When hooked up to my TT, the tailgate on my 20113 GMC 2500HD won't clear the power tongue lift which is a pain in the rear when I want to unload anything from the truck without unhooking the trailer. Doesn't look like I can move the tongue lift any farther back so the only alternative will be to lengthen the hitch. It looks like I would have to completely modify the hitch in order to a gain a few inches. I also thought maybe a longer receiver so it sticks out farther. I haven't called any hitch places yet so maybe there are easy solutions that I'm not aware of.

Can you drill new hole in the shaft that goes into the receiver??If so, don't bring the shaft out TOO far.A welding shop can fix the problem!!

Have you tried rotating your jack? Usually its the plastic shell of the jack that is in the way, and it you rotate it you can gain a couple inches.I wouldn't recommend drilling more holes in your existing hitch bar. I'd look at purchasing a new one with a longer shank. Just be forewarned that a longer shank will cause more force to be applied to your receiver. Just something to consider if you are at or near the max rating of your receiver.

Can you rotate the head on the jack for more clearance?

They make different type of tailgates with opening in them that might clear your TT trailer jack...Something like the 5th wheel trailer hookup is using...Google imageIn my case however I use my covered and locked truck bed for alot of other items I need to use on my trips. I need a full tail gate for security reasons..Roy Ken

Taijgate won't open | Good Sam Community

bid_time
Nomad II
Dec 07, 2016
pyoung47 wrote:
I have a much longer hitch extension that came with a travel trailer that I had a few years ago. I never used it. I would think that the added length would add much more leverage to the both the vertical and horizontal. This would increase the sag of the truck and cause more instability in wind and when semis go past.
The weight distribution hitch can put back whatever weight was taken off the front by using a longer shank and take out whatever sag may have occurred. I can tell you from my own experience, putting a 2" longer shank on my F250 to clear the tongue jack wasn't even measurable at the scale.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Dec 07, 2016
Weight dynamics become a factor beyond 3-4" of extension.

Extended WD shanks are commonly available that will give you around 2" additional length, without changing the dynamics appreciably.
drsteve
Explorer
Dec 08, 2016
I used a 4" extended hitch bar to clear the spare tire on my '92 conversion van in tight turning/backing situations. I could tell the difference from the standard length, mostly because the van had a fiberglass high top and a deluxe interior that ate up virtually all of the payload before I ever dropped the trailer on the ball. Even with the WD adjusted to compensate, it still bounced more on uneven roads.

So I would say it depends on the TV.
IBcarguy
Explorer
Dec 15, 2016
Trying to rotate the power jack 90 degrees didn't work. The mounting plate didn't fit right and I'd have to re-drill the holes. So, I guess it's going to be a longer shank. Just looking at it doesn't set right with me, it's pretty long now and a couple of inches longer will look like it might put additional stress on the hitch. Maybe I'll just leave it alone and unhitch if I want to lower the tailgate.
joshuajim
Explorer II
Dec 15, 2016
Here's the rub. It assumes that the dealer installed the proper shank originally. Suppose that it should have been a 12" BUT he installed a 10" because it was cheaper.

Installing a 12" MAY be the proper shank for clearance.
Hannibal
Explorer
Dec 28, 2016
I have a 12" shank on my Reese dual cam trunion style hitch. I can open my tailgate with about 1.5" clearance to the electric jack head. Reese sells longer shanks but if anything, I'd want shorter.

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Taijgate won't open

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