Abstract: A tailgate construction wherein the hinge connections of a truck box are replaced with arms provided for pivoting of the tailgate between the conventional lower position and upper raised position above the truck box bed. The latch pin connections are moved from the truck box sides to a carriage member that is guided on the truck box sides between a first position with a latch pin positioned for normal closing of the tailgate, and a raised forward position. An interlock mechanism permits the user to lock and unlock the carriage in its's two positions. When unlocked and with the tailgate closed, the tailgate can be raised as permitted by the pivoting arms and guided carriage plate, to position the tailgate in a horizontal position over the truck bed.