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TucsonJim's avatar
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Feb 18, 2015

Paintable Fifth Wheel Tailgate With Backup Camera Mounting

I want to replace our stock 2013 F350 tailgate with a fifth wheel tail gate. My OEM gate has a back up camera mounted in it. I have only been able to find one brand of replacement tailgate where you can mount your original back up camera. It's a Husky Liners aluminum gate. That gate would work well, but I'd really like to paint the replacement gate to match the truck.

I contacted e-trailer to inquire whether this gate is paintable. Here's the response I received: "The Husky Liners Aluminum 5th Wheel Tailgate # HL15130-38 is a correct fit for your 2013 F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab with backup camera. It features a powder-coat finish to provide protection from corrosion. This finish has not been tested by Husky Liners with automotive paints. My contact there suggested you speak to the painter you would intend to have do the paint work on it and ask if powder-coated aluminum will be a suitable material."

I discussed it with the paint shop, and they weren't sure of the process to paint this gate and would not warranty the work if they took on the job. I've done some searching, and can't seem to find another gate that can be painted and will take my factory camera.

So here's my question to you all. Does anyone know of a replacement tail gate that can be painted and accepts the factory camera?

Thanks,

Jim
  • Carb_Cleaner's avatar
    Carb_Cleaner
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2015
    Find another paint shop.
    Basically, powder coat is an extremely durable, heat-set plastic that's "sprayed" onto the substrate while the powder has a positive charge and the substrate has a negative charge (attracting the powder to the surface). Scuff it, prime it and paint it. However, not all powder coat jobs are equal. If the surface wasn't prepped proper, the powder was heavily piled on or the oven temp/duration was incorrect, adhesion may be compromised (that may be why your guy shied away from the job). A local powder coat shop can re-coat the piece, in just about any color, after they've stripped the piece (acid dip tank), hit it with a media blaster (giving it "tooth") and cleaned the surface with alcohol (a final cleaning and static neutralizer). Ask about a powder coater's prep. If they stumble with words, find another. Powder coat has been around for decades and an experienced metal finisher shouldn't have a problem explaining their process. I would expect a piece the size of a 5'er tailgate to run about 200-250 skins, for a quality job with a warranty. I'm guessing about the fee schedule, based on custom motorcycle parts. The guy I know, who's quality is top-shelve and reliable, is backed up for two months. At least, he's honest about having to wait, rather than blow smoke.
  • JohnG3's avatar
    JohnG3
    Explorer II
    Feb 20, 2015
    Why would you want a camera in a tailgate you can see through?
  • W4RLR's avatar
    W4RLR
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2015
    JohnG3 wrote:
    Why would you want a camera in a tailgate you can see through?
    In my case, when towing the fiver the backup camera on the rear of the truck gives me a great view of all four tires on the fiver when traveling. I can switch to the camera mounted on the rear of the fiver to get the view from there.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Feb 20, 2015
    JohnG3 wrote:
    Why would you want a camera in a tailgate you can see through?


    I always park my F350 in the garage. I have a total of 3 inches of play between my garage wall, and the garage door. In order to park, I have to back in. Using the back up camera allows me to see the rear bumper and the wall so I can get within 1/2 inch of the wall without having to get out of the truck or have someone guide me back. Being able to see through the gate wouldn't allow me to get that accurate.

    The second reason is that it has a very wide field of view. I can be in a parking place with my vision blocked through the driver's and passenger's window, and still be able to see if any traffic is coming from either direction before I start to back up. You never want to fully depend on one, but they are a great tool to supplement your eyesight.
  • Carb_Cleaner's avatar
    Carb_Cleaner
    Explorer
    Feb 21, 2015
    Having Aluminum re-powdered really isn't a big deal. How much would it cost to have it painted? Is it a fancy paint scheme? You might be surprised at the colors, effects and textures available with powder coat. You might find a few phone calls worth your time. There's no less than half a dozen shops in most metropolitan areas. If you're willing to potentially compromise on quality while saving a few bucks, fledgling powder coaters can be found on the local Craigslist.
    Another option is to rough-it-up with a Scotch Brite pad, then prime and paint it with rattle cans from Home Depot. If that turns out to be a bust, it can still be re-powdered. It seems the main thing, finding a suitably constructed/configured tailgate, is the difficult part.
    If you truly want it painted, a reputable paint shop should have access to metal strippers. Have it stripped and paint as usual. It's only Aluminum, not a kidney.
  • JohnG3's avatar
    JohnG3
    Explorer II
    Feb 21, 2015
    Carb Cleaner wrote:
    Having Aluminum re-powdered really isn't a big deal. How much would it cost to have it painted? Is it a fancy paint scheme? You might be surprised at the colors, effects and textures available with powder coat. You might find a few phone calls worth your time. There's no less than half a dozen shops in most metropolitan areas. If you're willing to potentially compromise on quality while saving a few bucks, fledgling powder coaters can be found on the local Craigslist.
    Another option is to rough-it-up with a Scotch Brite pad, then prime and paint it with rattle cans from Home Depot. If that turns out to be a bust, it can still be re-powdered. It seems the main thing, finding a suitably constructed/configured tailgate, is the difficult part.
    If you truly want it painted, a reputable paint shop should have access to metal strippers. Have it stripped and paint as usual. It's only Aluminum, not a kidney.


    I had the rear cap (about 5 by 7) on our old Titanium rebuilt out of aluminum (both inside and outside) and it was only about $300 to have it powder coated.

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