Tow Travel Trailer with Truck Gate Open? Anyone done this?

[95jersey]

I only have a 5' 7" bed and in order to fit my motorcycles in the back, I need to leave the tailgate down. Has anyone done this? Are there clearance issues? If so are there any feasible options?

[msgtord]

Do you use a WDH? I have an adjustable hitch I use around town and short runs that is about 3 inches longer than my WDH. More room for the tailgate.

[downtheroad]

On ours I had to turn the electric jack head so the gate would open all the way...

But, I never towed with it down...just too close for tight turns and tight backing situations.

Also what truck? There is always the dreaded 'payload' issue when loading lots if weight (motorcycle) in your truck bed along with the tongue weight of the trailer.

Found this picture. Easy to see that if the tailgate was all the way open there would certainly be turning problems..

[Ductape]

Usually the trailer jack will be a problem, on turns it will get closer, so check that...

Can you just remove the tailgate and still get the bikes in? I have done that a few times where the tires were on the edge of the bed.

Last thing to watch if they are heavy bikes I have seen tailgates damaged by the weight. IIRC the Dodges have a pretty solid tailgate, though.

[fj12ryder]

It all depends on the trailer in question, and how close it is to the tailgate. Only way to really find out is to hook up, drop the tailgate, and check. I did it with a popup camper, but had to relocate the tongue jack to the side so I could pivot it out of the way.

Be sure to use a long piece of channel iron to distribute the load, otherwise you have a lot of weight sitting right on the tailgate. Probably would be fine, but why push your luck.

[lawnspecialties]

Of the three TTs I had, no way I could tow with the tailgate down. I did have a longbed truck that I towed a golf cart in. The golf cart was slightly too long so I had to angle the tailgate.

Could that work? Maybe even load the bike in at an angle.

Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum width