scruff Posted May 1, 2019 Report Share Posted May 1, 2019 How many of you have issues with tailgate clearance while hooking up or unhooking? I'm asking about distance from camper to the gate. With my new f350 8' box, factory puck set up, I have about an inch and a half clearance when I'm straight on. Having to pull under so far, exit the truck close gate, jump back in, finish backing under is getting old, reverse order while unhooking . Anyone using a drop gate? Can a guy just disconnect factory backup camera and install drop tailgate? Metal gates I assume are better than the plastic ones?Any other options? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeBeFulltimers Posted May 1, 2019 Report Share Posted May 1, 2019 Have you thought about getting a V tailgate? I like mine. Fulltiming since September 1, 2010 2012 Ford F-350 PSD SRW Lariat Crew Cab 2012 Montana 3585SA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberly Posted May 2, 2019 Report Share Posted May 2, 2019 I have a 2017 f350 and yes it is tight. And just enough for me to see if I am in line with the slot. But I usually wait to hear the termination click of the hitch before I close the gate and lock it all down. This truck, I'm told, is a few I inches longer and higher than my 2015 f350. I myself can live with it and wouldn't want to alter anything to allow access to my gear in the bed. Kimberly Flores, Trail Boss and Wagon Master Jesse Flores, Coxswain, Shotgun Shipmate Wagon mates: Cinnamon, Mini Schnauzer 2017 F350 Lariat Dually 2018 Keystone Fuzion 371 Toy Hauler LovetheRVlife.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scruff Posted May 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2019 Thanks, we have our first big trip with the new truck planned out, quite a few stops. I will see how my comfort level is leaving it down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whj469 Posted May 4, 2019 Report Share Posted May 4, 2019 I have a 2019 F350 XLT, diesel, crew cab, long bed, 4X4, with puck system and I was surprised that with the hitch in the middle of three settings it is 6 inches above truck rail. I did buy one of those tail gates, the plastic one which has metal under the plastic, which I don't have to put it up or down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scruff Posted May 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2019 whj469, did your 350 have the tailgate camera? Are you able to use it with your v-gate? Or did you just unplug it? I'm thinking of getting one, and just installing while I have the fiver on, providing I can without to much issue. Mine is a 2019 f350 xlt lariat, 4x4, super cab ,8 foot bed, dually, gas, and with the factory puck and Reese hitch setup. I had to go to top hole on the hitch to get bed clearance for my camper, then I was nose high on the camper, so taller rims and tires, 215/15's to 235/16's leveled it up. Oh the joys, of toys! With my 2013 short box chebby, I could back under hook up and go! Plenty of clearance, but was a little over weight on the rear axle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whj469 Posted May 5, 2019 Report Share Posted May 5, 2019 It did away with the tailgate camera. I have the same Reese hitch and my fiver a 2018 Cardinal 3825 FL came with 16 inch G rated LT tires which probably helped with the height of the trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jblo Posted May 8, 2019 Report Share Posted May 8, 2019 Odd on your newer Ford longbeds--on my '17, I can turn the truck completely lock-to-lock with the tailgate down. B&W puck hitch, Morryde pinbox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidMOTraveler Posted May 10, 2019 Report Share Posted May 10, 2019 We have a 2017 F450 tailgate has camera and built in ladder. Unless dead on straight gate is closed when close. Wife has started doing the backing and I take care of the tailgate and hook up. Seems to be working really well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted May 11, 2019 Report Share Posted May 11, 2019 Of the two pickups I owned, neither would turn sharp with tailgate down. Just nature of the beast. I got tired of clearance issues and installed a hauler bed. Much to my surprise I really liked it. Even believe if I ever buy another, first mod will be the bed. It is just so much more useful. And the storage boxes big plus. But wouldn't trade my HDT for one. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay Posted July 15, 2019 Report Share Posted July 15, 2019 Will you install the back up camera system when you drive your 5th wheel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scruff Posted July 17, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2019 Just got back from a three week trip with the truck and camper. Hooking up the camper while the gate was down wasn't as bad as I was thinking, just had to be straight on. Twelve stops loading and unloading camper, and all went well, so no real need to swap tailgate (for a drop gate) or worries about moving the camera from one gate to another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scruff Posted July 17, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2019 I use my truck's backup camera as an aid to back into parking spots while disconnected from camper. So yes, I would move the camera to a drop gate, if I was to use one while pulling the camper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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