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Old 12-15-2022, 07:14 AM   #1
blubugger
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Albuquerque
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Truck Tailgate Clearance with Trailer

Hello folks! I have (or at least....think I have a slight Problem. I recently acquired a F150 pickup truck as a replacement of our previous tow vehicle, an Explorer Sport. In the Explorer setup, we used a Husky round-bar hitch with sway bars...the standard equipment which worked well. On that setup the rear door cleared the tongue jack head by inches but was obviously useable.
My problem is that the Micro-Minnie trailer is in another state and we plan to retrieve it using said truck.
So, looking at similar photos online, (attached example), it appears that the truck tailgate doesn't clear the jack and must always be locked in closed position otherwise it will hit the trailer equipment.
With a 2" receiver n the truck, from what info I can gather, a hitch extension is not an option. Reducies tongue and tow capacity.
So, the gist is that we will have to leave tailgate locked, reach over it or rails (I have no tonneau or camper in place) to retrieve items from the bed.
Curious if anyone have a similar issue and a cagey solution that I am Missing?
Thanks and a Merry Christmas!
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Old 12-15-2022, 08:19 AM   #2
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Tailgate Clearance

This may not work, but if you have interference you might be able to rotate the tongue jack 120 degrees. This would only take a few minutes. I am not sure if the bolt pattern would support this. Also, the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch length is longer than others - nine inches from pin to ball. I think most are 8 inches.
Don’t know if this will help.
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Old 12-15-2022, 08:35 AM   #3
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Tailgate clearance

YouTube has several videos on rotating the tongue jack head for tailgate clearance.
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Old 12-15-2022, 04:19 PM   #4
blubugger
 
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Thanks, I wont know the exact clearance or interference.....but right after posting my question....I googled 2" shank lengths and a 14"er came up. So the tailgate extends 18" beyond the bumper. So....tbd.

Thanks!
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Old 12-16-2022, 03:48 PM   #5
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To rotate the jack head 90 degrees, you’ll need a 5/16 metal bit. Remove jack head. Put something over the opening to protect from shavings. Remove bolts. Drill 5/16 holes fore and aft on the tube, same height as the existing holes. Put the head back on in 90 degree position. Replace bolts in the new position. Cost = $3.95 for the bit. Looks like this when done. Easy Peasy. 20 minutes.
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Old 12-21-2022, 05:51 PM   #6
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I use the extended shank, for the same reasons, and it has more tongue and tow weight capacity than I will ever need.... Tailgate opens fully, and I can also turn more sharply...
Easy fix for the tailgate issue....
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Old 12-23-2022, 04:26 PM   #7
blubugger
 
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Tailgate clearance, part 2

Well, as indicated in my first post, we now have the tow vehicle and trailer together. And my question regarding tailgate clearances of a F150 truck and the trailer tongue jack. An adjustment of the hitch receiver needed to be made (adjustment it up) as the old receiver was 1.5" higher than the bumber mounted F150.
So, i did hitch the two and right off the bat it is easy to see that rotaing the tongue jack will not suffice, nor any adjustment would permit the tailgate to open flat. It does hit the jack at about halfway down.
The solution: I will simply have to live with it! Step on tongue, then reach into truck bed or step over the tailgate to get items in or out.
Getting an extended 2" receiver would just lower the tongue capacity, also not a desired solution.
In conclusion, the adjustment of the receiver height should take care of any levelling of the trailer underway. So, we live with the results, at least until a razzle-dazzle solution comes up. Anyone?
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Old 12-24-2022, 10:32 AM   #8
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Again, just get the extended shank. Works great, and makes truck bed access easy...


I don't know where you were told that it will decrease your tongue weight capacities to an unacceptable level, but your TT is pretty light anyway...


Contact the folks at Etrailer.com They'll give you accurate information...


Merry Christmas...
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Old 12-24-2022, 10:51 AM   #9
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That I will do.....and thanks,and Merry Christmas!
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