5th wheel tail gate needed? Buying a new truck

[tedrohedro]

I currently have a 2003 F350 with a 5th wheel tail gate on it, the truck just happen to come with it, as I bought it used.
Well I may be buying a new truck soon- the question is- do I need to buy another 5th wheel tailgate for this truck?
I see some people use them and some just keep their stock tailgates... Can someone please tell me the reasons.
And If I do need one- where is the best place to buy- looks like the prices are all over the place.

Thanks for the help
Ted

[Sandi]

We are on our third truck pulling campers and have never needed the 5th wheel tailgate. Never had a problem and I'm sure we won't change. Truthfully I don't see very many of those tailgates around so you should be just fine!

[1970kw]

It's really just a matter of personal preference. I love mine for hooking and unhooking. I don't have to remember to lower it. Some prefer to keep the tailgate so they can add a secure topper. I don't think they really help that much with fuel mileage on a diesel pickup.

[LCBoyer]

I've always used the V tailgate. It makes my life simpler. There is not much room between front of trailer and edge of tailgate when it was down. JMHO

[SkiSmuggs]

I think it is a matter of personal taste AND how careful you are. In four years, I've never hurt a tailgate, but it has been close a couple of times.

[Daehawc]

I don't see a huge benefit. If you have a farm or work truck that is hooking up very often it could add some convenience. For normal towing lowering and raising the tail gate isn't really a hassle for me. Myth busters (for what it's worth) addressed the fuel economy aspect and showed how the standard tail gate actually gives the best fuel economy due to an air bubble of sorts that gets created.


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[2hams]

We like the V gate for ease in hooking and unhooking. As LCBoyer said, we don't have a lot of room between the front of trailer and end of tailgate. When hooking up at and angle it's a real pain to hold the tailgate part way up while Dave backs up the truck. For us, it's just a matter of convenience.


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[WhittleBurner]

We leave ours down when hooking up, unless we are at a bad angle which is rare.

[Cate&Rob]

If you use your truck for other than just towing, it is nice to be able to close up the back with a full tailgate and tonneau cover. With our slider hitch, we can connect/disconnect at any angle with the tailgate open.

Rob

[Namlehse]

There are times it would be nice to have one. It would be nice for hooking up at an angle. I'm always afraid I'll clip the door if I come in too sharp. The down side, I have the factory backup camera. I love my camera.