A system and method for deflecting the wind which would otherwise impinge upon the closed tailgate of a pickup truck, the deflector being mounted on the tailgate to preserve cargo space, including a spoiler and including a pair of relatively slidable rigid panels for deflecting the wind. The lower, forward panel overlies the upper rear panel and the relative position of the two panels is controlled by a scissors jack. The position of the distal end of the lower, forward panel is maintained adjacent the truck bed by a gust strap.