Fifth wheel truck tailgate Usefull or not?

[Threevagabonds]

I have hooked up to my new 5er several times now preparing for my first trip, and find that in order to hitch up, the truck needs to be exactly in line with the 5er in order for the tailgate (in the down position) not to hit the front of the 5er. I assume that the "v" in the replacement tailgate will allow a hitchup without this problem. Is this the way to go?

[Threevagabonds]

I have hooked up to my new 5er several times now preparing for my first trip, and find that in order to hitch up, the truck needs to be exactly in line with the 5er in order for the tailgate (in the down position) not to hit the front of the 5er. I assume that the "v" in the replacement tailgate will allow a hitchup without this problem. Is this the way to go?

[Ken Lenger]

I bought a "V" vented tailgate primarily for better visibility when backing up w/o the trailer. Being able to hookup w/o dropping the tailgate is an added benefit. BTW, with my stock tailgate down, I could approach at almost any anlgle w/o hitting the camper.

[Jim h]

I am probably more klutzy than most, but I put a ding in the door on the front of the fifth wheel with the regular tail gate by backing up at a bit of an angle. I bought a vented, v-notched tailgate from Camping World and am very happy with the ease of hook up and unhooking.

[Rick A]

I have a low profile companion box from Highway Products that mounts in the back of the bed. I do not use the tailgate with the box installed. Gives me plenty of clearance at any angle. In 4 years of 5th wheeling, I have dinged the tailgate forgetting to put it down when backing up to the trailer, and dented a front storage door backing up at an angle to the trailer with the tailgate down.

[Threevagabonds]

Thanks for the replies to my question. I am convinced that either a "v" tailgate or the neat low profile box would be a good investment. I am prone to live by the rule of Murphy's Law, so I plan to be as proactive as possible. I have found the Custom Flow brand tailgate in Camping World's catalog and was wondering if that is the one that is best to buy? I sure like the box at Highway Products but not sure it would be compatable with the things (EU2000 etc) I plan to place in the rear of the truck. Any other input on the subject would be appreciated. Thanks to all.

[C.CARNEY]

I bought the custom flow tailgate and really like it. My clearance with my Alfa was to close for the regular tailgate so I opted to spend the $$$ on the cusom flow. It is very easy to change out as I don't normally leave it on. Takes about 2 minutes to change tailgates. Good quality, metal not plastic.

Clark

[CoastalDav]

In most cases, if your king pin passes over the center of vee within and inch, you'll be at the right hieght for hooking up.

It also helps release the hurricane thats going on back there, from the wind blast coming off the front of the fiver.

Mileage when not towing, not much if any at all with my truck. The cummins don't know its hooked to anything without the trailer.

Dave

[Roam America]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Threevagabonds:
I am prone to live by the rule of Murphy's Law, so I plan to be as proactive as possible. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Just remember. The chances of dinging the tailgate are directly proportional to the number of people watching you.

[Threevagabonds]

A true statement if there ever was one.

[Vette Racer]

I use the 5th wheel turbo net gate, cheap, $75, works great, and last a long time. One ding in the front of the fiver was enough for me.

[Threevagabonds]

Thanks Vette Racer. Is that gate strong enough to keep things in the bed from becoming part of the roadway? I have seen them on the road, but don't know much about them. How easy are they to put up and take down? I do like the price!

[Vette Racer]

turbo net

Here's a pict of it. When I removed my stock gate and put this on it ended the air turbulence back there. I always put stuff in the bed without a problem but I wouldn't recommend putting something real light back there or it might fly out anyway. It installs with drilling a couple of holes if you follow directions. I didn't, I found that there was holes I could use already there so did that instead of drilling. All you have to do to take it down, and/or out, is pull a pin or two and remove it. I've had mine on for two years now and it still looks great. You can't climb on it or things like that but you don't need to anyway. My 2 cents.

[Threevagabonds]

Thanks for the information on the net. Now all I have to do is decide, net or tailgate, not always an easy thing to do.