I have never had a 5th wheel trailer always have had Travel trailers.I am switching to a 5th wheel trailer and was woundering do I need to remove my tailgate while hauling it down the road how about uneven road surfaces. I live in the Sierra Mountains so sometimes the Forestry campgrounds dont have level ground.I am aware of denting my stock tailgate if I leave the tailgate up while trying to hook up to the trailer. Tow rig 1997 F-350 XLT,7.3 powerstrokeCC,4X4,8'bed,Auto Trans, 143,000 miles Hitch; Husky 24K w 5th Wheeler---? haven't bought it yet 24'-27'

I used to take mine off because the fiver we had was kind of close to the bumper.Tailgate off was way easier with that trailer.The hassle was having to tie everything down in the truckbed of course.The new bigger fiver we have now has plenty of room between the front compartment to bumper so tailgate back on.I like the gate back on for traveling.Things stay in the truckbed.I've never hit the tailgate on uneven roads or dented it hitching or unhitching...yet.

I have always left the tailgate on. Its best if you leave it down while hooking up. Alot has to do with the distance between the tailgate and camper when tailgate is down. If you are having a distance problem then get a "V" style tailgate. The uneven roads doing damage to your truck will depend alot on the distance you have between the camper and truck bed rails.

I always leave mine on as well. You do need to lower it when hooking and unhooking but that will become second nature to you over time. I have been pulling a fiver for many years and I keep the same routine or procedure today as I used the first time I hooked up. Heck, I still do a "pull" test on mine each time I hook up. Sometimes folks look at me like I am crazy but I had rather always make sure than assume.You can get a V tailgate if you are more comfortable but it is not needed.

Mine is on while towing. Just remember to pull it down when hooking up and un hooking or you'll be sorry. I also carry stuff in the bed of the truck and this way I am sure things like chalks and wood won't fall out as I drive.

Mine stays on. Just don't forget to lower when hooking up/unhooking. :)

Tailgate on/off | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

Veebyes
Explorer II
Jul 27, 2013
Have you looked to see what 5er owners are doing? Can't imagine any reason to remove the tailgate.
Roads_Less_Trav
Explorer II
Jul 27, 2013
tailgate on...
Crowe
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
We changed to a V-notched tailgate when we had ours. There was no forgetting to put the tailgate down or up. Takes some practice to line up the notch but IMHO it's easier.
Allworth
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2013
A cut-down tailgate from Stromberg is a good compromise. I have used one on two different pickups and would tow a fiver without it.

Sorry, Bear, that just isn't true. The latches on a stock tailgate have NO effect on in-out movement of the sides of the bed. Look at the latches.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2013
When towing.. I won't even suggest anything.

However once you "Drop" the 5er and take the pickup to the store for a gallon of moo juice or a loaf of bread.

MANY states have laws you need to know about... I've seen people get ticketed for no tail gate. (Comes under "non secured load) if there is anything in the truck).

That said. I suspect that the cases I've seen of no tailgate tickets they were what we call "Attitude Adjustment Tickets" (The driver really ticked off the ticketing officer)
BB_TX
Nomad
Jul 25, 2013
tvman44 wrote:
Mine stays on. Just don't forget to lower when hooking up/unhooking. :)

Just like all the others. Mine stays on.
And I have a hard roll type tonneau cover that locks in place to cover everything in the bed after I unhook and when I am not towing.
You are not going to hit the tailgate on uneven roads. Side rails maybe, if you do not have adequate clearance there.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
The tailgate actually is part of the structure of the bed. Without the tailgate the sides of the bed will begin to spread apart due to road shocks and vibration. So it is important to keep the tailgate in place and up when on the road.

Like others have indicated, keep the tailgate on and locked in place when towing.

When Empty-
It's been proven in tests a tailgate up provides better fuel mileage than keeping the tailgate down. With the tailgate up a bubble of air is created which helps the air to flow smoother over the truck.

Enjoy the 5th wheel.
tvman44
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
Mine stays on. Just don't forget to lower when hooking up/unhooking. :)
joelc
Nomad
Jul 25, 2013
Mine is on while towing. Just remember to pull it down when hooking up and un hooking or you'll be sorry. I also carry stuff in the bed of the truck and this way I am sure things like chalks and wood won't fall out as I drive.
Campinghoss
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2013
I always leave mine on as well. You do need to lower it when hooking and unhooking but that will become second nature to you over time. I have been pulling a fiver for many years and I keep the same routine or procedure today as I used the first time I hooked up. Heck, I still do a "pull" test on mine each time I hook up. Sometimes folks look at me like I am crazy but I had rather always make sure than assume.

You can get a V tailgate if you are more comfortable but it is not needed.

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Tailgate on/off

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