Need a new tailgate

[BScaff]

Well last week I dropped my fifth wheel on the tailgate. I consider myself luck to not have damaged the bed. Anyone recommendations pro or con on a brand.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

BScaff wrote:
Well last week I dropped my fifth wheel on the tailgate. I consider myself luck to not have damaged the bed. Anyone recommendations pro or con on a brand.

Thanks "cdlaine" - been preaching to the choir on that one (TG theft)
for a long time.

Lots of posters either have never heard of it - or don't believe it - - "not where I live". - How about where you travel?

TG theft is big business - and a vicious circle (not including the damaged ones needing replacement).

Depending on insurance deductible (if covered) - expect an out-of-pocket replacement cost of at least $500.

Plenty of options for "V" gate TGs from cheap to expensive.
(Google: "Tailgates")

Bonus benefit - lighter weight, and *if* you are removing your "V" gate and drop a corner, it's no big deal.
No need to lower the TG to hitch..:C

~

[BScaff]

Thanks everyone. I am going to get a fifth wheel tailgate. Just interested if there are any brands anyone is unhappy with (latches, welds weight, ect.). I would like an aluminum or stainless so I will not have to get it painted.

[ecoast]

call this guy:

paintapart

He does it all with gpx shipping.

you will have to move your latch, hardware, etc; it's a painted shell.
simple to do.

[cdlaine]

Thanks Shrek... I'll pass that on.

Charles

[phillyg]

I did the same thing a couple of years ago and discovered the cost of a replacement with paint match was over $1000. I found an anodized aluminum FW tailgate on amazon.com for $250 incl shipping. Can't recall the brand.

[cpaulsen]

Just sold mine for a couple hundred dollars as I use my 5th wheel tailgate all the time. A simple hose clamp on the p/s pin part of the tailgate will deter most thefts.

[Shrek51]

cdlaine, Tell your friend that she can stainless steel collars that will install on the swivel pins and lock the tailgate to the truck. If someone tries to steal it they will ruin the tailgate before they get it off.They run about $25 or $35.
Then you can use your insurance for repair.

Check with a specialty part store, they should have them.

[Artemus_Gordon]

Lots of aftermarket on the net! Some original some knock offs. Just do a search!

[JohnBoyToo]

Check around for shops that put flat beds on the pickups... they have take offs... good luck...

[cdlaine]

Yep Bob. I've been following this trend here (theft),
it is epidemic. Sorry for your crunch... I checked at the
local dealer for "replacement oem" tailgates... not counting
hardware (last year) 1500.00.... not sure if that was color
matched paint.

(my interest was a co-worker had hers stolen in her Apartment
complex parking lot.... a loss she cannot afford to replace
...single Mom).

Good luck

Charles

[BScaff]

I have one all bent up I would love for someone to steal. Bet they don't even a truck.

[cdlaine]

Bob,

Contact our local Glendale P.D. ,.... looks like they
might have found a storage facility full...

sad, but true.

Charles

Punks help themselves....

[lpxguy]

get a fifth wheel gate!

[GMT830]

And somewhere you can get a tailgate saver for your hitch. Basically catches the king pin if this happens.