6 Best Water Resistant 5th Wheel Tailgates Nomads Swear By

You’ve just pulled into a tight campsite after a long day’s drive. As you start a sharp reverse turn, you hear it—that sickening crunch of your 5th wheel’s pin box connecting with your truck’s factory tailgate. It’s a common, costly mistake that can be completely avoided by swapping out one simple piece of equipment. For serious nomads, a vented, water-resistant tailgate isn’t an upgrade; it’s a fundamental necessity for safe and stress-free towing.

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Why a Vented Tailgate is a 5th Wheel Essential

A standard solid tailgate is your enemy when towing a fifth wheel. During tight maneuvers, like backing into a site or making a U-turn, the front of your trailer can easily swing into the top edge of a raised tailgate, causing expensive damage to both your truck and your rig. A vented, or "louvered," tailgate eliminates this clearance issue entirely, giving your kingpin the room it needs to move freely.

But the benefits don’t stop at preventing dents. These tailgates significantly reduce wind resistance. A solid gate acts like a parachute, creating drag that hurts your fuel economy. A vented design allows air to pass through the truck bed, which can lead to a noticeable improvement in MPG over thousands of miles. You also get better rear visibility and a lighter-weight gate that’s easier to handle.

When we talk about "water resistance," it’s not about being waterproof. It’s about materials and finishes that stand up to constant exposure. Whether it’s powder-coated steel or raw aluminum, these tailgates are designed to shed rain, snow, and road spray without rusting, chipping, or degrading over time. They are built for the harsh realities of full-time travel.

Stromberg Carlson 4000: The All-Around Performer

If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills workhorse, the Stromberg Carlson 4000 is it. This is one of the most common fifth-wheel tailgates you’ll see on the road, and for good reason. It features a classic open-louver design made from heavy-gauge steel, giving it a solid, durable feel. It does exactly what it needs to do without any unnecessary bells and whistles.

The key feature many owners love is the single, center-pull latch. This makes opening and closing the gate a simple, one-handed operation—a small convenience that you’ll appreciate daily. The black powder-coat finish provides excellent water resistance, protecting the steel underneath from rust and corrosion. It’s a straightforward, effective solution that balances cost, durability, and function perfectly.

Husky Liners 15-Series: Sleek and Aerodynamic

For those who value aesthetics and modern design, the Husky Liners 15-Series stands out. Instead of a traditional louvered look, it often features a more streamlined, automotive-grade polymer or composite construction. This gives your truck a clean, factory-like appearance while still providing the necessary clearance and airflow for fifth-wheel towing.

The real advantage here is the combination of aerodynamics and material. The sleek shape is engineered to minimize drag even more effectively than some basic louvered designs. More importantly, the composite material is completely rust-proof. It will never corrode, making it an ideal choice for nomads who travel in wet, snowy, or coastal climates where road salt is a concern. It’s a fit-and-forget solution that looks great and lasts.

CustomFlow V-Gate: For Easier Hitching Access

The CustomFlow V-Gate is all about one thing: convenience. Its defining feature is the deep "V" shape cut into the center of the gate. This simple design innovation is a game-changer for the hitching and unhitching process. It allows you to connect or disconnect your fifth wheel without ever having to open or lower the tailgate.

Think about arriving at a site in the pouring rain. With a V-Gate, you can back up, drop the trailer, and pull away in seconds, all while the gate stays securely latched. It eliminates an entire step from your setup and teardown routine. Constructed from durable, powder-coated steel, it offers the same water resistance and airflow benefits as other louvered gates but with a massive upgrade in practicality.

Go Industries Air Flow: Maximum Fuel Efficiency

While all vented gates help reduce drag, the Go Industries Air Flow tailgate is specifically engineered to maximize it. The design often features a more aggressive V-shape or wider spacing between louvers, creating the path of least resistance for air moving through the truck bed. For long-haul travelers racking up tens of thousands of miles a year, even a small percentage of fuel savings can add up to a significant amount of money.

This gate doesn’t sacrifice strength for performance. It’s typically built from sturdy steel tubing with a protective finish to ward off rust and wear. The open design also means it’s incredibly easy to clean and sheds water, mud, and debris effortlessly. If your primary goal is to squeeze every last mile out of your fuel tank, this is the style of gate to look at first.

Dee Zee Louvered Tailgate: Lightweight Durability

Weight is always a consideration in the RV world. Every pound you save on your truck is a pound you can allocate to your rig’s cargo. The Dee Zee Louvered Tailgate excels here because it’s often constructed from aluminum. This makes it significantly lighter than its steel counterparts without compromising on strength for its intended purpose.

The benefits of aluminum go beyond weight savings. It is naturally corrosion-resistant, meaning it will not rust, even if the protective coating gets scratched. This makes it a superior choice for long-term durability, especially in harsh environments. The lighter weight also makes installation a breeze and the gate easier to open and close for anyone who might struggle with a heavier steel model.

Buyers Products L8810: The Heavy-Duty Option

Some rigs are used for more than just towing a fifth wheel. If your truck is also a workhorse on a farm, a construction site, or just for heavy-duty personal projects, you need a tailgate that can take a beating. The Buyers Products L8810 is a prime example of a heavy-duty, commercial-grade option. It’s built with thick-gauge steel and a robust latching mechanism designed for security and repeated use.

This gate is overbuilt on purpose. The powder coating is typically thicker and more resilient, providing top-tier water and abrasion resistance. While it may be heavier than other options, it provides peace of mind that it won’t bend or break under tough conditions. It’s the right choice for the nomad whose tow vehicle doubles as a serious work truck.

Choosing Your Gate: Latch, Lock, and Material

With so many great options, the right choice comes down to your specific priorities. Don’t just buy the first one you see; think about how you actually use your truck day-to-day.

Focus on three key factors:

• Latch Style: Do you prefer the convenience of a single, center-pull latch for one-handed use, or are you comfortable with traditional dual latches on the sides? For those constantly accessing the truck bed, a center latch is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
• Locking Capability: If you store valuable tools or gear in your truck bed when unhitched, a locking tailgate is non-negotiable. Not all models offer this, so verify before you buy. A simple lock can be the difference between security and theft.
• Material: This is the most important decision. Steel is strong and cost-effective but heavy and relies on its coating to prevent rust. Aluminum is lightweight and rust-proof but often more expensive. Composite offers a sleek look and is also rust-proof but may not be suitable for heavy-duty loads.

Your decision is a balance of tradeoffs. Do you prioritize the absolute convenience of a V-Gate for hitching? The long-term durability of aluminum? Or the raw strength of a heavy-duty steel model? Match the gate’s features to your travel style and you’ll have a piece of gear you can rely on for years to come.

Ultimately, a vented tailgate is one of the smartest investments a fifth-wheel owner can make. It protects your expensive rig, improves your driving experience, and can even save you money at the pump. By focusing on how you’ll use it—whether for easy hitching, maximum fuel economy, or rugged durability—you can choose the perfect gate that will make your life on the road safer and simpler.