Required Tools

  • 3/8” Battery Impact
  • 3/8” Ratchet
  • 3/8” Extension
  • 9/16” Deep well socket
  • 1/2” Deep well socket
  • 1/2” Wrench
  • Hammer
  • Tape measure
  • Square
  • Circular saw with a carbide-tooth saw blade

Fold-Down Gate Assembly Instructions

Fold-down gates can be used as sidegates or tailgates on stright-back flatbed trucks. Follow these instructions for all fold-down gates.

Plan Layout

  • Measure truckbed length.
    • For dovetail truckbeds, only measure the side length.
  • Determine stake post position. Each gate requires a minimum of 2 stake posts, this means some pockets may be empty.
  • We recommend a maximum sidegate length of 8 feet. Customize your gates to shorter lengths for more flexibility.

Stake Post Assembly

This step is applicable for both the pre-drilled stake posts and universal stake posts.

  • Measure truckbed pocket depth. Depth varies by manufacturer.
    • Use supplied 1.5″ long, 3/8″-16 carriage bolts designed for 3″ pocket depth.
    • If longer bolts are required, these can easily be purchased at most hardware stores.
  • Apply push nuts to carriage bolts.
    • Tip: Use a socket to apply supplied push nuts
  • Check pocket alignment. Gaps can be caused by welds or burrs on truckbed pockets.
    • These can be removed with a grinder or chisel. (02:30)
  • Once positioned, add nuts to carriage bolts and tighten to 25lbs torque.
  • Repeat for additional posts.
  • Remove protective plastic film.

Trim Slats

If you’ve ordered slat material, follow these steps for installation.

  • We recommend allowing 1/2″ gap between gates with endcaps installed (3/4″ without).
  • Measure slats to the desired length.
    • Tip: Trim slats to length with a carbide-tooth saw blade.

Sidegate Assembly

  • Align supplied fastener hardware. This slides into the narrow groove in the slat material.
  • Fasten to posts with supplied washer and nuts.
  • Tighten to 25lbs torque.
  • Continue for additional slats.
  • Install endcaps.
  • Repeat for additional gates.

Mid-gate Assembly Instructions

Mid-gates can be used as a divider or lift out tailgate on dovetail truckbeds. Mid-gates require sidegates with slats.

Retainers & Brackets

  • Assemble retainers (All materials supplied).
    • Install 5/16″-18 knurled neck carriage bolts into the aluminum retainer with a hammer.
  • Retainers fit into larger slat opening.
  • Fasten mid-gate side brackets to retainers and set desired position along sidegate.
    • For a liftout tailgate (great for dovetail trucks), position brackets at the end of your last gate.
  • Use wrench or socket for minor adjustments and impact for final tightening.
  • Tighten to 25lbs of torque.

Trim Slats & Assemble Mid-gate

  • Measure and cut slats.
    • Tip: Allow 1/2″ gap, 1/4″ with endcaps installed.
  • Measure spacing for mid-gate posts.
    • We recommend allowing 12″ from slat ends on outside posts.
    • All mid-gates include 3 mid-gate posts.
  • Position hardware and attach posts with supplied hardware.
  • Check post alignment with a square.
  • Make adjustments and tighten into position with socket.
  • Repeat for additional posts.
  • Tighten into place with impact to 25lbs torque.
  • Install endcaps.

Mid-gate Usage

Assembled mid-gate slides into mid-gate side brackets. Mid-gates are not free-standing. They are removed by lowering one sidegate or lifting out the full mid-gate.