Vented tailgate

[Hardcandy]

Newbie here with a question. What are the pros and cons of a vented tailgate? I have a 8' box with a trifold cover and my stock tailgate on now, what should I do? This wasn't an issue when I had my TT

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

After our maiden voyage, and several hookups and unhooks.... I wish we had the v tailgate. It's sort of a delicate ballet of tailgate down and tailgate up; and all it's going to take is one lapse of memory to have a forehead-smack moment.... although I have to admit that we look a little more professional after we had the Limo tint removed from the back window of the truck...LOL!!!

[big_bird_2]

I can see the plate and king-pin fine when connecting and my tail gate does not interfere either. It does not save fuel, but it could safe a tail gate if you forget to lower it when connecting. What ever feels good seems to be the answer.

[copeland343]

Another good thing about a vented tailgate is that my stuff now stays in the bed of the truck when towing the fifth wheel. I have lost rubber wheel chocks, wood and other things. Now every thing stays in the truck bed.

[mileshuff]

Every study I've seen suggests that a vented tailgate reduces drag when towing a 5th but increases drag when not towing and no bed cover is used.

I keep my stock tailgate on along with a folding bed cover. I suppose a V tailgate would make things a bit easier to hitch/unhitch but not enough to warrant buying one.

[BB_TX]

I keep my stock tailgate. Unlike some others, I don't like the looks of the vented tailgates.
I have a hard roll type tonneau cover. When unhitched I pull the cover all the way back, lock the cover and tailgate, and those things I keep in the bed are kept as dry and safe as reasonably possible.
Yes I do have to lower and raise the tailgate when hooking/unhooking, but that is a minor inconvenience.

[C7XR7]

I like having one less thing to worry about when hitching and unhitching the 5th wheel. I also appreciate the additional visibility it provides.

I did not buy a new one, I did find one on craigslist in great condition for little money. Apparently lots of people purchase a used pickup or a different pickup and will get rid of their tailgates for much less than the price of a new one.

[azjeffh]

Hardcandy,

IMO, if you can lower your tailgate without hitting the trailer, leave the stock one on and make full use of your bed cover. If you can't, you'll want one.

I believe you'll find connecting and disconnecting your trailer requires you to be near the tailgate so raising/lowering it should not an issue.

The only turbulence issue I've had was when I lost an empty 2.5 gallon plastic gas can due to it not being secured properly. I carry much in my bed and believe my Fold-A-Cover helps in this area.

Enjoy!

[JIMNLIN]

I use them on all of my trucks as I pull GN and 5th wheel trailers.

Aside from making hooking and unhooking much easier for me I use them mainly to cut down or eliminate air turbulence in the bed under the 5th wheel over head. Some 5er/truck combos have more air turbulence than others. And I think they look kool when painted to match my trucks color.

I was leaving my stock gate at home but couldn't haul heavy things in the bed because they rolled/slid/blowed out the back.

Its a win win for my use.

[GregK]

With a trifold cover that normally gives you a secure storage space you would lose that when you go to a vented tailgate.

[fj12ryder]

I have one because there is very little room between the 5th wheel and the tail gate when it is in the down position. A little too much angle right or left and I'll have a nice divot in the front of the 5th wheel. So now I don't have to worry about it.

FWIW I did have it powdercoated white to match the truck and I think it looks great. 🙂

And it's one less thing to remember to do, two less if you consider lowering the tailgate and raising it again as separate exercises. 🙂

[Miles_Away]

spud1957 wrote:

Hardcandy wrote:
Newbie here with a question. What are the pros and cons of a vented tailgate? I have a 8' box with a trifold cover and my stock tailgate on now, what should I do? This wasn't an issue when I had my TT

I have one. I had it when I had an 8' box. Didn't buy it because I thought it was "cool" or expected to save money on fuel. I bought it because with the 8' box, I could not hook up with my tailgate down or it would hit the trailer. It makes it a lot easier.

S

Same Here. I purchased an aluminum tailgate from Husky and I leave it on all the time.

[korbe]

Reasons why I have a louvered tailgate: Hooking and unhooking without having to lower the tailgate.

That's it. Simple. I didn't get it because it looked cool, or saved on fuel. Mine is black plastic, got it used on Craig's list for $125. I put it on in the spring when I install the hitch, and take it off in the fall when it's time to remove the hitch. Just part of the experience.

When I would first hookup my truck and 5er, there wasn't much room between the end of the opened tailgate and the 5er. And if I would come in at an angle to hook up, I would be concerned about the corner of the tailgate hitting the 5er. Not anymore.

[spud1957]

Hardcandy wrote:
Newbie here with a question. What are the pros and cons of a vented tailgate? I have a 8' box with a trifold cover and my stock tailgate on now, what should I do? This wasn't an issue when I had my TT

I have one. I had it when I had an 8' box. Didn't buy it because I thought it was "cool" or expected to save money on fuel. I bought it because with the 8' box, I could not hook up with my tailgate down or it would hit the trailer. It makes it a lot easier.

S

[ontariofarmer]

I think they look good.....I had one on my other truck, but it was a sportier looking truck

I wouldn't buy one again....I like my tailgate, and when I unhook, I don't need to change the tailgate back to stock.

[restlesswind]

If you think it would look cool,and you feel like putting out the money,get one.
Otherwise save the money for camping expenses.