Tailgate while towing question?

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.

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 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.

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.