Looking for 5th Tailgate
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Joined: May 2015
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I just installed a Husky fifth wheel gate with camera relocation bracket on my 350. I love it. For some reason on the 250 short bed I had last season, I could put the gate down and hitch up completely, then close gate. With new hitch in a long bed I could not. It sure speeds up hitching and leaves that oh ***** I forgot my gate disaster out of the equation.
Pleased with fit and finish, not sure you could sit on it though, I think capacity is 200lbs. I also hated that I was giving up my factory step, but I have found with the new gate it is even easier to get in the bed, stepping through the v notch n the gate.
Heavy Duty Aluminum 5th Wheel Tailgates for Trucks | Husky Liners
Pleased with fit and finish, not sure you could sit on it though, I think capacity is 200lbs. I also hated that I was giving up my factory step, but I have found with the new gate it is even easier to get in the bed, stepping through the v notch n the gate.
Heavy Duty Aluminum 5th Wheel Tailgates for Trucks | Husky Liners
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
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From: Alabama
Good news, bad news
Well I found what I was looking for, but it was sold before I could purchase it. This tailgate ($250) was posted on Craigslist, about 200 miles away, and was everything I wanted. But it got me to thinking (ouch), maybe my welder could fabricate one for me.
So I took a trip over there with this photo. Grins. He says he can build something similar/stronger (my choice) for about $250. Completed project is expected within a week. Then off for a powder coat.
Now I'm looking for the three lights - any suggestions?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
Well I found what I was looking for, but it was sold before I could purchase it. This tailgate ($250) was posted on Craigslist, about 200 miles away, and was everything I wanted. But it got me to thinking (ouch), maybe my welder could fabricate one for me.
So I took a trip over there with this photo. Grins. He says he can build something similar/stronger (my choice) for about $250. Completed project is expected within a week. Then off for a powder coat.
Now I'm looking for the three lights - any suggestions?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Alabama
I'm finicky (again I want industrial strength lamps), especially for the abuse it'll suffer over the years. I also prefer regular bulbs (over LEDs) in this vibrating down the road piece. But I think I'll wait until after its fabricated, just so I can see the physical clearances it'll need when opened. If I don't find what I like then I'll just use reflective tape - and keep looking.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
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From: Media PA
I'm finicky (again I want industrial strength lamps), especially for the abuse it'll suffer over the years. I also prefer regular bulbs (over LEDs) in this vibrating down the road piece. But I think I'll wait until after its fabricated, just so I can see the physical clearances it'll need when opened. If I don't find what I like then I'll just use reflective tape - and keep looking.
For the vibration issue alone, LEDs are a better choice than standard bulbs with their delicate filaments.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Middle Tn.
Hitching up a 5th with a conventional tailgate requires one to get out, open the tailgate, back up until the pin is clear the gate, then get out again to close the gate. To unhitch you need to reverse this procedure.
Then in my case I oftentimes do not unhitch the truck/5th while camping for only a day or two. With a conventional tailgate I can't stand between the two and reach over the gate to access items. If I lower the tailgate for access then typically I can't fit between the two (the gate blocks access between them).
My previous tow vehicle was an old beater and I simply jettisoned the tailgate. I plan on having this new tow buggy for quite awhile so figured I'd do it correctly this time.
In my case it's not a MPG concern nor a fashion statement.
Then in my case I oftentimes do not unhitch the truck/5th while camping for only a day or two. With a conventional tailgate I can't stand between the two and reach over the gate to access items. If I lower the tailgate for access then typically I can't fit between the two (the gate blocks access between them).
My previous tow vehicle was an old beater and I simply jettisoned the tailgate. I plan on having this new tow buggy for quite awhile so figured I'd do it correctly this time.
In my case it's not a MPG concern nor a fashion statement.
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Posting Guru
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From: Alabama
This may differ with my new tow vehicle (long bed).
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Posting Guru
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From: Alabama
Call me old fashioned but I don't care for the looks of the light coming out of LED lamps; and old fashioned filament bulbs typically last many years.
With that said I ordered pair of a 17" long LED lamps (PAIR, so when one fails I've got a backup). Mostly for expediency but also I wasn't finding brake lights in a slim design.
My choice:
I will wire them for strickly brake use. I also picked up a pair of tailgate cables so as to not need to rob them from the OEM gate. This also makes it easier to return the truck to stock when necessary.
With that said I ordered pair of a 17" long LED lamps (PAIR, so when one fails I've got a backup). Mostly for expediency but also I wasn't finding brake lights in a slim design.
My choice:
I will wire them for strickly brake use. I also picked up a pair of tailgate cables so as to not need to rob them from the OEM gate. This also makes it easier to return the truck to stock when necessary.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I can lower my tailgate. hook up to the 5er and then lift the gate back up.
You should be able to leave the gate lowered while hitching up.
You should not have to lift the gate for the final hitching up.
You should be able to leave the gate lowered while hitching up.
You should not have to lift the gate for the final hitching up.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Alabama
You should not have to lift the gate for the final hitching up.
WITH MY OLD TRUCK ... As long as I was in near perfect alignment I could do that, but I found out (once) the hard way ... my lowered tailgate punched a small hole directly into one of the locks due to not being square to it. I'm really hoping this long bed resolves several issues.
WITH MY OLD TRUCK ... As long as I was in near perfect alignment I could do that, but I found out (once) the hard way ... my lowered tailgate punched a small hole directly into one of the locks due to not being square to it. I'm really hoping this long bed resolves several issues.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
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From: Upstate NY
I pried my wallet open for an Advance Manufacturing Custom Flow 5er tailgate after an encounter with the king pin on my '06 truck. The current '11 truck, purchased used also seems to have a suspicious dent. With the last 5er, it was a challenge to latch up as it was really tight so you did a few in and outs from the cab just to sure. With the new 5er, lots of room but it sure is a bunch easier along with being a step or several less while hooking up. I also got their 'V' insert so I could use the tonneau when not hauling. As far as weight capacity - they warn against standing on it but my guess is that's really a CYA statement since mine successfully handles my 200+ pounds on a regular basis. As far as fuel mileage - that's not a concern with an 8400 pound, $50K+ truck.
Truck Accessories Calgary | Fifth Wheel Tailgates | Advance Manufacturing
The Stromberg plastic tailgates - I've seen a couple with chunks missing and why I went with a steel version but they will do the job within their design limits. The Husky tailgates were just too expensive for my needs but they do seem well made.
Truck Accessories Calgary | Fifth Wheel Tailgates | Advance Manufacturing
The Stromberg plastic tailgates - I've seen a couple with chunks missing and why I went with a steel version but they will do the job within their design limits. The Husky tailgates were just too expensive for my needs but they do seem well made.