Tailgate position while towing?

[Peggy C]

Should the tailgate be off, down, or open when towing 2012 36RL?

Peggy N Richard

[coloradolivin]

Originally Posted by Peggy C

Should the tailgate be off, down, or open when towing 2012 36RL?

Peggy N Richard

Peggy, what are you towing now ??

[danrn]

Originally Posted by Peggy C

Should the tailgate be off, down, or open when towing 2012 36RL?

Peggy N Richard

I am still a little new to 5th wheeling, but your tail gate should be down when you hitch up your 5th wheel (in some cases you will need to raise it while hitching up to prevent hitting the 5th wheel with the tail gate). Then while towing your 5th wheel your tail gate needs to be closed.

[Blenhardt]

The tailgate should be closed when towing. Even when in a campground and parking you need to be careful because if down the corner of the tailgate can hit the fiver.

[Peggy C]

Towing a 2012 36 RL. Does anyone take their tailgate off? If so why?

[mhs4771]

Many of us carry additional things in the Bed of the TV and need the Tailgate to keep them inside. So opt for a V-Gate, which allows you to hitch and unhitch without dropping it, but if you have some type of toneau cover stuff won't be secure with a V-Gate.

[0nTheRoad]

Some take their tailgate off altogether, some replace it with one that is basically tubing with the center portion cut lower so they can keep it closed while hooking up but most people keep their stock tailgate and just lower it when hooking up or unhooking.

[atom ant]

By keeping the tailgate on, the area in front of the tailgate is great for stowing equipment. We keep two coolers there.

[almcc]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Many of us carry additional things in the Bed of the TV and need the Tailgate to keep them inside. So opt for a V-Gate, which allows you to hitch and unhitch without dropping it, but if you have some type of toneau cover stuff won't be secure with a V-Gate.

This "V" tailgate can be bought with a filler that secures the bed contents. It's by Advance mfg and can be bought through Amazon.

[johnboytoo]

The one I used temporarily had that v that could be put on or off quickly...

I just didn't think the flow thru gate looked as good as the Platinum OEM
especially since our truck does more non towing duty than towing

[mhs4771]

Al, thanks for that post. Knew I had seen such a V-Gate, but didn't know the MFR.

[Blenhardt]

Here is one I made for our tow vehicle.

[johnboytoo]

WOW - nice job !!!!

That link scared me to death those - got shaky popups and ads all over the place --- stayed there just long enough to see and got outta there

[travelin' texans]

That looks great! Did you relocate the handle inside? If I could do something like that I could keep the backup camera & still have 5th wheel tailgate.

[Blenhardt]

Sorry about the link. I don't know how to post photos. Could use a lesson if you have time.


Danny, I did relocate the latch to the inside. I have a photo if you want to see it. PM me and I will email you the photo.

[johnboytoo]

No problem - glad to assist...
when replying click the Go Advanced button,
Manage Attachments,
Browse to find the pic you want to attach,
upload,
close,
finish your thread post,
and wallah

[Blenhardt]

Thanks for the lesson. Should look more pleasing now.

[johnboytoo]

Yes ! That's pretty unique - can't say I've ever seenthat done before !

Now you can teach me how to do that good bodywork !
Just kidding... I hate you talented people - you cost me so much money because I have to buy it, I can't make it

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Blenhardt

Here is one I made for our tow vehicle.

That is awesome! I bet you get a lot of second looks and questions on that!

[lwg]

I honestly have never seen the value to the V-tailgates. Its so easy to lower and raise them accordingly. When backing up if it's not down and you don't see it you might have bigger issues (as in visibility).