Gooseneck tailgate

[CJen]

I'm looking for a tailgate for my 2005 GMC 2500 Duramax that is more designed for a gooseneck rather than a fifth wheel. Or possibly a build it myself design. The middle gap needs to be low enough to allow the gooseneck through without having to crank it way up to get over the gap. Anyone have a source or BIY design?

 

[RDrancher]

I think you'll have to modify a fifth wheel gate or make your own. Here's a link to a mod. Modified tailgate for Gooseneck use! - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

 

[mjw357]

I just lower the tailgate when hitching up? I only have to raise the trailer enough to clear the ball.

 

[Bigfoot62]

I'm looking for a tailgate for my 2005 GMC 2500 . . .

All that you have to do is unhook from the g/n, leave the tailgate up, and drive off. All gone. No more lowering and raising that old tailgate!!! Glad I could help. Already done that? No tailgate, no problem.

Seriously now, IF there is such a thing, I've never seen one. May have to take RDrancher's advice and mod a 5ver gate.

And, :welcome: to TBN

 

[George2615]

You mean something like this. If so, Etrailer.com has them

 

[Bigfoot62]

George,
That's a 5ver (fifth wheel) gate.
To use that gate with a G/N, you would still have to lower the gate or jack the trailer WAY up to clear it.
I believe that he's looking for a tailgate that would have no more height in the center than his G/N ball. (about 5")

 

[nc redneck]

I have close to the same problem. Pulled 5th wheels for about 15 years . My 2013 Chevy 3500 has the new high bed sides like all of the new trucks. It makes my hook up ability at less than 10 degrees without tailgate hitting 5th wheel. Many campgrounds require hooking up at tighter turn radius than that. 5th wheel standard tailgate is possibly not the answer as RV is 40 foot long and weighs 16,000. Pin drops 2 to 3 inches when disconnected.
Seriously considering a tow hauler type bed. They are expensive 4 to 5 k any input from owners welcome.
Thanks
Scott

 

[George2615]

George,
That's a 5ver (fifth wheel) gate.
To use that gate with a G/N, you would still have to lower the gate or jack the trailer WAY up to clear it.
I believe that he's looking for a tailgate that would have no more height in the center than his G/N ball. (about 5")

I guess if the OP can't lower the gate for hook ups then he should follow your suggestion.

 

[Walkin Horse]

Ever since I started pulling goosenecks I have dented bent crumpled and ripped off every tailgate. Once I remembered to let it down and got a cooler out of the truck. But I forgot to put it up and drove off. I saw it in the mirror when it came shooting out from under the trailer tires.

I have thought about a tailgate for the goose neck. I have even got a piece of ss expanded metal and some ss angle. But I can't get by the fact that the cut needs to be about 3" tall. I don't think that's enough for strength of the gate. I have an oak board 1 1/2" x 8" that's cut to an exact fit and rides in the groves made in the bed.

I almost think that if it was a feasible project, somebody would already be marketing them.

 

[CJen]

I guess if the OP can't lower the gate for hook ups then he should follow your suggestion.

George, my wife and I get tired of putting the regular tailgate down and up all the time because we share the truck and switch between horse trailer and flatbed all the time. I have the gate off right now and it's a lot more efficient swapping trailers partly because I can just reach in from the back to hook or unhook the chains and emergency brake. Plus I don't have to remember to lower it before driving off (like I didn't do the other day but didn't tear it off but now it has a little curve to it.)