Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem:

[Stewart G Griffin]

Would taking the tailgate off pose a problem as far as structural rigidity etc.?

[78 Chevyrado]

The way the latches are done they wouldn't help structure at all, so I have to say no.

[Sartobuilt]

I wouldn't leave it off. After some time the rear bedsides will get loose and crack. Look at the tailgate latch it has tabs that hold it tight. I've seen quite a few beds get ruined back in the pronet days.

[Blazin]

I have run Yellow Snow for years, and years with no tail gate. There is no problem with its bed as far as the sides floppin. I don't run one in the winter for plowing, and I just never seem to getting around to putting one on in the summer. Plus I never painted it when I painted the rest of the truck!
Have run other trucks over the year without them too. Never had any problem with them either.

[Stewart G Griffin]

I wouldn't leave it off. After some time the rear bedsides will get loose and crack. Look at the tailgate latch it has tabs that hold it tight. I've seen quite a few beds get ruined back in the pronet days.

i'm wanting to take it off because i might want to put a slide in camper or make my own.  So, this would only be temporary.

[bd]

Not to worry.  It'll be fine.

[Irish_Alley]

the only thing this will effect if aerodynamics and we are talking very little