Can I remove this?

[coolhandcountry]

I don't know about this. It may be harmful if you do. I take it if you don't the batts won't fit your truck. Could you email the maker of the batts to see what they say? I don't want to give the wrong advice. It may depend on what you are mounting them with as well. A strap across the end may be hard on it. A bar across them will hold them in with out mashing the ends. Just a thought.