V-notch tailgate

[R.ebel]

Just purchased a 29' fiver Now I'm looking for one of those V-notch type tailgates. I know its only a matter of time before I forget to lower the factory gate What brands are you guys using and where is the best price? TIA

 

[Rd.Runnr]

v-notched tailgate

I bought mine at Pickup Heaven in Austin, Tx. You should look at ads in Trailer Life, info from your r. v. dealer & at Camping World. A friend bought there. His is plastic; but it looks like steel. Hope this helps.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have a metal one bought from Camping World. I like it but I still messed it up. Did not raise the 5er high enough and pin caught it anyway. No mater what you do still got to be careful!!!!:{

 

[KMeek]

There are only two types of original tailgates on trucks pulling 5th wheels. Those with dents and those that are going to get dents!

 

[NVR FNSH]

I have the StrombergCarlson version from Camping World. It's an aluminum frame with a plastic molded louver panel. It only weighs about 25lbs so it's very easy to install/remove. I just put it on when I'm going to tow the trailer. Otherwise it sits underneath the overhang out of the weather. I wouldn't get a steel version after having/using this one. You can get them on sale at CW for ~$175.



Brian

 

[TPCDrafting]

Richard, Congrats on the new trailer. You have seen my factory tailgate with a custom v-notch in it if your interested let me know. . Tim

 

[BigMike]

I've been pulling 5ers for 4 years. I've made lots of mistakes, luckily none serious, but I have yet to come close to forgetting to drop my tailgate. When unhitching my 5er, I can't see whether I've cleared the top plate on the hitch unless my tailgate is down. I can't see the kingpin to back onto it unless the tailgate is down. Can't understand how anyone could make the mistake of leaving their tailgate up. Assume it happens cuz I sure read about it alot. I've keep my fingers crossed.

 

[Shooter]

J-MAC. Mfg by Husky http://www.huskyliners.com/infolist.html



It will support 2 460 short blocks and not fold up. . er colapse.

 

[Bob Cochran]

BigMike maybe it is age you suppose???? I think it almost always happens when unhitching at least for me. Raise pin off hitch and try pulling away, one slightly bent (not bad luckily) OEM tailgate. Second time with V-notch tailgate so I would not do what I did above again. Thought pin high enough to clear bottom of v-notch and was not by about maybe 1/4 inch. :--) Dang did it again!!!!:{ Maybe only way not to goof up is no tailgate for me but that looks UGLY!!!!



Anyway if you have not, some claim to never have, it is awesome. Oo. Feel good for yourself you deserve it. Oh, by the way let us know after you do catch the tailgate?

 

[Okie-Go]

A friend of mine that owns a buisness gave me one for doing some hauling for him. He even sprayed with with the bedliner stuff. I don't leave it on all the time just long 5er trips.

 

[BigMike]

Not to prolong the argument, but it seems to me that the V notch tailgate would make it more likely you would ding it than a full tailgate. It is easy to misjudge the height of your kingpin when disconnecting and if it isn't high enough, you are going to hit the tailgate when pulling off the hitch. As I said earlier, I can't see where my kingpin is unless I have the tailgate down. Once it clears the top plate I just pull off and then close my tailgate. Same procedure in reverse when hooking up.



Now it's just my luck after talking about this that I'll make a mistake next weekend when I take my 5er out. If I do, I promise I will tell everybody.

 

[Bob Cochran]

BigMike ~ you must be right cause I sure hit mine already!!! It was repairable THIS TIME so things are okay. Oo.