Tailgate while towing question?

That's what I used to do. This allows use of the tailgate when camping. Sometimes you do need it if you're hauling stuff.

I use a notched tailgate, for convience. The thing to watch when hitching with dropped tailgate is clearance if not inline may catch corner of tailgate. I often haul items behind hitch, gate keeps them in bed.

PNW_Steve wrote:
Hey Everyone,


What are the potential downsides to towing with the tailgate in place?

Thanks

Steve

You have to remember to put it down when you un-hitch. :) Some people have forgotten.

I leave my tailgate on. Flip down when hitching or unhitching then up while traveling.

Downside is remembering to flip it. There's a few reports here of people forgetting to lower when unhitching. Thats is why many opt for a V tailgate so you don't have to raise or lower to hitch or unhitch but still have a tailgate for keep things in the bed.

Tests have shown slightly better mpg with no tailgate or with flow thru V gate while towing a 5th wheel. However, mpg is slightly worse without a tailgate when not towing. Most tests I've seen show the difference to be too small to worry about either way.

My tailgate stays on at all times... drop to hitch and unhitch.. This way I can keep blocks and stuff in there while I am at camp and doing the tourist stuff . . . .

Tailgate up while towing. Lower it to hitch and unhitch. With my bed tonneau, it allows for minor security while shopping and putting stuff in the bed. Or keeping tools in the bed. Outta sight...outta mind.

Downside is that tailgates are high on the stolen property lists. So keep it locked. That might help a little.

After my wife backed into the pin box one night when returning from shopping, I decided instead of spending money on a new gate that I would V notch it and make it into a gate much like they sell. That has worked well for me. It required us to relocate the latch but everything else was standard body work.

I have a "V" notched louvered Tailgate for towing, better air flow, keeps items in the bed, no need to lower and lift when hitching.

This is all steel, you can walk on it and place items on it without breaking.

Custom Flow TG

Tailgate in place.......just open/close when hitching/unhitching

One other possible issue.....with tailgate open and backing in at an angle corner of tailgate MIGHT hit front compartment area of 5vr.
Depends on king pin box...short or extended.

Seems some folks are forgetful....seen numerous tailgates that are dented outward in center and front compartments gouged

I also use the notched tailgate. One less thing I have to remember to do when hitching and unhitching. With my memory, that's a good thing. :)