6 Affordable 5th Wheel Tailgates That Save Without Sacrifice

You’ve measured it a dozen times, but that final, tight back-in at the campground still makes you sweat. The corner of your factory tailgate is just inches from the front cap of your 5th wheel, and one wrong move means a costly dent in both. This is the moment every 5th wheel owner understands, and it’s why a vented tailgate isn’t a luxury—it’s a practical necessity for stress-free towing.

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Why You Need a Vented 5th Wheel Tailgate

The most obvious reason is clearance. A standard tailgate creates a massive obstruction, forcing you to make wider, more cautious turns and making it impossible to hitch or unhitch at sharp angles. A vented, V-notch, or louvered tailgate carves out that critical space, giving you the room you need to maneuver without worrying about a collision between your truck and trailer.

But the benefits go beyond just preventing damage. By allowing air to pass through, these tailgates reduce aerodynamic drag. While you probably won’t see a dramatic jump in fuel economy, you will notice less wind buffeting and a slightly more stable ride, especially in crosswinds. It’s a subtle but real improvement that reduces strain on your truck’s engine and drivetrain over thousands of miles.

Finally, there’s the visibility factor. Looking through a vented gate makes it significantly easier to see your hitch ball or kingpin when backing up. This small improvement can be the difference between a frustrating, multi-attempt hookup and a smooth, one-shot connection. It’s a quality-of-life upgrade you’ll appreciate every single time you tow.

Stromberg Carlson 100 Series: A Top Value Pick

When you need a straightforward, affordable solution, the Stromberg Carlson 100 Series is often the first and last stop. This is the workhorse of vented tailgates. It’s a no-frills design, typically made from painted steel tubing, that does exactly what it’s supposed to do: create clearance and let air pass through.

The construction is simple but effective. The open-tube design maximizes airflow and visibility while providing a sturdy barrier for the truck bed. While the paint can chip over time and may require touch-ups to prevent rust, its durability for the price is hard to beat. It’s a purely functional piece of equipment.

This tailgate is for the pragmatist. If you care more about function than form and want to solve the clearance problem without a big investment, the 100 Series is your answer. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice that gets the job done so you can focus on the road ahead.

CustomFlow V-Gate: The Aerodynamic Choice

The CustomFlow V-Gate takes the basic concept and refines it. The signature "V" shape isn’t just for looks; it’s designed to actively channel air down and away, creating a smoother airflow pattern than a simple straight or louvered gate. This can help reduce turbulence behind the truck, which contributes to a more stable towing experience.

Many CustomFlow models are made from glass-filled composite materials or feature a more finished, OEM-style appearance. This makes them a great choice if you want a tailgate that complements the look of your modern truck instead of looking like a purely utilitarian add-on. They often integrate well with the truck’s body lines.

The tradeoff for this improved design and aesthetic is a slightly higher price point. For long-haul towers who spend a lot of time at highway speeds, the aerodynamic benefits and refined look might be worth the extra cost. For the weekend warrior, the decision may come down to style and personal preference.

Go Industries Air Flow: Built for Durability

If your tow vehicle doubles as a work truck, Go Industries is a name you should know. Their Air Flow tailgates are built with durability as the top priority. Think thicker-gauge steel, robust welds, and heavy-duty powder-coat finishes designed to withstand abuse.

This isn’t a lightweight, cosmetic accessory. This is a gate designed to handle the rigors of hauling equipment and materials on Monday, then towing your 5th wheel on Friday. The rugged construction means it won’t bend or buckle if you accidentally slide a heavy toolbox into it. It’s built to last.

That beefiness comes with a tradeoff: weight. These gates are noticeably heavier than their composite or light-duty steel counterparts. This can make installation a two-person job and operation a bit more cumbersome. But if you need a tailgate that’s as tough as the rest of your truck, the extra weight is a small price to pay for that peace of mind.

Handy Industries Louvered Gate: Classic Design

The louvered tailgate is a classic for a reason. It’s a simple, elegant solution to the airflow problem. The angled slats direct air down and through the gate, breaking up the wall of wind created by a solid tailgate while also providing a measure of privacy and security for items in the bed.

Handy Industries produces a solid, no-nonsense version of this timeless design. The louvers are particularly effective at keeping road spray and dust from kicking up onto the front of your 5th wheel, a small but appreciated benefit on long trips or dirt roads. The look is traditional and fits well with a wide range of truck styles.

This style offers a great middle ground. It provides better aerodynamics than a basic tube-style gate and a more classic look than a modern V-gate. It’s a fantastic choice for someone who wants proven performance and a design that has stood the test of time.

Stromberg Carlson 4000: Camera-Ready Option

For anyone with a newer truck, removing the factory tailgate means losing a critical piece of technology: the backup camera. The Stromberg Carlson 4000 series directly addresses this modern problem. It’s designed with a specific mounting location to accept your truck’s original camera and handle assembly.

This is a game-changer. Instead of trying to splice wires or mount an aftermarket camera, you simply transfer your OEM components into the new tailgate. You keep the familiar high-resolution view, the dynamic grid lines, and the factory integration you paid for. It makes hitching up just as easy as it was before.

You will pay a premium for this feature, but it’s almost always worth it. The convenience and safety of retaining your factory camera system are immense. If you rely on that camera for hitching, this isn’t a feature you should sacrifice. It turns a potentially complicated tech problem into a simple bolt-on solution.

Buyers Products V-Gate: Simple and Effective

Buyers Products has a long history of making durable equipment for commercial trucks, and their V-Gate reflects that heritage. It’s a straightforward, functional tailgate that prioritizes strength and simplicity. The design is clean, often featuring a V-notch for clearance and a mesh or louvered pattern for airflow.

Think of this as a heavy-duty alternative to some of the more consumer-focused brands. The finish is typically a tough black powder coat, and the latch mechanisms are built for repeated use. It’s a product designed for work, which means it’s more than capable of handling the demands of recreational towing.

This tailgate is a great option for someone who wants a robust, V-shaped gate without the stylized look of some other brands. If you value commercial-grade build quality and a simple, effective design, the Buyers Products V-Gate is a strong contender that delivers reliable performance.

Installation Tips for Your New Vented Tailgate

Installing a new tailgate is usually a simple process, but a few tips can make it go much smoother. First and foremost, get a friend to help. Factory tailgates are heavy and awkward. Trying to wrestle one off by yourself is a great way to scratch your paint or strain your back.

The basic process is easy. With the tailgate partially lowered, disconnect the support cables. Then, lift the right side of the tailgate up and off its hinge pin, and slide the left side out of its slotted hinge. Installation is the reverse of removal. Slot the new gate in, connect any hardware, and test the latch to ensure it closes securely.

Be aware of potential snags. Some trucks have a torsion bar or lift-assist feature inside the tailgate that you’ll need to disengage. Always read the instructions that come with your new tailgate, as they will have model-specific advice.

One final, crucial tip: do not get rid of your original tailgate! Wrap it in a blanket and store it somewhere safe. When you eventually sell your truck, being able to include the pristine, color-matched factory tailgate will significantly increase its resale value. A potential buyer will almost certainly want it back.

Choosing the right 5th wheel tailgate isn’t about finding the single "best" one, but the best one for your specific needs. Whether you prioritize budget, durability, technology, or aerodynamics, there’s an affordable option that prevents damage and makes towing easier. It’s a small investment that pays off with every stress-free arrival at the campsite.