Tailgate too close?

[LegalEagle]

We've taken the new fiver out for a couple of weekends. And I'm preparing for a big west coast trip this summer. While I've have had a few problems, but nothing out of the ordinary in a new rv. One thing that concerns me, however, is the close proximity of the open tailgate to the rv when hitching up. There is no more than an inch clearance, and if I'm not perfectly straight with the tow vehicle, it's really too close for my comfort. It's not been a problem so far, but I always worry about that state or national park where I'm going to have to back in at an angle, and when I hook back up, ramming the fiver with the open tail gate. Has anyone else had this problem? And if you've got a replacement tailgate with the dip in the center, how do you like it and does it hurt or aid your fuel milage?

[norty1]

First thing I bought was a "V" type tailgate. I could never back up with it down even though I have a ft of clearance.

It had virtually no effect on fuel economy.

Another option is an extended hitch pin for your fifth wheel. I have both.

[NVGun40]

I had that issue with my 5er back when I had one. Norty1 gives good advice when it comes to a 'V' tailgate.
I got myself in the habit if getting the king pin just clear of the tailgate, then stepping out and making one final check and closing the tailgate before I actually made connection. This final check proved its worth more than once.

[jal0710]

We have had the "V" type tailgate since 1993 and haven't regretted it. No significant increase in gas mileage, but never have to put the gate down to hook up so don't have the proximity problem you have. I just figured it wasn't if I was going to damage the regular tailgate, but when. With the "V" gate, don't really have to worry, unless the FW comes unhooked, then all bets are off.

[Wrascal]

My tailgate, in the down position, was just an inch or two from the 5th. Once, when not parked exactly square, I dropped the tailgate and it hit the basement cover, slight damage but still functional.

I've since completely removed the tailgate and cut a 2X6 inch piece of wood to fit along the bottom edge. No more problems connecting AND reaching/loading stuff in the bed, even while hitched.

Works for me and I'll have a nice tailgate for the next owner of my TV.

[LegalEagle]

I wonder why it's so close on the new Jayco. My old fifth wheel was a Forest River and I had no issues with it being this close. I refer a smaller bedroom and more space for living that the Jayco has. Is that why there's so little clearance in these?

[norty1]

Could be the hitch pin is not an extended one. Could you post a pic of it?

[dmac]

I also went the "v" gate route, more comfortable feeling hooking up.

[Northern Wis.]

Originally Posted by NVGun40

I had that issue with my 5er back when I had one. Norty1 gives good advice when it comes to a 'V' tailgate.
I got myself in the habit if getting the king pin just clear of the tailgate, then stepping out and making one final check and closing the tailgate before I actually made connection. This final check proved its worth more than once.

I have just a couple of inches of clearence between the tailgate and my trailer as well. The quote above is how I deal with it.

[Flapper]

Originally Posted by NVGun40

I had that issue with my 5er back when I had one. Norty1 gives good advice when it comes to a 'V' tailgate.
I got myself in the habit if getting the king pin just clear of the tailgate, then stepping out and making one final check and closing the tailgate before I actually made connection. This final check proved its worth more than once.

I learned this the hard way. Second week of ownership and I punched a hole in the fiberglass of the fifth. Home repair was pretty easy. Finding matching paint was incredibly hard! Now it is the routine to drop the gate, back up just until I can close it, get out and close it, then continue backing.
Would get a V gate, but then there is my backup camera in the original gate that I could not get by without when not RV'ing, unless I replace it too, and the costs begin to climb....

[bigfoot]

I think the V tailgate was the best accessory I bought for the trailer. Highly recommended.

[TexasRT]

Just curious, would it be safe to say none of you are using a slider hitch? I had one on my other rig and with the hitch slid back I never had any issues with tailgate clearances. I'm referring to final manuvering for hooking up, not sharp turns with the tailgate down.

[norty1]

I don't but it is still a pain with or without a slider hitch cause you have to get out and in several times to make sure the tail gate is not destroyed or hits something.

[TexasRT]

Originally Posted by norty1

I don't but it is still a pain with or without a slider hitch cause you have to get out and in several times to make sure the tail gate is not destroyed or hits something.

I don't understand why. When I get ready to manuever into my spot, I get out once and unlock my hitch. I then slide the hitch back (with the tailgate up) and it locks into position, I back the unit into the spot and get it where I want it. I get out, drop my tailgate, raise the unit until it's off the hitch, unlock and pull my truck out and put my tailgate back up. Why would you try to manuever into the spot with the tailgate down? When hooking up I reverse the process. If you can't manuever around with the hitch slid back and the tailgate up, then something is not mounted in the right spot.
Did I miss something or misunderstand the problem?

[Quahog]

...not to mention if you have the Man Step in your tailgate. Gosh, I would be hurting if I had to lose that going to the V gate.

[Wrascal]

My slider would provide additional clearance but I only use it for tight turns.
A v-gate (by itself) would ease the hook ups but not provide additional clearance to the camper (when open).

[norty1]

It's so much easier with the V tailgate. Do it how you like.

[UPCamper]

I only have about and inch or two clearance when it's open and have to be very straight as well. It's never been a problem. Just have your spouse open it once you unhitched and start pulling forward if you have to unhook while at an angle. Go slow and don't be afraid to spend and extra minute or two. Personally I wouldn't fuss with a special tailgate. I like my regular one.

[bigfoot]

It's interesting that this topic (V gate) raises as much controversy. There are lots of threads on other RV forums with very heated discussions. Almost as much as talking about tires.

FWIW, I don't have a slider...don't need one with an 8 ft bed. Some of the places I go the truck ends up at a pretty sharp angle to the trailer and the V gate makes it a lot easier to hook up. I don't have to mess with getting out & checking, closing a heavy tailgate (too heavy for my wife), etc. I install it at the beginning of the season and put the regular one back on at the end of the season. Takes about 10 mins each time. If I ever screw up and hit it with the pin it costs a helluva lot less to replace than the original tailgate. To me it's worth it. As always, YMMV...