Totally bummed with Electric Jack

I think even if I turned mine it would still hit but it is not an issue for me. Usually when the trailer is hooked up I am in the drivers seat driving so there is no way or reason to open the tailgate. Sorry it did not turn out as you hoped.

When I replaced my crank jack I got an Ultra 4000 and rotated it 90 degrees. Tailgate clears just fine. I see no reason your jack can't be adapted to turn sideways for clearance, unless the head is so big it won't make any difference. Don't be afraid to drill a hole or 2 for the bolts, it won't harm a thing strength wise. Sure beats cranking.

Rotating it didnt work. It's an Expedition and I couldnt possibly deal with not being able to open the tail gate since I'll have 2 dogs that get in and out that way.

I had the same problem with the tailgate hitting the Jack I just rotated it 90 degrees two holes lined up.

I drilled a new hole and tapped it and added the third screw. solid as a rock now the tailgate clears it.

Only thing is the lights do not point to the front now (no big deal for me I did not use them anyway).

I just live with it as well. The newer trucks seem to have taller beds which translates into a longer horizontal distance when the tailgates are opened. I can open my gate enough to access the latch for my bed cover so I can get to stuff if needed. At first I was a bit bummed but it's really not that big of deal with the way I use my truck.

Why is it impossible to rotate the jack? It may not cure your problem with the tailgate but I'm curious. Is it because the mounting hole don't line up?

Understand. We switched ours from a manual to an electric shortly after we purchased our Outback. We let our dealer recommend the best for us (which is OK, sometimes it's just easier to let someone else make a decision for you). The jack works great! Not a hint of problem. But you are right, the tailgate of the truck does not open all the way when hitched.

I've learned to accept this and just watch the tail gate carefully when opening now so I've adapted. I've thought about building some kind of block or wedge to put between the tongue of the trailer and the open tail gate to keep it from falling completely back. The tail gait would not open flat that way, but at least it wouldn't hit the jack. There's a possibility I might be able to shorten the two steel cables that attach to the truck to the end of the tail gate on both sides, but would need a fast and easy way to switch them back for use when not trailering.

Meanwhile I'll just live with it and watch it when opening the gate.

I have heard of others having the same problem. One solution is to get a longer receiver jack shaft that slides into the receiver hitch. That would put a longer distance (even an inch could make a big difference). But I've not explored that idea yet. Sounds like it might work though.

luvmydogs wrote:
We researched and looked at so many jacks and then settled on what looked like the best one for the money, a Ram. It looked really nice but then we slid it into position and there is no way we can open the tail gate with it. It does not move or swivel any way, its simply to big and no adjusting will make it work. I've seen others with this problem and thought we chose wisely, but we didnt. Totally bummed!

Did I not suggest in your other thread that you seriously consider an electric tongue jack on which the head can be rotated, even mentioning the UltraFab 3002 which does allow this? Yeah, I know a few respondents mocked the advantage of being able to rotate the head but it really can be an advantage when the TV tailgate hits the tongue jack head.

I have the same problem with the one that came on my TT. You can get a longer shank for your weight distributing hitch but they are around $100.00.