hauling a utv in bed of a full size pickup truck

[KevinCO]

I have a Polaris 900 side by side that I want to haul in the back of my full size pickup and still be able to tow my camping trailer.  The problem is that, although the side by side fits completely in the truck bed, the curvature of the rear tires stick out enough that I can't close the tailgate.  I cannot tow the trailer with the tailgate down, and I don't feel safe just removing the tailgate and relying on the tie-down straps to keep the utv in place.  They always bounce around a little and it would really suck having it bounce enough to slip out between the truck and trailer.  Any thoughts on a solution to this?  I also don't feel comfortable towing a flatbed trailer behind my camping trailer.  I've thought about getting a tailgate net to replace the regular tailgate, but I don't have any experience with them. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[T-boss 410]

There's bed extensions available on the aftermarket. It's made from tubular metal and adds about another 12" or more of additional capacity, but I don't know if it requires the tailgate to remain in place, or if you have to remove it.

The only other option I can think of would be to tie down the front and rear wheels firmly so it can't bounce around.

Don't know if this helps.

[Joe Coldman]

I hate to be that guy but if you aren’t comfortable towing with your tailgate down, you need to secure the machine better.   Use chains and ratchet binders instead of straps for example.  Two (one in front, one in the rear, pulling opposite directions) and cinched down enough to compress the suspension should be enough to carry you through any circumstances.   Toss a third strap over the top for good measure if you want. 
 

It may feel strange carrying it with no tailgate but secured properly it won’t go anywhere 

[Joe Breaux]

I dont think I would do it...just eayin..just keeping. It in to tie it would make me nervous, but i have a shorter bed. Could you tie the gate up slightly to clear trailer?

[Pop Bob]

Trucker for over 50 yrs here. Put the front wheels firmly against the front of the bed, put chocks under the wheels, angle your tiedowns so they are pulling down and slightly forward. Your machine will not move. Take off the tailgate and pull your trailer. 
Pop Bob

[ledmircy]

Wow, that’s exactly what I was thinking!

Definitely feels like the safer way to go 

[KevinCO]

Thanks everyone.  I think Pop Bob the trucker is right, and I'm also going to install some square u-bolts on the front of the bed to add one additional ratchet strap around the frame. 

To Joe Colman, it's not that I'm uncomfortable towing with the tailgate down, it's that without the tailgate up and latched, it would hit the tongue jack on the trailer, and even without a tongue jack, the turning radius, without jamming the tailgate into the front of the trailer, would be next to nothing.  I do use ratchet straps pulling forward and back on both sides, and with this 3rd one across the front, I'm thinking I will be good. Thanks again for all the great input.

Kevin