Tailgate removal

Spur · 06-08-2016, 08:48 AM

So I'm going to pick up my first TT tomorrow and I'm guessing my tailgate is not going to clear the electric jack. I crate my lab in the bed when camping so on longer trips I have to be able to get him in and out of the truck while hitched. Any reason why I couldn't just remove the tailgate and put up a cargo net? I have a BedRug so nothing slides around back there and his crate it tied down. Buying a 5th wheel tailgate doesn't seem necessary. What say you? Thanks!

**JFlightRisk** · 06-08-2016, 08:58 AM

The tail gate on our Tundra does clear our electric jack, but you may have one that's longer when down, or the jack head is shaped differently. No reason you can't take it off, other than weather.

DocBrown · 06-08-2016, 09:33 AM

The cargo net should work fine. Another option is to get a shank the extends a little farther out. I can open my tailgate because of the length of the shank. The cargo net is probably a far cheaper solution though!

Spur · 06-08-2016, 09:55 AM

I also read a few people claiming that the tailgate offers some structural support to the truck and that towing without the tailgate could put undo stress on the truck. I find this difficult to believe.

clubhouse · 06-08-2016, 11:19 AM

My tailgate on my Duramax clears the jack.

My buddies on his ~2005 F250 and another on his ~2013 F250 both clear the jack.

Why do you think yours won't?

I think a cargo net would be fine, but I'm thinking you will not have an issue.

Jon

Spur · 06-08-2016, 11:39 AM

Ocd?

northwindone · 06-08-2016, 11:48 AM

My tailgate would hit the manual jack on my old "vintage" trailer and I would keep a strip of cardboard handy to put between the tailgate and top of the jack. However with my current one, using the WDH, I have plenty of room between the jack and tailgate. Even if I were to switch to an electric jack, I would still have plenty of room.

Camper_bob · 06-08-2016, 12:31 PM

My tailgate hits the jack with my current setup. My new hitch will (likely) have a longer shank so this isn't a problem anymore. I like to have the bed sealed up from weather as much as I can, so I would prefer that over taking it off and using a net. Also, my backup camera is in my tailgate, and I use it when hitching up.

For the situation you describe, a net might be the perfect solution though. And the weight savings of not having the tailgate on would be nice.

On The Lam · 06-08-2016, 02:08 PM

Using my WDH, the tailgate on my Super Duty clears no problem. However, I occasionally just drop the trailer on a normal ball for short, slow moves around town. When I use the "normal hitch", it won't clear since the shank is shorter. I've had a couple of close calls, but haven't dimpled the tailgate (yet).

suzhou · 06-08-2016, 03:14 PM

The tailgate on my F150 won't clear the electric tongue jack. I even rotated the motor head 180 deg and it still won't clear. Only need about 1" more. A real pain to not be able to open the tailgate until I unhook. From reading this I gather I could get a longer hitch for the ball on my truck and get a bit more room??

DocBrown · 06-08-2016, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzhou

The tailgate on my F150 won't clear the electric tongue jack. I even rotated the motor head 180 deg and it still won't clear. Only need about 1" more. A real pain to not be able to open the tailgate until I unhook. From reading this I gather I could get a longer hitch for the ball on my truck and get a bit more room??

Yes, trouble is that a new shank can run $100 and up. You just have to ask yourself if that's worth it.

suzhou · 06-08-2016, 03:31 PM

Right now no, not worth it. After the first time I let the tailgate slip from my hand while trying to hold it open to get something out and damage it I'll likely think differently. It has the heavy plastic lining on the top edge so probably wouldn't cause much if any real damage.

Spur · 06-08-2016, 06:33 PM

I didn't think about the backup camera. If I take off the tailgate then there's probably a wire or two snaked through there somewhere. Hopefully it will clear and there won't be a problem. I'll know for sure tomorrow morning.

Camper_bob · 06-09-2016, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spur

I didn't think about the backup camera. If I take off the tailgate then there's probably a wire or two snaked through there somewhere. Hopefully it will clear and there won't be a problem. I'll know for sure tomorrow morning.

The wires for the camera have a quick-disconnect. So if you want to run without the tailgate, the camera is no problem. Well, except that you won't have it... LOL!

IMO, after the few times I've fought with the tail gate trying to wrestle something out of the truck, that $100+ price tag for a new shank is looking cheaper and cheaper.

maromeo · 06-09-2016, 08:51 AM

We replaced the factory hitch with a Barker VIP 3,500 lb hitch with the 24" rise. The best upgrade, it clears our tailgate just fine.

Spur · 06-09-2016, 06:24 PM

So it cleared the hitch ...initially. I then realized that he Equalizer was not setup correctly. After I had the dealer make about 5 adjustments the tailgate no longer fit. Now that I have the distribution dialed in I think I'm just going to buy a 5th wheel tailgate for the times I go 5+ hours away from home. They're about $150. I don't want to make any more adjustments, however, I'll miss the camera immensely.The Equalizer setup seems to be perfect and my trailer pulls very easy so I'm happy. A 5th wheel tailgate will be kind of handy anyway on those long out of state pulls.

Thank you all for the advise . I found it invaluable.

clubhouse · 06-09-2016, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spur

So it cleared the hitch ...initially. I then realized that he Equalizer was not setup correctly. After I had the dealer make about 5 adjustments the tailgate no longer fit. Now that I have the distribution dialed in I think I'm just going to buy a 5th wheel tailgate for the times I go 5+ hours away from home. They're about $150. I don't want to make any more adjustments, however, I'll miss the camera immensely.The Equalizer setup seems to be perfect and my trailer pulls very easy so I'm happy. A 5th wheel tailgate will be kind of handy anyway on those long out of state pulls.

Thank you all for the advise . I found it invaluable.

Get that trailer loaded up before determining if the hitch is setup correctly. Frequently hitches require additional tweaking after you load up and make a couple trips.

I would save the $150 on the new tail gate till you make the first couple trips.

Spur · 06-09-2016, 07:00 PM

I agree. I may need to add another washer after I load it up, but I'd be surprised. We camp very light. I wouldn't buy anything until next year. I may just go with a cargo net anyway. Thanks.

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