How to Fully Open Tailgate on Truck and Not Hit the Trailer Tongue Jack

Updated 05/17/2017 | Published 05/16/2017

Question:

We have a 2017 Starcraft Launch, 21 foot, RV. Total weight is about 4500 pounds with a tongue weight of about 300 pounds. The tailgate on my pick up truck will not open fully because it hits on the tongue jack. I need the tongue jack to be about 4 inches farther back from the rear of my truck. Will this extender be legal to use to pull the RV? Thanks.

asked by: Dan B

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver, # RM-077-2, is designed to be used only when flat towing a vehicle. This product cannot be used when towing a trailer.

Also, using any other hitch extension will cause you to loose 50 percent of your tongue weight capacity. If your truck hitch has a 300 lbs tongue weight rating, then using an extension will lower that rating to 150 lbs.

The best option would be to go with a side mounted trailer jack, like the Pro Series Round Bolt-On Jack # PS1400300303. Repositioning the jack to the side of the trailer tongue will give you the room to lay your tailgate down.

expert reply by: Jared P