Does Tailgate Step Have Any Use With 5th Wheel?

[GWBlack]

This is a dumb question, but since I've never owned a 5th wheel or big truck before, I admit I am dumb about this stuff [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

I'm debating whether to order the tailgate step. I'll mainly be using the truck for towing a (future) 5th wheel and maybe as a daily driver. I will rarely haul stuff in the bed. So will the tailgate step be of much use? I imagine the 5th wheel nose will interfere with using the step while hooking up or unhooking. Is this true?

Thanks
Gary

[2008TTCC]

for $375 bucks I would rather use a step ladder...JMO

[OctoberGlory1]

[ QUOTE ]
..will the tailgate step be of much use? I imagine the 5th wheel nose will interfere with using the step while hooking up or unhooking. Is this true?

[/ QUOTE ]

This is my first truck too so my experience with trucks is limited, but like everyone I've got an opinion so here is mine.

I don't need to get in the bed of the truck often, but when I do I use the step every single time. It deploys/stows quickly and neatly. It makes getting in and out of the bed very convenient. I'm very glad I got the step.

I’ve never owned a 5th wheel so I can't comment directly on that, but I would be extremely surprised to hear that the step could in any way interfere with hooking up and unhooking your trailer. I would think however that once hooked up the step would probably be of no use.

One other point that shouldn't influence your buying decision is that everybody that looks at the truck wants to see that damn step. I got lots of goodies to look at, but they want to see that step. If that step wasn't there I think folks would be sorely disappointed.

Enjoy your new truck – I sure am.

[DesertSailor]

Gary,

Don't sweat the gate. Assuming your gate is CLOSED while pulling, then there is no interference. If you try to deploy the extra step while remaining hooked up???? That might be an issue, I suppose...I'll let you know when I try it out next week.

Reese 20K being installed Monday...but I kinda doubt the benefit of the extra step while the big ol' box is attached.

You mileage may vary.

[CaptSkup]

You are only installing a 20k hitch in that fiver? I am searching for something more than a 25(that is what I have found so far), maybe a 30k. I like that margin of safety. Problem is most of the 30k's are the low ones designed for the rv hauler bed. I would not buy this truck without that step, to me it is a low price handy device. I bet next year Chevy and Dodge will have it also. I have a 4x4 F-250 and really could have used that step hundreds of times. Now I use the tire as a step.

[jhughd]

My tailgate is off and a V gate is on. I have a step on the receiver bar. Step on the bar step, on the bumper, holding to the v gate, and step through. My wife got tired of lowering and raising the tailgate. Wish I had got a v tailgate at first. Makes life much better.

JD

[GShelton]

I have the step and love it.

As for use with the 5er, I have found that when I need to reach into the bed with the trailer attached, I can still drop the step and slid in to grab what I need a lot easier.

As for 2008TTCC's step ladder comment, I tried that with my last truck, but I could not get into the bed to get the ladder out. LOL! (Kidding.)

Seriously though, $375 is a small price to pay for the ease it creates and the fact that you don't have to carry a ladder.

[Jerryc]

If nothing else, you'll use the step to get in the truck bed so you can wash the top of the cab.

JC

[DesertSailor]

The 20K came out of my F-350, new mounting rails for the F-450 though. Even fully loaded the Raptor pegs out at 15.5...although I do recall "thinking" that I asked the RV dealer to install a 24K??? Apparently I was mistaken.

The 20 is beefy enough and last year's 6000 mi pull saw no hitch issues.

Besides it doesn't squeek....unlike my wallet!!