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Old 12-30-2013, 12:32 PM   #1
Art
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Original tailgate or v-gate?

I wondered if anyone of you have been able to determine any significant difference in towing with your original tailgate or your v-tailgate? I have used both but have found it impossible to set up identical conditions to test if either make a difference in drag or fuel "economy."
 
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Old 12-30-2013, 12:35 PM   #2
K0LCB
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The only advantages I found wad I don't have to put tailgate down to hook up and no one wants it
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Old 12-30-2013, 12:37 PM   #3
richfaa
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I got the V gate years ago because it made it easier for me to hook and unhook and I can see inside the bed when hooking and unhooking. No other reason. Don't care about any of the urban legends concerning the V gate.
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Old 12-30-2013, 12:54 PM   #4
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Pulling that 13'+ high 12-15,000 lb trailer I doubt a different tailgate will make an ounce of difference in fuel mileage. I use my OEM tailgate because of my hard roll type tonneau cover. I typically keep a tool box and a few other things I prefer to have covered, locked, and out of sight.
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Old 12-30-2013, 12:54 PM   #5
bigskyjimmy
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Rich is right about Urban legends of improved MPG, get it if you do not feel like lowering the tailgate or your memory is shot and cannot remember to lower it and damage it
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Old 12-30-2013, 02:39 PM   #6
DQDick
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You also have to remember to raise the standard gate after you hookup. Quite a few posters on the internet forums have forgotten to put it up and had to look for new doors for the front of their fiver.
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Old 12-30-2013, 11:20 PM   #7
Phil P
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Hi

I am with richfaa on this one. The only advantage I would have if I had gotten a “V” tail gate was no damage to the present tailgate! LOL

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Old 12-31-2013, 01:37 AM   #8
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As stated, with that great big "wind breaker" behind you, the tailgate would have zero effect on any milage difference. Most of the time, the question was raised about milage difference when not towing, with tailgate up or down, or a variation of the type of tailgate. A few years ago, Mythbusters did a test on that (as have others) and found that it is better to have the tailgate UP, instead of down. When up, it creates a low pressure area behind the cab, and actually helps the milage.....by a very small amount.
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Old 12-31-2013, 03:59 AM   #9
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I liked the solid tail gate. When we got to the CG, unhooked, closed the tail gate, and went to Wally World, the passer by could not see the hitch in the bed of the truck.
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Old 12-31-2013, 07:14 AM   #10
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I'm with BB_TX! I also have the hard rolltop tonneau cover on the TV and I can lock it when it is not rolled back in the tow mode for the Monte. I also latch it down just in front of the hitch in the bed of the TV when moving down the road thus giving me some area covered for coolers, generators and fuel for them or anything else I want to put in front of the hitch. At the present I store my wood blocks for under the wheels and front landing gear or anything else I want to carry back there behind the hitch and the in front of the tailgate. I can also lock the tailgate for more security when not towing and the tonneau cover if in place.
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Old 01-01-2014, 02:35 AM   #11
1retired06
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I like the stock tailgate for the same reason, plus I have a rear camera in mine. However if I had had a V-gate, I would not have had to replace the two compartment doors I destroyed on the way to Florida this year because I left the tailgate down.
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Old 01-01-2014, 03:22 AM   #12
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My V gate does have my factory rear camera installed. Some of the newer models are made for that.
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Old 01-01-2014, 03:47 PM   #13
mtheo
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I'll tell one thing I don't like about original gate. Unless you an always back straight into your trailer you will be in trouble. I can't drop the gate when i'm at any kind of angle.
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Old 01-03-2014, 02:39 AM   #14
Bill and Jan
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Did you know that they make an insert for the V gate if you want to use a tonneau cover?
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