I've had a couple of comments about removing the tailgate for towing. It makes sense from a weight perspective. What about other pros/cons. What about loosing the backup camera? Thanks!

I use to do that, but realized I really did not need to. There are some positives, but really not important. As I get older and back some bad its best to leave it on. I just have to use my head and make sure it is down or up at the correct time while hitching. You can get a vented tailgate, which I had at one time, but its extra money and no camera.

I used to leave mine on, but lately, I've been removing it when I know I'm going to be towing. Every once in a while, I would get into a situation where the wife would have to stand between the tow vehicle and the 5er (really off to the side as I would never ask her to actually stand in a dangerous area) but she would lift the gate when I got past the hitch point to keep the gate from going through the front of the 5er. Now, I don't have to worry about her or the gate. Less worry. The TG definitely gets heavy, but it's not often that it's getting handled.

Cons for leaving on - lowering/raising when hitching/unhitching, unless you have a V gate. I would really miss the camera.Pros for leaving on - helps keep things in the bed, although a V gate will also.Weight is relatively minimal (compared to all else) so not really a factor.But I have a hard roll type tonneau locking cover on mine that I use to cover the bed after unhooking and hide things I may have in the bed so a V gate does not work for me. My factory tailgate stays on.

It is easier for a new FWer, to not have to deal with a tailgate. It is one less thing to have to watch for, hooking and unhooking.Like above, I like to keep things in the truck bed when camped. I have a roll up cover, and locking TG. It's handy to throw the chairs, grill, and other outdoor items in over night, or during bad weather.I've done it both ways, but now prefer to keep TG on the truck.Jerry

I do have my eye on a retrax system

Pros/cons of removing tailgate while towing | Good Sam Community

BB_TX
Nomad
Mar 27, 2014
M GO BLUE wrote:
The backup camera you are all so worried about is in the tailgate handle...so if you leave the tailgate on all you see is the underside of the fifth wheel and this does what for you?

The backup camera is for when not towing, which is most of the time.
richfaa
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
I can see no advantage except to the beholder.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Mar 27, 2014
M GO BLUE wrote:
The backup camera you are all so worried about is in the tailgate handle...so if you leave the tailgate on all you see is the underside of the fifth wheel and this does what for you?

They feel they need it once the fiver is dropped. I use a V lovered TG and can see the back bumper easly, so no need for a backup camera.
JamesBr
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
It does nothing when your connected, just like any other backup camera on a truck when your connected. They are thinking about when they are not towing which I have to admit is nice to have in a tight parking lot.

I leave my tail gate on, I see no use is wasting money on a second tailgate for the 5th wheel or a net or something to keep the stuff in my bed where it belongs going down the road. Been around 5th wheels owners for 7 years and not one of them complains or seems to have an issue with dropping the tailgate to hitch or unhitch. I look around campgounds and I want say at least the 98% area of 5th wheel owners have their OEM style tailgates.
M_GO_BLUE1
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
The backup camera you are all so worried about is in the tailgate handle...so if you leave the tailgate on all you see is the underside of the fifth wheel and this does what for you?
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Mar 27, 2014
Goostoff wrote:
I did get 2 blocks of wood sucked out last year somehow. They were 6X8X24 guard rail posts too so heavy as hell.

WOW!! I've heard the turbulence below the nose is amazing - but moving something like that is impressive!!
meesda
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
Since I had the FW, the louvered V-gate is on permanently. My wife like it for the better visibility when backing up. I do too. Ya it is lockable....with the same keys (751) as most of your storage compartment and I don't have a cover LOL.
Goostoff
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014
Someone dropped a trrailer on the bed of my truck before I bought it so a TG wont fit anymore. No loss as far as I am concerned, although I did get 2 blocks of wood sucked out last year somehow. They were 6X8X24 guard rail posts too so heavy as hell. Did also get a 5 gallon gas jug sucked out too but it was a new one so no big loss. Dont have to worry about splashing gas all over my feet anymore. :)
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 27, 2014
I remove the oem tailgate when the hitch is in. I use a $25 net across the back when towing. No big loss if I forget to loosen it up to hitch up. Saves some weight too.
john_bet
Explorer II
Mar 27, 2014
I am one of the lucky ones. I can hook up completely with it down, even get between it an trailer when hook. I can even hook up at a 45 degree angle with it down without contact. I lower it back in, latch up, close gate,plug in cord, raise legs a little, pull test, raise legs, light check, one last walk around up and down trailer/truck and go.