"Flow Thru" tailgates, Any good ????

[Big Puppy]

"Flow Thru" tailgates, Any good ???? when towing 5er ???



Picking up new Kountry Star on the 30th, would appreciate any comments on tail gates.





Thanks Jim

 

[Steve Campbell]

IMO,The smaller frontal area of the tailgate the better, aerodynamic-wise. The dip in the center is very handy so that you don't have to open and close your endgate all the time hooking up. Living on a "ranch", I made my 5er endgate just large enough to keep things from sliding out of the back. The dogs like it because it is so easy to get in. The problem with a "big" dip in the center is that things tend to get blown out of the back of the pickup at speed because of all of the air flow going through it( like a suit case of mine one time).

 

[Ram4Sam]

BP, I have had them on my last couple of trucks and they are nice to have. Aside from all the claims of more mpg and better air flow , they are nice to have. Not having to get out to lower and raise the tailgate during hitching up is worth it to me.



But, by far the greatest thing about them is that you don't have to worry about unhitching the 5er and driving off without lowering the tailgate, thus creating a u shaped tailgate. Been there, done that. Also, if you ever forget to lower your stock tailgate and bend the crap out of it, rest assured that it will happen in front of your friends and you will hear about it from them for years.



Sam

 

[BCFAST]

Sorry, they are a bad idea. Do a search on aerodynamics... there was a thread on this around the first of the year. Running without a tailgate is actually worse than running with the gate up! I wouldnt have believed it had I not seen the wind tunnel photos attached to that thread!

 

[Barry]

There are two types of RVers. The ones that have jerked the tailgates off there trucks because they forgot to lower them and those that are going to sooner or later... ... .....

 

[merryman]

Barry;

There are THREE types of fiver pullers;

Those who have

those who soon will, and

those who lie about having pulled their tail gate off :>).



I doubt they have any value other than protecting your original tail gate and allowing hitching and unhitching with out getting in and out of the cab----unless like cambell , you want to be nice to your dog.

It is interesting the things that can blow out of a pick up bed with a fiver hooked on. Returning from Az. last winter, I lost a plastic milk case (to deliver four one gallon milk jugs) that was full of short 2 X 6 blocks. Sure hope no one was close behind when that went out.



Vaughn

 

[klenger]

BCFAST:



Who cares about the aerodynamics of a 5th wheel tailgate when you are towing a 12 foot high 10,000 lb 5er? It seems that the convienence is the issue.

 

[Millfly]

I read an article a few years back that stated the "big three" had all tested their pick-ups with "flow through" type tailgates and found there to be no increase in fuel mileage. It further stated the trucks had been designed for the air to pass over the tailgate. Don't remember the source of this article - only the shock as I read it. Previously I believed the claims of the aftermarket gate makers.

 

[Okie-Go]

I like mine a bunch. Convenient, looks good and don't have to raise or lower. Plus I got it for a gift.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

With standard tailgate turbulence plenty underneath the 5th wheel trailer. With louvered tailgate - smooth air.



With standard tailgate, I have launched cans, lumber, brooms, and grill covers out the back. With louvered tailgate, launched nothing. Just carried two empty 5 gallon gas cans, shoes, etc. last week at 70mph without disturbing them while pulling 5th wheel.



Also, louvered tailgate will move air underneath the trailer. I had a transfer case leak that coated the unerneath of truck and trailer but did not get any ATF on front of trailer. Had some ATF on back of trailer though.



Wouldn't pull without it!



When empty, there is a noticeable "swhoosh" of air traveling through the tailgate. Wonder what that does to the wind tunnel tests?

 

[Ron Bissett]

Ever try to carry a gas bottle with a standared gate or reach in to pull the plug . And like Barry said sooner or later it will happen . Most folks that tow know that wind tunnel is BS as they did not have a trailer or fifth wheel hooked up . I think they want the gate on to show there logo . It pays to advertise /////. Ron in Louisville KY

 

[R.E. Miller]

I've got a low budget model that is black and has the screen. I don't have a fifther, so I didn't get the dip. I like it, don't feel guilty using it, and just POR-15 the thing when it starts looking ugly.

 

[Shooter]

Befor I put mine on the wind would pick up my bed mat and knot it up and beat the dickins out of the bed, would also beat the plug out of the recepical. Now the bed mat stays put and the plug stays pluged in. While not towing and hauling f/b with cargo in bed I lay tarp over goodies and put cargo net on for good measure. The tarp sucks down over cargo and does not flap or blow around, kind of like a vaccuum pack.



Just my observations with no claim of fuel mileage, just convience and better protected bed and cargo from wind damage.

 

[Fuzz]

Darn!!

Guess I'll haveta' get one. Been pulling a 5er since 1979 no problems... but(your right Barry)I pulled out the other day and bent the tailgate. Still latches but not too tight.



I fought the flo-thru account I liked all the lites on the dually tailgate. . and I have a roll n' lock cover. Think I can still make cover work.

Just a FWIW

Fuzz

 

[Turbo Thom]

I just bought the wife a 98 2500 with a louvered tail gate. The day after she got it hame,it happened. An old fool drove into the back of her. The tail gate was a little bent but I straightened it out but the repair depot still added one to the bill. She got a new one with the handle in the middle. My truck being old, I think the wrecked one will go on my truck. After driving her truck it is hard to believe how much air will flow through the rear. Pulling my fiver I did send a 5 gal. plastic fuel can over the top of the camper. Turbulence is awsome in the bed. The tail gate does smooth it down.



Fuel milage , I don't know yet.



Preston