Tailgate for a truck camper

[ThomasELee]

Do you have to remove the tailgate for a truck camper?

[BFL13]

Our 2003 Chev had that recall No idea how strong the stubs are they hook onto

Tail gate on and off every time to use the truck That tail gate is getting heavier as I get older

Even if the camper fits in, the tailgate can get in the way of the camper steps

The OP will find out if he can get the crank in to lower the spare tire OOPs ?

It only takes a few times to remember to swap the licence plate to the camper Before loading it onto the truck. 🙂

[mkirsch]

Grit dog wrote:
Yeah, I knew what you meant, but I don't buy the not able to haul weight thing. Although, I believe you qualified it as not "rated" to carry weight, which may be technically correct.

The tailgate itself can be built like a brick house, but it's still held up by two spindly cables, the subject of a pretty well known GM recall at one time. Funny it does not appear that GM or anyone else learned their lessons, because they still use spindly little cables to hold up the tailgate.

[Grit_dog]

s1214 wrote:

ThomasELee wrote:
Do you have to remove the tailgate for a truck camper?

If you are looking at 'truck tents', no. Most truck campers you do.

That dude was a 1 hit wonder. He gone.

[s1214]

ThomasELee wrote:
Do you have to remove the tailgate for a truck camper?

If you are looking at 'truck tents', no. Most truck campers you do.

[joerg68]

When I look at this picture:

https://www.hostcampers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/0020-3.jpg

it looks like the tailgate straps would be in the way when the tailgate is in place and open. I am also not sure if nothing under the rear of the camper extends below the truck bed level.

[Grit_dog]

^Depends whether it will work or not….
I’d remove it because you know that will work. And then re-assess once you have the truck and camper together.

[wjlapier]

I was just thinking of this yesterday. We are due to pick up our Host Everest this Thursday. Got me to wondering if the tailgate would be removed, or if it should be removed. When we get home the camper would come off the truck. Would I be putting the tailgate back on, ( and off ) each time we go camping and come home?

[Grit_dog]

deltabravo wrote:

Grit dog wrote:

I’ll have to call shenanigans on this.

There was a typo in my post. I fixed it.

Yep, I have seen bent tailgates from long term usage of hauling stuff that rests on the tailgate.

Yeah, I knew what you meant, but I don't buy the not able to haul weight thing. Although, I believe you qualified it as not "rated" to carry weight, which may be technically correct.

[deltabravo]

Grit dog wrote:

I’ll have to call shenanigans on this.

There was a typo in my post. I fixed it.

Yep, I have seen bent tailgates from long term usage of hauling stuff that rests on the tailgate.

[notsobigjoe]

burningman wrote:
The only REAL issue is the cables or straps that hold the gate when it’s open usually interfere with the camper because it widens out right behind the truck bed, and/or the camper has holding tanks below the rear overhang area, or a black tank dump port.

As for the notion that the gate will be damaged because it isn’t designed to support much weight, how much weight is really on it if you can remove the tailgate and carry the camper without it?!!

I agree, I don't think the weight would be a problem with it distributed across the truck bed. It's not like it's all sitting directly on the truck tailgate.

[Grit_dog]

specta wrote:

Grit dog wrote:


And to my point, newer trucks tailgates are significantly thicker, heavier and better built than the 70s-80s models of trucks.

Back in the 70s Ford used to advertise that their tailgates could support up to 2000 lbs.

I'd be willing to bet that the tailgate on my 1976 F-250 would support more weight than the tailgate on my 2011 Chevy.

Well, I don’t remember car adds from when I was in kindergarten, but have no doubt that “old” tailgates are also strong. I was replying to whoever said newer tailgates weren’t designed to carry loads.
Sure, the GM Swiss army tailgate and the ford models with the built in Grampa handrail may not work due to their complexity, but most of the rest of this conversation is meaningless speculation. Generally fueled by those who don’t know the difference between a tailgate and a split tail! Lol

[burningman]

The only REAL issue is the cables or straps that hold the gate when it’s open usually interfere with the camper because it widens out right behind the truck bed, and/or the camper has holding tanks below the rear overhang area, or a black tank dump port.

As for the notion that the gate will be damaged because it isn’t designed to support much weight, how much weight is really on it if you can remove the tailgate and carry the camper without it?!!

[specta]

Grit dog wrote:


And to my point, newer trucks tailgates are significantly thicker, heavier and better built than the 70s-80s models of trucks.

Back in the 70s Ford used to advertise that their tailgates could support up to 2000 lbs.

I'd be willing to bet that the tailgate on my 1976 F-250 would support more weight than the tailgate on my 2011 Chevy.

[Grit_dog]

stevenal wrote:
My camper doesn't extend down, but it does extend out. The tailgate cables would interfere. If your camper has taillights and your tailgate has cables, you'll need to remove the tailgate.

You forgot the word “maybe”. Do y’all not realize there are literally hundreds of different truck and camper combos and what works or doesn’t for you is not necessarily indicative of someone else’s setup?
I mean, the tailgate cable was in the way on mine, after it was t, because I built a genny compartment.
So should I recommend it won’t work to everyone?