RV style tailgate to replace my OEM.

[poohbear]

I am tired after many years of 5er towing of opening my tailgate to hitch/unhitch. I want to replace with one of the tailgate replacements with the cutout and was wondering what do y'all that have one recommend. I know I want a metal louvered style.

 

[Dick Noble]

There was a TV show a few years ago that demonstrated how those type of tail gates did not work to increase milage. In fact, they reduce it. Something to do with breaking up the air flow in the bed.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

There was a TV show a few years ago that demonstrated how those type of tail gates did not work to increase milage. In fact, they reduce it. Something to do with breaking up the air flow in the bed.

I don't think he's interested in fuel mileage, but rather ease of hitching and unhitching.

 

[Bungy]

I have the Stromberg Carlson one: https://www.etrailer.com/5th-Wheel-Tailgate/Stromberg-Carlson/VGD-10-4000.html with the solid insert to use when not towing.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I have the Stromberg Carlson one: https://www.etrailer.com/5th-Wheel-Tailgate/Stromberg-Carlson/VGD-10-4000.html with the solid insert to use when not towing.

I have one of those I bought off Facebook Marketplace. I do like it, but they aren't very strong, actually pretty flimsy. You back into it, you won't bend anything, it will just flat out break. While I do like it, there is no way I would pay that price for it. I think I paid around $100 for mine, which I thought was still over priced.

 

[RPAspey]

Good for straight on or nearly straight hitching/unhitching only. I used one for years. quit using it as it seems that I was rarely straight on. So i had to get out and drop anyway. Also, the regular tailgate is heavy and awkward to remove and install. You'll want help. If you have a gooseneck then it would work great.

 

[trailrydr]

The notched gates are nice, but I do like the fact I can secure the contents of my bed with my OEM normal tailgate w/lock and lockable bed cover.

IMO, my bigger concern is the (whichever) tailgate accidently opening while on the road and I take a turn and damage the tailgate or trailer in the process. My Ford keyfob has a electric tailgate open button. That made me nervous so I installed a safety harness that keeps the tailgate from fully openning beyond a few inches without manually disconnecting the "D" ring attached to the tailgate harness to allow it to fully open. Its already saved me a couple of times.

 

[Bungy]

I have one of those I bought off Facebook Marketplace. I do like it, but they aren't very strong, actually pretty flimsy. You back into it, you won't bend anything, it will just flat out break. While I do like it, there is no way I would pay that price for it. I think I paid around $100 for mine, which I thought was still over priced.

Ya, mine was used too, less than $100 IIRC.

 

[RV2600RB]

I had an aluminum one. Don’t recall where I bought it though. I liked the notch as it reduced the error factor hitching to the Superglide slider. Down side is peeps can easily see what’s in your bed. Up side was I could stand in the notch and reach into the truck bed easily vs a regular tailgate being down.
I’d do it again.
Rich

 

[Gronk1]

Had one years ago, don't know what I ever did with it. Have a tonneau cover now & need to open the tailgate to fold it back.
Have to get out of the truck to check that the jaws are closed, hook up the wiring, bump tires, check all lights so putting up the tailgate isn't really a chore.
And peeps can't see in the bed when not towing.

 

[poohbear]

Ya'll have me rethinking doing this.

 

[Bungy]

Ya'll have me rethinking doing this.

I love mine, the biggest reason I went with it was because when using the OEM it came within 2“ of hitting the trailer when open. It also saves me from opening and closing - two less steps in the process. Mines lockable (kind of a cheesy lock tho) and my tonneau cover is also lockable. I’m not concerned about people seeing in, the way the louvers are angled, you can’t see anything.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I've seen quite a few standard tailgates with dents in them. I like mine 5th wheel tailgate because, like what was said: there's two less things to remember to do.

 

[traveldawg]

Just re-reading through this thread.....

I had considered such a tailgate in the past. I never put one on, but I had considered it.

I always thought that if I put one on I would attach a solid piece of metal (something like diamond plate) and hinge it on the bottom inside such that it could be lowered onto the bed of the truck when towing and I wanted more security I could raise it and lock it with some kind of hasp arrangement.

Anyhow - thought I'd just throw that out there for consideration......