Escape 5.0 fith wheel trailers can be pulled by compact trucks which are very hard to find 5th wheel tailgates for. There is a manufacturer in texas that makes 5th wheel tailgates for chev & Gmc, canyons & colorados, as well as Ford Mazda Rangers and Dodge Dakotas. This is Go Industries Inc. in Texas. Their website can be found at www.goindustries.com. Their phone number is 1-800-527-4345. You can contact them to find a dealer near you. Roger
Hi: Roger...and welcome to the forum!!! I have been told that a stock replacement tailgate is $1250. for my GMC Sierra. Therefore we do a team effort...me in the driver seat my wife raising/lowering the gate!!! I still like a full tailgate when we are travelling. My question is why the previous owner ordered a locking tailgate
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Quote Bugs Bunny..."Don't take life too seriously, none of us get out of it ALIVE"!!!
'16 Ram Eco D. 4X4 Laramie Longhorn CC & '14 Escape 5.0TA
St.Thomas (Not the Virgin Islands) Ontario
With regards to your question about the previous owner installing an aftermarket lock on the tailgate I think you have answered that question yourself.
If you do not have a locking tailgate anyone can drop your tailgate, unhinge it and easily walk away with it (no tools required) and you are out of pocket for a replacement of $1250.00. The newer models do come with locking tailgates for that reason.
In passing if you check inside your top cupboards of the bed area you will find a pair of wires on both sides to install another set of speakers for the radio.
That is pretty expensive for a 5th wheel taailgate. I have a local fellow who cut down a full size to fit my Canyon for $400.00 cdn. He bought a bunch of "seconds" tailgates that had damaged paint jobs. He repaints at his body shop and sells them for 4 -$500.00 cdn. The idea of a fith whell tailgate is easy hitching, and because they are mesh or louvered, will also save on gas mileage. I need a fith wheel tailgate for my Canyon as I can't lower it to hitch or unhitch as there isn't enough room unless I jacknife the truck and trailer. Roger