Taijgate won't open

[IBcarguy]

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.

[Hannibal]

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.

[joshuajim]

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.

[IBcarguy]

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.

[drsteve]

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.

[mkirsch]

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.

[bid_time]

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.

[pyoung47]

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.

[ken56]

Longer shank changes the weight dynamics. That can make a difference in the receiver weight rating being compromised depending on load. 700lbs. at 6 inches is less weight at the receiver than 700 lbs. at 12 inches. Look up the term "turning moments"

As far as holes not lining up, a drill and proper size drill bit will fix that. Drill new holes in the mounting plate.

[trail-explorer]

IBcarguy wrote:
I use an equalizer hitch, although I'm not so sure I really need it. This truck is pretty level even with out using the bars.
I like the idea of rotating the power jack 45 degrees, I'll try that before I do anything.

Often times, the holes don't quite line up. It just depends on the jack. If the mounting holes are slotted, it may work.

Other option is a longer hitch shank.

[drsteve]

old guy wrote:
wow that jack E Up is some kind of device. only problem is you need a hand crank jack, it doesn't show using an electric jack.

Scroll down the page. They have them for electrics too.

[wing_zealot]

I had the same problem when I bought my new trailer. Just get a longer drawbar, no big deal. Mine is 2" longer then the stock. They make them in several lengths.

[IBcarguy]

Yeah, 90 is what I meant!

[ken56]

Rotate your jack. Support the tongue. take the pressure off the jack, unbolt the 3 bolts at the frame mounting plate, turn 90 degrees, check the clearance, put the bolts back in, done.

[BarneyS]

IBcarguy wrote:
I use an equalizer hitch, although I'm not so sure I really need it. This truck is pretty level even with out using the bars.
I like the idea of rotating the power jack 45 degrees, I'll try that before I do anything.

90 degrees would probably work better.
Barney