Tail gate

My camper overhangs about 18 inches and I've never had the tailgate on the truck. It won't support more than a couple hundred pounds without deforming, and the camper is designed to extend over the back of the bed.

Bottom line it's personal preference. If the weight of the tailgate significantly impacts your rig you got bigger problems. I leave the gate on my Dodge to help the unsupported length of the camper overhang. Also had no choice since the first trip with the camper was a move to Alaska and didn't feel like not having the tailgate for 2 years!
In short, it doesn't matter but I'd rather support the back of the camper

10" to 12" unsupported camper wasn't right to me so I left the tailgate on, got a longbed now though.

Well if you take off the tail gate where's the washin machine going to sit?
Sorry, couldn't help myself.......Just kiddin!
Try it both ways and see what you find out.
I think overall weight and center of gravity aft is going to be you're big issue. Much of that can probably be corrected with accessories. Best of luck and happy camping.

Leave the tailgate home.

i like mine left on.it makes for a good spot to put beer,spare flashlite, tp roll.all kinds of stuff.i made small doors that block it in,for a little private storage when i'm camped.i roll up my rv ground mats and store them there when i'm on the move.its like having an 8 ft. box.i don't see how you can damage it without being a really really bad driver.it would be cheaper to replace a dented tailgate than fixing a crushed camper anyway.they weigh next to nothing .

I took my tail gate off and it isn't been back on the truck - it's too much hassle to reinstall it.

This not a pop up one. No toilet in this one. Dry weight states 1378.

Looking at your other posts, i see you have a Sun Lite. Neighbor has Sun Lite pop up and doesn't use tailgate. Says she has no problems, but i have never seen her truck without the camper on it. I feel lucky that i have so many neighbors with truck campers and am located near at least 8 tc dealers. Lots of people to pester!

Since the camper is longer than the truck bed, removed the tailgate.
Having the tailgate down with a camper loaded, really serves no purpose other than to cause possibly damage to the outside of the tailgate from rocks that might get kicked up and hit it.