Towing 5r without the tailgate?

[zs325RES]

I did a search and did not find any discussion regarding leaving the TV tailgate home when towing.
This makes sense to me for two reasons - weight & convenience when hitching, plus it's very easy to remove and install when needed.
There's much discussion about possible increased fuel mileage due to reduced drag, which is not a factor as far as I can see.
I'm interested in hearing what others think about this.

[ependydad]

I think this is as much as personal preference as anything. We have a roll-top Retrax Pro cover. Once we get to where we're going, we use the truck bed like a car trunk. Not having the tailgate would be a detriment to that.

As well, we keep our sewer tubes back there right now while towing. The tail gate helps keep them in place.

Finally, I'm back and forth from the truck cab to the camper/pin a couple of times anyway. I haven't ever found that the tailgate was a problem.

Now, at home when we park on the street and make it look like the camper is hitched (to skirt the county laws here), it's a hassle and a V-gate would be nice. Problem is, I really like my backup camera in the tailgate.

[TURBS]

If you leave anything in your pickup bed while towing a 5th wheel that doesn't have any weight to it will disappear out the back.

My son unbeknownst to me stowed his open duffle bag in the bed once.
It was half empty 10 miles away when I seen a shoe exit stage right.

I purchased an open v tailgate and the sucktion has been all but eliminated.


Turbs

[jevanb]

In the winter I have a Camper shell, summer bed cover, if for some reason the bed is exposed I see a mileage drop no idea if running with the tailgate removed would help while towing, but not towing their is a diff. But I like my stuff covered and out of prying eyes

[Dave_Monica]

As far as improvement in fuel mileage I wouldn't expect there to be any change. I used to have a 65 mile round trip to work driving a 1/2 ton and added a tonneau cover, which to me is the same as removing the tailgate and seen only a 0.5 mpg improvement in fuel mileage. You'll see better improvement in mileage by slowing down 5 mph.

Dave

[SaskCampers]

Myth Busters busted the removing the tailgate myth along time ago.

[EdJunior]

Totally a personal preference. Period. As was mentioned above, I also have a bed cover that folds up when towing, and I fold it back down when I unhook so I can use the bed as a trunk. Therefore, I need my tailgate.

[DnD]

Originally Posted by ependydad

......

Now, at home when we park on the street and make it look like the camper is hitched (to skirt the county laws here), it's a hassle and a V-gate would be nice. Problem is, I really like my backup camera in the tailgate.

I am the same way... While the backup camera doesn't help hitching it's a huge help when in parking lots.

I am hoping to get the best of both worlds. The new 2013 Ram 3500s have a v-notch tailgate that should be usable in my 2012. It also had the integrated backup camera. I am guessing it'll be expensive but worth it for me as this will probably be my last TV.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by DnD

I am the same way... While the backup camera doesn't help hitching it's a huge help when in parking lots.

I am hoping to get the best of both worlds. The new 2013 Ram 3500s have a v-notch tailgate that should be usable in my 2012. It also had the integrated backup camera. I am guessing it'll be expensive but worth it for me as this will probably be my last TV.

It all comes down to how expensive, "expensive" is... I thought I read online that factory replacement tailgates were something like $3k.

[Oaklevel]

So far just leave my tailgate on (6 years with fifth wheels) ..... As has been mentioned before personal opinion mostly but with no tailgate would be a good idea not to carry anything unsecured in the bed.

[DnD]

Originally Posted by ependydad

It all comes down to how expensive, "expensive" is... I thought I read online that factory replacement tailgates were something like $3k.

Hard to say but I figured somewhere between $2 - $3k. Prolly worth it in the long run for me. They aren't in production yet so it'll be a few months before I need to decide.

[garbonz]

I use a louvered v notch with a tonneau cover and put valuable stuff up in front of the tailgate. Easy and reasonably secure. I also lock everything together as a deterrent.