Recommendation to Gain Clearance for Tailgate with Weight Distribution System Installed

Updated 04/08/2019 | Published 04/05/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 7-3/4" Extension

(175)

$144.80

Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 14" Long - 7" or 7-1/2" Drop - 1,500 lbs TW

(59)

$166.40

Question:

My 2015 Sequoia tailgate hits my power tongue jack when hooked up to 2015 Lance 2185 27ft long I bought a an 8” Curt extender but now realize it’s only rated for 3500lbs I’m using antisway hitch with load bars now. Anyway to increase the distance between the truck and Lance by 3”?

asked by: Vince

Expert Reply:

Using a hitch extender like you mentioned will give you the needed clearance but it will also reduce the weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. This is because of the extra play/movement and instability that adding another component causes. This along with their lower base ratings to begin with (as you mentioned) means that your best option is to just use a longer adjustable shank for your weight distribution system.

The longest adjustable shank we have available is the Curt # C17122 that measures 14 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the adjustment holes. You can compare this to your existing shank to make sure this will give you the needed 3 additional inches of extension.

This shank features a maximum drop of 7-1/2 inches with a round bar system or 7 inches with a trunnion bar system and a maximum rise of 11-3/4 inches with a round bar and 10-1/2 inches with a trunnion bar system. Its adjustment holes are spaced apart 1-1/4 on center which is pretty standard but you will still want to make sure it is compatible with your current system.

I have attached a short video review that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R