Why Would You Want to Install a Cut Out Fifth Wheel Tailgate on a 2016 Ram 1500

Published 07/21/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs

(711)

$2145.00

Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches

(5)

$422.02

Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for Dodge Trucks

(899)

$458.70

Question:

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Can you keep the original tail gate that came with the truck? it looks like this hitch sits up higher. I see other gates you can buy with the cut out in the middle what is the purpose for that. Is this fairly easy to install? I am mechanically inclined.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

You would not need to replace your tailgate with a cut out tailgate to use the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550040 that you referenced. The purpose of the fifth wheel tailgates that are cut out is to allow people the ability to hitch up their fifth wheel trailers without having to lower their tailgate back up till the pin box is in the truck bed, and then put the tailgate back up before backing all the way up to prevent contact with the trailer.

A lot of times fifth wheel towers will either remove the tailgate to not have to mess with the up and down "dance", but for those that want to have a tailgate still without the hassle they will get a cut out one like the part # VGD-10-4000. I attached an install video for this tailgate as well.

For fifth wheel rails you would want the Demco Custom rail kit part # DM8552030-71 that is custom fit for you truck and would minimize drilling and install time.

expert reply by: Jameson C