I removed the middle also and capped it off. looks factory nice. I also cut the two mounting pipes down to 51/2" (front) and3"(middle) then took a couple inches off the rear so the rail would again fit in the rear rail fitting. I just lowererd the whole thing several inches. It was easy to do. you dont have to remove or relocate the mounts! gives it a nice low profile look, but still plenty useable. I can send you pics if you like.