An extending tailgate arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a tailgate and a linkage configured to extend the tailgate away from a rear end of a vehicle by a predetermined distance such that the tailgate contacts the linkage and does not contact the vehicle. The tailgate may be alternately opened in a conventional flip-down manner, and a sliding plate may be provided that covers the gap formed by the extending tailgate arrangement. In certain embodiments, a fence is employed with the tailgate arrangement to enclose the area formed.