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.
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" 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
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Hank & Lynn
2007 Cougar 290RKS, E-Z Flex, 16" XPS RIBs ( SOLD
.. Gonna miss her ... looking for new 5r)
2004.5 Dodge 2500 QC, LB, 5.9HO, WestTach gauges, Ride-Rite