Tailgate Shield - What is this for?

[petercyber]

Today I installed the tailgate shield. It took me over a year to start liking it and here I am.
So, I installed it but I can't figure it out what are the 2 extra straps that come with it. I asked Grok and is telling me that is to secure it from the sides so doesn't rattle. I searched and asked Grok to give me links to installations but no video shows or comment about this. Anyone knows how and where they go?

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[ABILISK]

Those are just for storage. When it’s not in use and rolled up into a triangle, use are used to make sure it doesn’t unroll. You don’t use them in any way on the actual truck.

 

[pricedm]

Those are just for storage. When it’s not in use and rolled up into a triangle, use are used to make sure it doesn’t unroll. You don’t use them in any way on the actual truck.

Thanks for the tip! I am about to uninstall mine, as I change from biking to ski season. Will help keep the tailgate pad organized in storage.

 

[petercyber]

So this is Grok's answer, any comments?


"you're specifically asking about the two long, loose straps that are separate (not sewn/attached to the pad) and just rattling around in the box.


Those two are the side tension/cinch straps.


The pad itself already has five built-in straps that are permanently attached:

• 4 shorter black straps with G-hooks (two per side, top and bottom-ish)
• 1 wide center buckle strap that goes across the whole thing

The two extra loose ones (longer, with plastic buckles on each end) are specifically for pulling the lower outer corners of the pad super tight against the tailgate from inside the bed. You feed each one through the small gap on the left/right edge of the tailgate, reach into the bed, and clip or loop them to the L-track tie-down points (usually the rearmost or middle side cleats).


This does two things:

1. Eliminates any flapping or ballooning of the pad when you're driving (especially at highway speed with bikes on it).
2. Keeps the bottom edge of the pad pressed flat so it doesn't curl up or shift when you load/unload heavy bikes.

Tesla includes them loose because not everyone needs the extra tension (the trapped-flap method + the five built-in straps already hold it fine for light use), but for carrying 4–5 bikes or if you want it drum-tight, those two loose straps are what make it rock-solid.


A bunch of owners in the CTC forum thread I linked earlier (and a few others) specifically call those the "extra two straps" or "the long loose ones" and show them hooked to the L-track exactly that way.


So yes – they're optional but highly recommended for a perfect fit."

 

[ABILISK]

So this is Grok's answer, any comments?


"you're specifically asking about the two long, loose straps that are separate (not sewn/attached to the pad) and just rattling around in the box.


Those two are the side tension/cinch straps.


The pad itself already has five built-in straps that are permanently attached:

• 4 shorter black straps with G-hooks (two per side, top and bottom-ish)
• 1 wide center buckle strap that goes across the whole thing

The two extra loose ones (longer, with plastic buckles on each end) are specifically for pulling the lower outer corners of the pad super tight against the tailgate from inside the bed. You feed each one through the small gap on the left/right edge of the tailgate, reach into the bed, and clip or loop them to the L-track tie-down points (usually the rearmost or middle side cleats).


This does two things:

1. Eliminates any flapping or ballooning of the pad when you're driving (especially at highway speed with bikes on it).
2. Keeps the bottom edge of the pad pressed flat so it doesn't curl up or shift when you load/unload heavy bikes.

Tesla includes them loose because not everyone needs the extra tension (the trapped-flap method + the five built-in straps already hold it fine for light use), but for carrying 4–5 bikes or if you want it drum-tight, those two loose straps are what make it rock-solid.


A bunch of owners in the CTC forum thread I linked earlier (and a few others) specifically call those the "extra two straps" or "the long loose ones" and show them hooked to the L-track exactly that way.


So yes – they're optional but highly recommended for a perfect fit."

So you attach them to something on the pad that doesn’t really exist then strap it to something on the l-track so you can’t open the tailgate? My thoughts are that Grok is having one it’s many silly goose moments. I can’t remember how the item was originally packaged out of the box, but I feel like those straps were wrapped around it and I had to remove them before unrolling it for installation.

 

[petercyber]

So you attach them to something on the pad that doesn’t really exist then strap it to something on the l-track so you can’t open the tailgate? My thoughts are that Grok is having one it’s many silly goose moments. I can’t remember how the item was originally packaged out of the box, but I feel like those straps were wrapped around it and I had to remove them before unrolling it for installation.

It kind of make sense, but then again, these are nice straps, I thought it could be have a better use.

 

[RM Rilke]

Most tailgate pads have a way to secure the bikes to the pad. I just assumed that was the purpose of the straps. Loop it over the top tube(s) or down tube(s), secure the strap to the daisy chain and snug.

 

[ABILISK]

Most tailgate pads have a way to secure the bikes to the pad. I just assumed that was the purpose of the straps. Loop it over the top tube(s) or down tube(s), secure the strap to the daisy chain and snug.

That would make sense, although I’d probably prefer a bungee for that.

 

[SlegMD]

Great minds and AI can’t solve this mystery…

 

[SlegMD]

That would make sense, although I’d probably prefer a bungee for that.

What are your thoughts on visibility of tail lights with the shield? I’ve considered one but from the looks it seems to somewhat obstruct the taillight, allowing for less observant drivers to be fooled when the CT is braking. Tailgating is common here. Your thoughts?

 

[ABILISK]

What are your thoughts on visibility of tail lights with the shield? I’ve considered one but from the looks it seems to somewhat obstruct the taillight, allowing for less observant drivers to be fooled when the CT is braking. Tailgating is common here. Your thoughts?

That’s precisely why I don’t leave it on all the time. I throw it on when I need it, but the brake lights are almost indistinguishable from the taillights with that thing on. I always feel like a sitting duck, praying I don’t get rear ended.

 

[SlegMD]

Ya that was my concern. Thank you sir!

 

[petercyber]

Great minds and AI can’t solve this mystery…

So true!! We should ask Wes

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