Additionally, the problem with closing the tailgate is.. You will have to carry a step ladder to get in and out. Won't be an issue for you but will for your wife. Why, when I bought mine I considered a 'Little Giant' ladder. You can build a back carrier for the ladder and take it along (as some with pop up's on here do) but I went with the TorkLift Glo-Step Revolution steps and their quick release bracket (on it) (and it the pictures I sent you and you posted earlier on). That eliminates the need for a ladder to get in and out.
Not sure about the Northstar but with mine, I still need to get up on the sides and insure the tent is tucked in when closing the top (even with the Fantastic fan on high, sucking in the tent) and it's a bit too high for me to reach so I use the aluminum bunk ladder to get up there. Everything I take does double duty, part of having a TC I guess.
