I posted on another site as well.How are you dealing with the tailgate clearance with the front of the coach while the tailgate is in the down position ? Currently I moved my B&W companion to just behind axle to help this condition but I’m thinking of purchasing the Trailersaver BD5 which has no front to back adjustments. It seems while hitching up, one would have to start with the tailgate down and once the pin box clears the tailgate then to raise the tailgate. That may be the norm but is something I have not had to do.

I found that w/ our Big Country, the front of the coach (basement) door isn't as angle back as old Silverback was, thus we lost the space you are referring to. Kinda stinks and we too turned the base of the Patriot around and while we gained some add'l clearance, nothing like w/ the Creek.

a lot of long bed trucks have this issue, short beds dont

OP here . I guess one could put a strap on the tailgate to hold it up at the midway or at least below the the height of the hitch while hitching/unhitching

Long bed truckCan open tailgate when hooked up to 5vr Hitch is actually 2" forward of centerline of rear axleOther then Opening tailgate to hitch/unhitch the only issue is to remember tailgate is down when leaving.........turns would make tailgate into a can opener on front compartment(One reason I swapped to a 'U' 5vr tailgate vs OEM)

My F350 long bed tailgate clears the front of my Montana by about 4”. Have to be careful to be close to straight on when hitching. Reese Elite hitch about an inch in front of axle.

How many here have tailgate clearance issues | Good Sam Community

jaycocamprs
Explorer
May 12, 2018
Wood chip wrote:
Do the 5th wheel tailgates come with an option for the OEM camera that currently sits in the tailgate handle ? I really like having the camera when not towing

Husky Liners Husky Liners does make a optional backup camera mounting kit for their tailgates.
I'm kinda on the fence, I miss the V-gate I had. But also am getting used to the camera that this truck has. If I do it I will have to get a camera from some where, cause I'm not stripping the one from my good factory tailgate.
StirCrazy
Moderator
May 12, 2018
With mine there is about 1" of clearance but I still don't leave it down.

I drop the gate, back in till the hitch has cleared the tailgate, go back hook up my electrical and close the gate, then I use my trailer brakes when I finish backing in. after that I check to see I am locked and then I'm off. don't get mad or anything.

For the price of a 5th wheel tail gate up here I will gladly keep doing this.

Besides, they look bad and don't have my back up camera in them

Steve
Me_Again
Explorer III
May 10, 2018
bpounds wrote:
Wood chip wrote:
Do the 5th wheel tailgates come with an option for the OEM camera that currently sits in the tailgate handle ? I really like having the camera when not towing

I don't know any that do, but I know some guys have added a camera down lower, like a license plate bracket model, and some of those can connect to the OEM video feed. Then just swap connectors when you swap tailgates. I don't have direct experience with it.

Just takes a little effort.

The wire loom going into my V-Box is the replacement BU camera, small black dot mid way up in the center. I also have a camera in the back of the front box that looks at the hitch. And one in the RAM emblem in the center of the grill that looks down at the front bumper for parking.
bpounds
Nomad
May 10, 2018
Wood chip wrote:
Do the 5th wheel tailgates come with an option for the OEM camera that currently sits in the tailgate handle ? I really like having the camera when not towing

I don't know any that do, but I know some guys have added a camera down lower, like a license plate bracket model, and some of those can connect to the OEM video feed. Then just swap connectors when you swap tailgates. I don't have direct experience with it.
Me_Again
Explorer III
May 10, 2018
It is to bad that Creative Industries, makers of the Truck Trunk and V-Box went out of business. Truck Trunk has been in three trucks now and the V-box two. Chris
brokenoaks
Explorer
May 10, 2018
we just purchased a Jayco eagle ht. when down The tailgate on my F250 long bed clears it by about 6" so i have to make sure i am lined up straight when hooking up. safest way is to back under until the pin is past the tailgate, get out and close the tailgate then finish backing in. or just get one of those U tailgates but not sure if i could install my factory back up camera into it.
Wood_chip
Explorer
May 10, 2018
Do the 5th wheel tailgates come with an option for the OEM camera that currently sits in the tailgate handle ? I really like having the camera when not towing
bpounds
Nomad
May 09, 2018
Keithk3628 wrote:
...it was the CH751 key found on most every RV...

Yes, it is the same key. I like that personally, one less key to carry, but not the best from a security POV. I'm sure it could be changed.
Keithk3628
Explorer
May 09, 2018
bpounds, thanks for the pic's, that is exactly what I was looking for, I will look into this, I would guess I can get it painted to match my blue color. Too bad the "V" cover is a pain but I can probably modify or get used to it.

I read somewhere the key was a issue as it was the CH751 key found on most every RV, using the retrax I imagine it is a very possible solution.

Thanks again, Keith
Community Alumni
May 09, 2018
Wood chip wrote:
chag67 wrote:
I have a F350 long bed and the tailgate down clears my Grand Design Solitude 379FLS with no problem, even when connecting at a 45d angle.

The trailer overhang at the bedroom area must be much different from trailer to trailer. I guess this would be the biggest of the reasons for tailgate clearance issues

I imagine the overhang does vary greatly between fivers and between brands. Mine is a front living room layout which maybe why I have more clearance.