I guess that it makes it easier for prying eyes to glance into the bed of the truck. I like to use my tailgate as a work area. But I have heard from some people that regular tailgates are a big target for thieves in some areas.

Good point on the tailgate used for a work bench, hadn't thought of that.

We have that on our F-350 DRW. Its by Stromberg. ITs just like the one in the pic. It works great and we too have our OEM at a safe place.

Thanks Rush!

I like the oem tailgate. When I drop off my 5th wheel I can close and lock it and my tonneau cover to secure the contents in my truck bed.

I agree. I have a solid tonneau cover and things stay safe and I lock the tailgate when ever I’m not towing.

I actually like the option of both, and on longer trips I like to lock the hard tonneau down to the OEM gate and that secures the generator, B&W, etc. There are National Park campground sites that I've had to remove the OEM gate to get in-and-out. For those trips I put on the 5th wheel gate.

I hadn't planned on keeping anything of value open in the bed. Maybe in a locking tool box but other than that it would be wood dunnage type stuff.

Good point on angled hook up. I am leaning more and more to putting a 5th wheel gate on and eliminating the need to manage the tailgate when hitching and unhitching.

How often will you be towing vs. not towing? Once maybe twice a day you’d need to lower the tailgate. Once you’re at your location you don’t need to lower it but you might want to secure your belongings in the bed. With a 5th wheel tailgate that’s not possible.

I use the 5th wheel gate 12 months a year and I do miss the backup camera which is built into the OEM tailgate. I made a VERY simple mechanical lock for the 5th wheel tailgate which takes about 15 seconds to put on and off with a 9/16 wrench

Having attained geezerhood, I found that I'd rather not lift heavy stuff into the back of the truck (like a generator). Several years ago I installed a lift gate, the best mod I've made. I had to choose between that and a 5th wheel gate, and I've never regretted the choice.

Install was about as easy as it gets. A Phillips screwdriver and 1/2" wrench was all that is required. The tailgate is light and easy to manage with one person and everything fit as it was supposed to. For the price it seems like a good quality product.

The tailgate installs with all its own hardware leaving the stock tailgate complete and a very quick swap between gates.

Aside from a good cleaning and wax job I think the truck is ready to go. :)