Is the removable panel for accommodating longer items in the trailer?
No, not really. I just wanted to be able to be able to remove it for repair or to change the look/theme. If I did carry something longer than the trailer bed, I guess I might try lowering the tailgate. Or, as I mentioned before, it may be possible to remove the tailgate altogether.
On a related note, I'm having trouble finding a metal 5-point star that's in the 6-9 inch size.