Tailgate while towing question?

PNW_Steve wrote:
Hey Everyone,

Most of my RV miles have been herding an Eagle Bus down the road. I have been around a number of 5th wheel folks and somehow got the idea from them that you must remove the tailgate when towing.

Now that I have joined the 5er community I have followed their example and removed my tailgate before hitching up my 5er and leaving the tailgate at home.

Recently I saw mention of simply putting the tailgate down while hitching up the trailer then putting it back up for travel.

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

Thanks

Steve

Replying without reading ahead...

My FW has no clearance issues, so I can back all the way into the hitch with the gate down, then raise it up when I'm latched. Recently though, I was given a louvered V-gate and used it for the first time this summer. The reduction in turbulence in my bed was noticeable. With the regular gate, I could =feel= the buffeting; with the V-gate, it was =much= less. I know that this isn't always the case, but in my situation, it works. I do like the convenience in not having to mess with the gate while hitching/unhitching. Just my $0.02...

Lyle