Vented Truck Tail Gates

[bdreinv]

Had a tech tell me for what that's worth, the benefits of vented tail gates. They ease the severe wind turbulent s on the front of the camper.Which can cause damage leaks ect.We always had one get a little better gas mileage.

[norty1]

I don't know about that, it's been cussed and discussed on many forums. I have one and it's for the convenience of backing into the hitch.

Anyone who does not have one is in for a lot more work. Many fivers w/o them have a few dents on the tailgate.

[bluie5]

An old Mythbusters episode they tested the tailgate down versus up in regards to fuel mileage and found no measurable difference. I could see where they would be convenient for hooking up a 5er but then you have to store the tailgate. For me it would be just an awkward pia to switch back and forth.

[Witt74]

I've waffled back and forth for years over getting a vented tailgate. Last trip, I managed to put a small scrape in the tailgate cause I didn't pull far enough ahead before lowering the front of the fiver. With the stock tailgate, I have to be almost straight backing in, back in far enough to close the tailgate, then hitch up. I have at the most 2 1/2 to 3 " of space between the open tailgate and the front of the fiver. Two things that have stopped me from changing tailgates, (1) I have a Bedrug in my truck that is one piece and covers the tailgate, and (2) where to store the tailgate where it does not get beat to pieces.

[norty1]

I put mine in the box the V gate came in. It's been in my garage attic for 10 years.

Theft deterrent: Put a stainless pipe strap around the slotted end of your tailgate hinge that opens to remove it. Tighten it down and it may deter anyone from stealing the tailgate.

[wabirch]

Models with locks on them available, be great if they could be keyed alike to the ignition / door.

[desert tom]

They are a cheaper replacement after you bash in the stock tailgate. Believe me.

[Witt74]

You guys have me rethinking the V gate. The Bedrug went in shorty after I got the truck in 06. It is getting time to replace it or go with something else. It has really held up well, except for where I had to do the cutouts for the hitch rails. Not supposed to cut the Bedrug. Any recommendations on a good V gate?

[MontyRV]

I have this one. It's a decent gate, and it locks. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...00?ie=UTF8&psc

[norty1]

Don’t get the plastic one. It will break if you step on it when down.
Mine is metal and very sturdy.

[ETCrockett]

I have considered getting a vented V tailgate, but I can't justify giving up the security of being able to lock the bed of the truck once I'm at my destination over the convenience of the 10 minutes it takes to hook-up and unhook from the FW. Plus there is the storage issue for the tailgate not being used and my Ford F450 has the step in the center of the solid tailgate. At my age, I'm not sure I could get into the bed of my truck without the step and grab handle. We need a compromise with the best of both options. We need a solid tailgate with a removable wedge that will allow easy hitching of FW's and provide some aerodynamics while towing, but also be able to lock the wedge in place for a solid tailgate when not being used for towing. Something like that I would strongly consider buying. Anyone know if such a tailgate exists?

[norty1]

Here it is. I did not know this was available. Where there is a demand, someone will fill it.

https://www.amazon.com/Advance-Manuf...ED9HBEST5Z4Y2B

[ETCrockett]

Thank you Norty1! I'm impressed you found it so fast and the price is not bad at all! I might have to put it on my after Christmas list!

[norty1]

If you have a V tailgate, make sure the insert will fit. There are many different ones. A quick inquiry will confirm it.

[Marine71-76]

Norty1, thanks for the link. Unfortunately it does not say which vehicle it will fit. Most do not fit the F450. And we have a locking top on our F450 so once we unhook, we close it up.