Metal tailgates
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Metal tailgates
I always see ford trucks like mine with those metal tailgates with the slots on it and the drop in the middle. I used the search and it showed one thread about 5th wheel tailgates? is that what it is? I dont pull a fifth wheel but i think the tailgate looks cool and my cousin told me you get better gas mileage..anyways theres a couple truck stores around here and i figured i would get one..about how much are they? 300-400? and can you trade in your original tailgate or what should i do with it?
here is my truck: 05 F250, i think it would look good
here is my truck: 05 F250, i think it would look good
Last edited by BrettKK; Jan 6, 2008 at 10:46 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Fingerville SC
well it's to facilitate the use of a fifth wheel trailer. and as far as helping mpg's, i wouldn't think so. motortrend did a test a few years back and proved that on newer trucks, "the tailgate down/removed" doesn't NOT help increase mpg's. only one way to find out though is test it yourself. as far as your old/stock tailgate, i don't see anyone taking it, and i'd keep it incase you ever need it, or you go to trade it in.
just my two cents,
Marine
just my two cents,
Marine
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 227
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From: St. Clair, MO
I got mine on a bit of luck. When I bought my truck it didn't have a tailgate. I'd looked into getting an OEM one, but without even getting it painted I was looking at nearly $700. I was at the shop one day and a guy from the body shop came over and asked if I would be interested in a drop gate (the kind you're talking about). He said he'd just sold his truck which was the same as mine and had kept the gate (which he'd color matched the same red color). He offered it to me for $150, but I only had $100 buck on me so he took it and even helped me mount it. Mine is metal, slotted and has the 5th wheel drop. It also opens just like a normal tailgate. If you get one keep your OEM one, it's worth several hundred especially if it's in good shape... just check ebay.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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I have both stock and metal 5thwheel tail gates.
As far as 5th wheel tail gates go, Yes it does make hitching to a 5th wheel easier, and it disrupts the air turbulence inside the bed, so loose items don't move around much or fly out of the bed, while towing. NO, it does not help with mileage. The 5th wheel tailgate is not nearly as strong (load bearing) as your stock tail gate.
I find I get better mileage (.4-.6mpg) with my rollup tonneau cover + stock tailgate when not towing. The cover also hides items when not towing.
My 5th wheel tail gate currently resides in the loft of my shop. I currently doubt I will use the 5th wheel tailgate in the forseeable future.
Good luck
As far as 5th wheel tail gates go, Yes it does make hitching to a 5th wheel easier, and it disrupts the air turbulence inside the bed, so loose items don't move around much or fly out of the bed, while towing. NO, it does not help with mileage. The 5th wheel tailgate is not nearly as strong (load bearing) as your stock tail gate.
I find I get better mileage (.4-.6mpg) with my rollup tonneau cover + stock tailgate when not towing. The cover also hides items when not towing.
My 5th wheel tail gate currently resides in the loft of my shop. I currently doubt I will use the 5th wheel tailgate in the forseeable future.
Good luck
