Looking for 5th Tailgate
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Alabama
Looking for 5th Tailgate
Everyone makes them but I'm looking for user reviews and recommendations. What's important to me is it be strong enough for me to sit on; also economical (if that's possible). I don't think light-weight aluminum ones will stand up to my abuse.
Alternatives: just reasonable strong.
Anything? (2014 F250).
Alternatives: just reasonable strong.
Anything? (2014 F250).
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Home Base Nebraska
Looking for 5th Tailgate
This is what I'm using, it's the same one I used for 13 years on my 2000.
http://www.handyindustries.com/produ...ate-item-10483
Denny
http://www.handyindustries.com/produ...ate-item-10483
Denny
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
I picked up the most common Stromberg-Carlson made of plastic. Not expensive, but with a 100# weight limit on the gate itself, fits poorly, and has a weak latch. Basically junk and I would not recommend it, although it works fine for our use. Denny's choice is better, especially if you are going to keep it a while. I do like how much the fiver gate makes hitching and unhitching, but don't like it when I am using my truck to haul.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 49
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From: Aberdeen, NC
What's the benefit of having that style of tailgate? Ford got we for 375 for the step in my tailgate, not willing part ways with it just yet. The fuel saving can't be very much and with a 360 price tag they would need to really improve my mpg to pay for itself.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
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From: Bristol, TN.
Whether there is any savings at all with that style tailgate has long been debated and most likely, if there is any, it is very slight. It does make it faster to hitch as you do not have to worry about hitting the fiver when backing as with the standard gate down and coming in at an angle. Plus I do find the line of sight when hitching somewhat better.
Certainly not an essential.
Steve
Certainly not an essential.
Steve
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Posting Guru
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From: Alabama
Hitching up my 5th with a conventional tailgate requires me 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 I 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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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Bristol, TN.
I agree, it does make it easier, as you suggest.
I am not sure how many folks remember, but years and years ago Consumer's Report first did a piece on the mileage issue finding trucks did best with the tail gate raised rather than lowered. Then years after that Myth Busters covered the issue of mileage specifically on two shows. I recall in the first they found no improvement, but they got mail about trying it is particular way or at a particular speed and found a very small increase.
If someone remembers the details, they can hep me out here, but I found the mileage issue to be an interesting one.
In any event, it makes my life a bit easier so I am glad I bought the fiver tailgate, but wish I had got a heavier metal one as the plastic is limited to 100# on the gate so I can't stand on it.
Steve
I am not sure how many folks remember, but years and years ago Consumer's Report first did a piece on the mileage issue finding trucks did best with the tail gate raised rather than lowered. Then years after that Myth Busters covered the issue of mileage specifically on two shows. I recall in the first they found no improvement, but they got mail about trying it is particular way or at a particular speed and found a very small increase.
If someone remembers the details, they can hep me out here, but I found the mileage issue to be an interesting one.
In any event, it makes my life a bit easier so I am glad I bought the fiver tailgate, but wish I had got a heavier metal one as the plastic is limited to 100# on the gate so I can't stand on it.
Steve
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
If you can get a used one somewhere then I might go for it.
Been doing this for many years and never saw a need to change the gate while towing.
Yes you have to get out and lower the gate and put it back up.
Another factor now though is the tailgate that I have has the camera and step. That is one heavy tailgate now to be doing this switching.
Been doing this for many years and never saw a need to change the gate while towing.
Yes you have to get out and lower the gate and put it back up.
Another factor now though is the tailgate that I have has the camera and step. That is one heavy tailgate now to be doing this switching.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Home Base Nebraska
Looking for 5th Tailgate
This is my old tailgate with the backup camera move to it after destroying the original after the first trip. We been using cut down gates from the time we bought our first 5th wheel in 1987 and old habits are hard to break. It has a few battle scares but it's 15 years old.
Denny
Denny
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: TEXAS
Here is mine, it's the molded plastic model. It fits well, easy to take on or off. It's the OEM tailgate with the built in step and camera that does weigh a little bit much. But, I still remove and install the factory tailgate by myself. I do use a two wheel dolly to move it from the truck to the garage however.
If you notice at the bottom of the 5th wheel tailgate I did mount a camera that I can plug into the Ford factory harness for rearview use.
UPside is I don't have to open and close the tailgate when hooking up the RV.
Downside, not stout enough to take a seat on it or place a heavy load upon it.
Upside is that I purchased it from a great forum member locally who gave me a great price on it.
If you notice at the bottom of the 5th wheel tailgate I did mount a camera that I can plug into the Ford factory harness for rearview use.
UPside is I don't have to open and close the tailgate when hooking up the RV.
Downside, not stout enough to take a seat on it or place a heavy load upon it.
Upside is that I purchased it from a great forum member locally who gave me a great price on it.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Alabama
In my case whatever 5th tailgate I find/install it will be on there for the duration of this trucks expected life with me (10-12 years); that's why I want a durable one - and don't care about the weight.
Looks-wise I prefer the more angular one that RV has shown. But sturdy function (over looks) would win me over.
Looks-wise I prefer the more angular one that RV has shown. But sturdy function (over looks) would win me over.