Vented tailgate ?

[magothy1]

I'm thinking of trying one of those open/slotted tailgate rigs, saw a couple in an RV catalog that are for 5th wheel rigs, anyone bought one lately ?

I'd like to have one full height across, but that notched style would work for me, too. Anyone shopped for one of these lately ? I tried a search but didn't see anything.

Thanks- Steve

 

[Delrayz]

Trawler,

The slotted gate works great for a 5th wheel to let the air flow but it won't help fuel mileage running one just for that purpose. trucks have been designed to create and air bubble swirling in bed to push air over tailgate, you can actually lose fuel mileage driving with not tail gate or it down. .

 

[tempforce]

i had a slotted tailgate like you are looking for.

no dip.

i had it painted to match the truck.

i thought that it looked great.

looking through the slots made backing and hooking up a trailer easy.

as i could see the ball while backing.

it did not help mileage.

cc

 

[steved]

A couple guys have found by adding the "wing" found on the 1500 Rams, that they see a slight increase in mileage... I remember they reported about a 0. 5mpg increase. The air rushes over the gate and smashes into the bumper, this little wing supposedly prevents that.

I've tried up and down, never really saw any benefit either way.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I have this one. I bought it about 6 years ago and it has held up great.

tailgate

 

[tempforce]

i tried the air tabs on my truck, with a small improvement. when they give out, from age... i'm going to find and install a factory tailgate wing.

 

[magothy1]

Thanks very much, guys, I guess I won't be looking too hard. Love that quote- Where is that restaurant I keep smelling

 

[JJPage]

I have a brand new slotted tailgate w/notch. It is plastic, purchased at camping world, had it on my truck once, still in the original box.



I didn't like not being able to lock my tailgate with the 5vr unhooked, pm me with an offer?

 

[GOTSOOT]

University of pennsylvania did a test a few yrs ago,and concluded that tailgate down or none at all, did NOT help,and actually lost mpg`s

 

[MLee]

University of pennsylvania did a test a few yrs ago,and concluded that tailgate down or none at all, did NOT help,and actually lost mpg`s

These test were under ideal conditions, and did not have the 5'ver attached. These slotted gates also help to prevent losing stuff out of the bed like with a closed tail gate does, this creates a vaccum and lifts stuff out and litters the hiways.

Believe it or not,,,,There is enough lift back there I seen an hard wood pallet turn up-side down. I thought that I was going to be wearing it.

 

[steved]

I definitely see a mileage increase while towing my 5vr with no gate at all... there is a lot of air getting pushed into the bed, and no where for it to escape when the gate is closed.

 

[SOLER]

Husky Liner Aluminum 5th Wheel Tailgates



If I ever get a fifth wheel again, this is the gate I'm getting, not necessarily from this vendor.



SOLER