Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a rigid, pivotable connector which spans the gap between a vehicle bed such as a vehicle truck bed and a the swingable tailgate joined thereto. The invention allows loading and unloading heavy articles conveniently across the tailgate and prevents cart wheels or the like from slipping into the gap between the tailgate and the truck bed. The connector is hinged to the truck bed and will span the gap between the bed and the tailgate to prevent debris from falling into the tailgate hinge therebeneath.