Is The Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate Hollow Inside?

Updated 03/18/2026 | Published 03/16/2026

Question:

Is the stromberg 4000 tailgate hollow in the center? Just wondering if I can run wires through the back plate and out the bottom?

asked by: Carol

Expert Reply:

Hello Carol, good question. The Stromberg Carlson 4000 series tailgate # VG-04-4000 is not open/hollow in a way that lets you easily run wiring through it. You might be able to sneak a wire through a section if you drill and fish it, but it’s not designed for that, and you’ll likely run into internal bracing. It could also cause leaks or worse, yet it could weaken the structure. Your best bet would be running wiring along the outside of the tailgate frame and securing it cleanly rather than trying to route it internally.

What were you planning to wire? A backup camera or some lights?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for Ford Trucks
(click to enlarge)

Carol

3/18/2026

I was wanting to take the back plate off that assess the locking mechanism then drill a hole underneath the locking mechanism to install a backup camera and the fish the wire underneath the tailgate so it comes out the bottom of tailgate then silicone around the camera to prevent leaking. What are your thoughts

Jesse M.

3/18/2026

@Carol I like the idea, but I don’t see that working as cleanly as you’re hoping. Once you get inside there you’re dealing with internal bracing and tight space around the latch, so fishing a wire through and getting it to exit exactly where you want will be a headache at best. Even if you make it through, sealing it up well enough to keep water out long-term is tough, especially with movement and vibration back there. You’ll likely end up with a cleaner, more reliable setup running the wire along the outside of the tailgate frame and securing it, rather than trying to route it internally. I've had people ask about adding cameras to these tailgates before and there really isn't a great by-the-book way of doing that.