5th wheel hitch advice

[Washalaskan]

We just purchased out first 5th wheel we'll tow (we live in a 5th wheel but it was dealer towed at the time). Now I have the truck to tow it. Yea... For weekend and vacation fun we just purchased the Sundance SD3000CK. Dealer is installing the hitch. My question is, will we need to replace our truck tailgate with a V type 5th wheel gate? I like the 88 degree turning radius we'll have! Our Silverado is a short bed truck. Will we have problems not goint to the 5th wheel tailgate? Any advice will be apreciated. We pick up the new Sundace July 27...
Thanks

 

[cookie]

Most trucks that I see do not have a notched tail gate. I don't.
I don't have experience with one, but I think the big advantage is they are lighter and maybe you don't have to lower the tailgate when hitching. Don't know that for sure though.

Peace
Dave

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[RollingHome]

You do not need a V-Gate. Dave is correct when he states with one you don't have to lower your tail-gate to hook up. But... with a V-Gate you also loose the capability to keep your bed contents private once you install a V-Gate. What can't be seen is often a theft deterent. It's a matter of wants and preference. Did you know that there exist slider hitches that allow you to make full 90 degree turns with short bed trucks ? Pull - Rite makes one that automatically slides back 14" in a turn which gives you even more radius in a turn and peace of mind (or is it a "piece" of mind...joke). However, many forum posters have stated they never needed more then 88 degrees... Try what you bought and be vigilant. Most of all "Happy RVing"

 

[ILH]

You don't need a notched tailgate. Just lower it to hitch and unhitch. When hitched, you can put it up again.

 

[TandT]

I had a 5th wheel notched tailgate and I got rid of it. It never fit right and rattled a lot.
I went back to my stock tailgate.

Just don't forget to put it down when hitching, or unhitching.
Also, when hitching watch your clearance when the tailgate is down and you are backing to the trailer.
Mine is close if I am coming back on an angle. Sometimes DW has to lift it, once I am back far enough, if I can't back straight in.

Happy Trails. Trace

 

[caissiel]

I always fab my owm v tailgates.
Its a plus for my work truck. My design is much more practicle then OEM. Much easier access to the box.
I use a rear cut down toolbox and a front full unit. They are always full of tools and kayaking stuff.
I remove them when not camping.
But newer 5TH wheels have close space that lowering the tailgate is a close call most of the time.
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[Washalaskan]

I thank everybody for your input. One of my brothers in law forgot to lower the gate a few years ago, and you know the rest. He now has the V gate. decisions, decisions!!!!

 

[thefarmer]

I got my hitch from these guys a few weeks ago and I recommend them as they have great prices and excellent customer service. Think I might share with you guys for future reference.
http://www.hitchanything.com/