5th Wheel Tailgate necessary?

[Goober]

Originally Posted by Goober

It’s only necessary if you want to give up significant fuel mileage

Here’s one example of why a RV tailgate is a bad idea.

https://removeandreplace.com/2015/07...te-up-or-down/

Doing this is worse than installing brush guard

[Rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Goober

It’s only necessary if you want to give up significant fuel mileage

Originally Posted by Goober

Here’s one example of why a RV tailgate is a bad idea.

https://removeandreplace.com/2015/07...te-up-or-down/

Doing this is worse than installing brush guard

Well that is with an empty bed! I see two BIG changes!


That big nose of a 5er creating turbulence in the bed. Many that run stock tailgates have stuff fly out of the bed.


Many also run bed covers, that also reduces fuel mileage, but negates the effect of the tailgate when not towing.

[03Roadking]

I do agree that there is a negative effect on aerodynamics at the back of a vehicle that reduces fuel economy. That's why you see some large tractor trailers with those "tails" to smooth the airflow at the rear of the trailer. That being said I would think its not a one shoe fits all when it comes to a pickup. Cab design and bed length, I would think would play a role in the air flow over the bed and tailgate. Either way I haven't found a significant difference with the tailgate up down or with a bed cover.

[friz]

Great post. Got me thinking. My 5th wheel has a goose adapter, 15" straight up from the ball. When the arm swings it clears the box sides. I have been removing the standard tailgate when towing. Now I realize it is not necessary and I don't feel obligated to buy a snappy, cool 5th wheel tailgate. The only issue I see is hooking up. Now it will be gate down until the adapter clears the gate onto the bed. Put the gate up and proceed to center the ball. Things/stuff flying out of the bed? Don't mean to sound flip but be a little more sensible in what you put in the bed. If it flies out I suggest it should not have been there in the first place.

[Goober]

Originally Posted by friz

Great post. Got me thinking. My 5th wheel has a goose adapter, 15" straight up from the ball. When the arm swings it clears the box sides. I have been removing the standard tailgate when towing. Now I realize it is not necessary and I don't feel obligated to buy a snappy, cool 5th wheel tailgate. The only issue I see is hooking up. Now it will be gate down until the adapter clears the gate onto the bed. Put the gate up and proceed to center the ball. Things/stuff flying out of the bed? Don't mean to sound flip but be a little more sensible in what you put in the bed. If it flies out I suggest it should not have been there in the first place.

Oh boy! Instead of provoking a new argument, I simply suggest that you contact the MFGR of your RV if the chassis is under warranty to see if you have coverage for chassis or structural problems when a gooseneck is used. It is well known that coverage for these setups in RVs is spotty at best. I am not an engineer and I do not understand the technical aspects of the problem but MFGRs say that a GN hitch puts stresses on the fifth wheel that it was not designed for.

Happy travels.