5th wheel tailgate

[joe_agogo]

For those of you who swapped out your standard truck tailgate for a V-style 5th wheel tailgate, I'd like to know how you like it.



I am thinking of getting a Husky Liners aluminum tailgate. Looks nice but it's kind of pricey.



The louvers increase rearward visibility which adds to safety (at least that's what I tell myself since it's easier for me to justify purchaces related to safety).



I also intend to buy a BlueOx bedsaver for my B&W Companion hitch. It just looks like a good idea.



What do you guys think?

[RSCREES]

I personally really like my air flow gate, I have seen many people over the years either back into their gate or forget to put it down and pull through it. They make life really simple. As for the bed saver if you have a positive locking hitch you will not need it but if you have the jaw type, I have seen a few come out, I always make sure I sight the latch before the truck moves!!! But there is always piece of mind.

[Hunter11]

I installed one on my truck a couple of weeks after I bought it back in 05 and it still looks like new. I would not be without mine. If you get one make sure you buy a stainless hose clamp large enough to go around the part where it slides onto the truck so it would make it a lot harder for someone to steal it. Mine has the lock which also helps. This is the one I bought but I paid $275 for mine in 05.



http://www.amazon.com/Husky-Liners-15330-Aluminum-Tailgate/dp/B000CMFR0O

[mbinohio]

I also have the slotted gate, I bought mine when I got this unit, I thought it was cheaper than me buying a new tailgate, and with my luck it was a matter of time....I also have the bed saver in my opinion it was worth every cent, way cheaper than the deductible, I did drop mine one time and it did save my truck, some think it's a waste I personally think it's worth every penney...

[CygnusSailor]

I was looking at the blue ox bedsaver and I'm confused. It would appear

that it would get in the way of loading. Is it lower than the pin

would be over the bed when loading? Once the 5er is loaded I can see

how it would keep the pin from falling into the bed, but the picture

makes it look like the bedsaver would be in the way of getting loaded in

the first place. Forgive my ignorance, I don't even have my TV yet let

alone my 5er.

Thanks,

[Korbe & Diana]

I purchased a used ABS type louvered tailgate on Craigslist and it works just fine. Some people argue that they loose the ability to use the truck bed when it's on but for me it stays on all season with no problems. One less step in the hitching & unhitching process to worry about.

[geondebi]

I also have the slotted tail gate. When we first got the 5er we had heard stories of people hitting the gate with the pin. So we got it and like it. I do not worry about the bed saver as I pull test every time. Just a little tug and know the latch is locked and ready to go.

[FB1965]

The bed saver dosen't hender hookup, but you need to make sure that your pin is high enough to pass over the saver which is about 18 inches to 2 ft behind the hitch plate.I don't have a fancy tail gate, its been on the last 3 trucks I have had and it really makes hooking up faster and easy.Mine has been bumped a few times and I touch it up with paint every year or two, but it serveswell.

[cwit]

I think the v-gate is great I can load camper with gate up. No more worry about my gate hitting camper. You can do all hooking up from back of the truck. As far as the bed saver, we have a camper with a dented box side in our camp site. Said someone made him lose his train of thought while hooking. I always do a pull test.

[BipeFlier]

I have a different take on this. Why any tailgate?



I leave mine at home. I haul a lot of things in the bed but have never lost anything. Most trucks any more have provisions for installing a 2 x 6 or larger across the bed in front of and behind the hitch. That will keep anything I haul in place.



I just don't understand spending several hundred dollars for a air flow type gate. Save the money and camp more.



JMHO

[mbinohio]

I put my V gate on in April and it stay on till October, guess in reality I don't want to screw around taking the gate on and off, but I have never hauled anything in my truck, never had anything in the bed, when were not towing it sits in a garage...

[joe_agogo]

Great comments everyone. Thanks.



I appreciate your input.



Joe_A

[salda01]

Originally Posted by BipeFlier

I have a different take on this. Why any tailgate?


JMHO

From what I have heard, maybe urban legend the tail gate V or traditional help keep the bed rails from flexing too much and keeps everything square.

I don't have a v gate, because I like to lock my tailgate and bed cover when we are out sight seeing. Out of site out of mind. It sure would suck to come back from a hike and find the hitch missing.

[Hunter11]

That is why I have locks all keyed alike through the 4 pins that hold my hitch to the rails.

[Lloyd]

Keith, you and Dave must travel and stay in some pretty rough areas!!!
The thought has never crossed my mind to "lock" my hitch in the truck. I must be pretty naive or pretty lucky.
I also run the notched/louvered tailgate. Bought it when the truck was new. I heard the same theory Dave stated about holding the back sides together on the box.


Edited by: Old Farmer

[mbinohio]

I have never locked mine down and if their going to steal it I hope they get both the truck and the trailer

[geondebi]

I did have some concern with the hitch being taken but then it was just as easy to take the main hitch off and leave the supports or mounting. I do have one pin locked and when not towing have a chain pulled through the head and the mount. I not so worried that someone would take it to use as just a prank. Well it may never be taken but it is my peace of mind and if someone wanted it that bad will have it