donn0128 wrote:
13 years pulling a fifth wheel and never saw a need for one. Lower the tail gate hitch/unhitch, lock the hitch and raise the tail gate. I always had a hard cover on my trucks, so with the stock tailmgate I could always lock the bed for secure storage. No an option with a V notch tail gate.
Hmmmmmm - The "need" is for theft prevention of the
tailgate!!13 years puts your TG in the "gone in 20 seconds category".
(Be sure to use at least basic theft deterrent).
Check the cost for a replacement (factory/stock) TG. Plus 'wait time' to get it, paint match, etc. etc. Prob way more expense than what's in the bed!
Newer (factory) TGs have better theft prevention designs - but they
are still a "hot" item (no pun intended). Ask a LEO - difficult to trace and easy to "fence", in high demand due to: back-up damage (not just by 5th wheel folks), AND theft (vicious cycle).
Sure, your insurance covers it! - Deductible? - Premium increase?
The Hard Cover (have one):
It does keep your stuff out of sight when closed, but....
1. The locks on the cover are a joke.
2. However, you can add padlocks to your aftermarket TG, which will both prevent it being stolen - as well as opening the TG to access your treasures.
I did set up the TG locks, but have never bothered to use them - as
*nobody* wants to steal my $200. Northern Tool TG! LOL..:B
Never had anything stolen from my p/up bed whether covered or not.
Never had anything stolen (period!) in 48 years of "camping" with TTs and 5th wheels.
Yes, I *do* have friends who have had factory TGs stolen - as well as *20* from the L.A. Times p/ups (in their parking lot) in one fell swoop a few years ago.
BTW - Full or part time doesn't matter ....it's *NOT* where you live (perm or temp) - it's your travel *location/s*...:W
Unless you have a tall tool box (or?) in your p/up bed, the "V" notched TGs make hitching a breeze - no need to open the TG..:C
Happy tailgating!
~
