I'm planning on replacing the stock tailgate on my 2006 Dodge 2500 with one specific for 5th wheels (with cutout)I want to do it once, do it right, not put in a flimsy piece of junk that needs to be replaced in a few years or the first time someone sits on it when it's down. All the manufacturers claim they make stout units. That contradicts what I see around campgrounds. Quite a few light weight plastic units that I'd be scared to set a cooler on, much less stand on.None of the well built ones I've seen have a manufacturer's name on them, most owners I've asked don't know what brand is on their truck.I haven't been able to find a after market dealer in the Portland, Oregon area who stocks anything to look at, all rely on the manufacturer's claim of making heavy duty units.I'm a bit too old & cynical to spend a few hundred dollars without some guidance.Anyone have any recommendations as to which manufacturers make a well built unit?Thanks in advance

When I had my Dodge, I used this one-http://www.autoanything.com/hitch-bed-accessories/61A2419A0A0.aspxI prepped and painted it to match the truck, 2006 Patriot blue. It worked well, was well built, I walked on it, sat on it, used it as a tool bench, etc.

This is what I have an treat it like a standard Tailgate, I currently weight about 230# and think nothing of standing on it, or sitting the hitch on it. They are designed to match the body lines of the TV.Custom Flow

Best place to look is a truck parts( as in add on stuff), they will have something on display most of the time. That is where I got my tailgate, its 2 inch pipe and heavy wire insert,all chrome. Had it for 16 years. I can't remember the brand but I know they are made in Okahoma.

Custom Flow is what I have on my truck as well. Has worked fine for the three plus years we have used it.

See if Handy industries makes one for a 3rd gen. I had one of their's on my 91 and my 2001 trucks. Very well built and heavy, I used to stand on mine all the time....and I am not a little guy either.....;)Sam

Tailgate - Advice needed | Good Sam Community

richfaa
Explorer
Jan 21, 2016
Custom flow as pictured in a previous posting same gate has been on both our Ford trucks for 11 years without a issue.
richardcoxid
Explorer
Jan 21, 2016
X2 on the custom Flow Tailgate. Have had one on each of my last 2 trucks. When we were into boats a fellow boater told me that I would launch the boat ONCE without installing the drain plug. He was correct! Don't ask me why I know!

Same thing about remembering to open the factory tailgate when hooking up and closing it when hooked up. Sooner or later you will have a CRUNCH!
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jan 21, 2016
I have one and like it very much. No need to worry about putting the tailgate up and down, and one less thing to remember is a good thing for me. :) It's very solid and no worry about it bending if stood on while down.

I had it powdercoated to match the truck.
laknox
Nomad
Jan 21, 2016
I was given a flow-through gate. It's =heavy=, almost as much as the OEM gate. I like using it as there's a noticeable difference in turbulence in the bed and less buffeting that's translated to the truck.

Lyle
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 21, 2016
Been pulling 5th wheels since the early 90's, never owned a RV tailgate. IMHO not worth having, especially with the newer trucks having a built in backup camera in them.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 21, 2016
Me Again wrote:
I like this solution. AND I installed a replacement backup camera in the box! Chris

Chris, just what do you carry in that rear box, I know you are close on your rear axle weight and it isn't your 5er, as it is about the same as mine.

Like the license plate frame!
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jan 21, 2016
I like this solution. AND I installed a replacement backup camera in the box! Chris

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum width.
Martyn
Nomad
Jan 20, 2016
rhagfo wrote:
This is what I have an treat it like a standard Tailgate, I currently weight about 230# and think nothing of standing on it, or sitting the hitch on it. They are designed to match the body lines of the TV.
Custom Flow

Ditto

I have had a Custom Flow on my truck for 8 years now. Never take it off. Very sturdy and practical. You can sit on it and stand on it just like the original tailgate. My buddy bought one too after he saw mine. :)

donn0128 wrote:
Never used one, never will. With a locking hard tonneau I like the ability to lock things up. With the notched tail gates you loose that option.

Totally WRONG - click on the link.....:S
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jan 20, 2016
donn0128 wrote:
Never used one, never will. With a locking hard tonneau I like the ability to lock things up. With the notched tail gates you loose that option.

You need to do more research before you make blanket statements like that!!
You will find Custom Flow has both locking TG and a very nice filler panel.

Custom Flow
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Jan 20, 2016
donn0128 wrote:
Never used one, never will. With a locking hard tonneau I like the ability to lock things up. With the notched tail gates you loose that option.

Portland "Cement Head" attitude!

No "option" lost!..:R.

I have a locking Fold-A-Cover (hard cover), a very basic - and very stout - TG from Northern Tool that can be locked with any cheap or serious padlock I choose.
At one -or both- sides if I so choose.

A bit of simple and easy ingenuity was involved...;)

As well as for a removable (when the TG is open) section for the "notch".

Sure - *ANY* car door or tailgate *CAN* be defeated by a dedicated thief - but for my TG the thief better have bolt cutters for hardened steel and figure out how to get 'em on an Abus padlock.

Or - maybe a GIANT pry bar!

And - said thief will most likely be able to get into my -or your-
bed cover (with that pry bar) easier than my TG...:R

Of course my bed cover is *NOT* in place when I'm towing.
Maybe you have a solution for that with your "hard tonneau"..:h

Anyway - whatever rings your "never will" chimes...:C

~

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