Pivot bracket debris mitigation cover

A tailgate for a vehicle that is configured to pivot between horizontally open and closed positions, the tailgate being pivotably attached to the vehicle by a pivot bracket assembly comprising:

• a pivot bracket configured to be fixed between the tailgate and a body of the vehicle and including a through-hole;
• a pivot pin including a first end configured to be attached to the tailgate and a second end, the pivot pin extending through the through-hole of the pivot bracket;
• a pivot arm including an aperture configured for receipt of the second end of the pivot pin, and a portion configured to be coupled to the body of the vehicle;
• a bushing assembly including a sleeve and at least one bushing positioned within the sleeve, the sleeve being positioned within the through-hole of the pivot bracket and the pivot pin extending through the sleeve and the bushing;
• and
• a debris mitigation cover positioned between the pivot arm and the pivot bracket that is configured to minimize dust and/or debris from entering the bushing assembly.