Fifth wheel tailgates

[John R]

I am looking at buying a tailgate to use with my fifth wheel. I am told that this will increase my gas milage. I have also told it won't. It looks like it would be easier to the load the fifth wheel with out dropping the tailgate.

[RdRmr]

John R,

The 5TH wheel style tailgate does make it easy to hitch and unhitch, have had one for years. On me previous truck as well. As for getting better milage, not enough to be noticable. What I like about it is you never have to deal with the tailgate. The one I have now is lockable. Happy Campin......

[FireMech]

I've been thinking about buying one too. What are some key features to look for in the tailgate? What are the cons to having this style tailgate?

[crash]

I would like to have one ,but I love my super dutys tail gate step to much too give it up,it makes it so much easier to get up in the back of the bed.just my 2 cents:D

[hankpage]

I've had a Stromberg Carlson tailgate on both of my last trucks. My last 5er you had to close the tailgate once the pin was past it or the gate would hit the trailer and the reverse when unhooking. http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1112 So the 5er gate was almost a necessity. Tailgate up, tailgate down or 5er gate has always been a fuel mileage debate. I personally don't think it makes much difference if any. (The guys at "Myth Busters" (http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/driving-tailgate-fuel-consumption.htm) Think gate up is better than gate down but did not test 5er gate or have a rolling brick drafting them.)
In short: I find it much easier to hook and unhook, visibility while solo is better and the gate is at least half the weight of the Dodge tailgate so I can carry more "stuff". JM2¢, Hank

[JeffS]

I ask my son about this a number of years ago, auto engineer, and he said that the stock, or solid, tailgate creates an air bubble that actually improves aerodynamics of the truck thus creating some minor mileage improvement. However, his opinion was that when the 5er is hooked up there would not be any mileage advantage.

At my advanced age I have come to learn that convenience has a substantial payback.