgate Adjuster technology, the Gate King is designed as a replacement for conventional tailgate cables and works by engaging latching pins that adjust the tailgate to the desired angle, holding it securely in place, thus extending space at the rear of the bed.
I can now more easily accommodate and tie-down two bikes in my 2 m (6.5 ft) truck bed with the gate partially closed, and also prevent additional gear from falling out the back. Installation is also made easy. It took me no longer than five minutes per side by following the steps below:
1. Layout your hardware and separate the top and bottom spacers to avoid confusion.
Gate King
2. Use a Torx T40 to remove the factory cable. Only work on one side at a time.
Gate King
3. Install the top and bottom spacers with the provided replacement bolts (5 mm with an Allen Key) and make sure to use blue Loctite to prevent the bolt from loosening while driving on bumpy terrain.
Gate King
4. Install the provided gear clamp around the tailgate pivot. This prevents the tailgate from falling down (or off the truck) while driving with it partially open.
Gate King