Best Way To Clear Trailer Jack with Lowered Tailgate on 2016 RAM 1500 Using Weight Distribution

Updated 02/19/2020 | Published 02/18/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 12" Extension

(104)

$138.23

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

(58)

$174.53

Question:

I have a 2016 ram 1500 with a class 4 factory 2 inch hitch. I tow my 26 ft 2020 passport 267bh travel trailer which I was told weighs 5400 lb and tongue weight of 500 pounds. I want to haul my motorcycle in the bed and i have to leave the tailgate down. The motorcycle rear tire rests on the tailgate and does not extend past the lowered tailgate. What extender would work for this application? I should also mention I do use a weight distribution system.

asked by: Jonathan S

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, however, the Blue Ox Hitch Extender # BX88264 is is designed for hitch-mounted accessories or for flat towing only, not to tow a trailer.

Your best option is to use an extra long weight distribution shank, like the Curt # C17122, which is will extend your hitch pin hole out an additional 14 inches and offer a 1,500 lbs tongue weight capacity. Weight distribution shanks are pretty universal, so you won't run into any issues when you replace your existing one, even if it isn't the same brand.

I measured the tailgate on a similar year RAM out in our parking lot and I'm confident the 14 inch extension will work well, especially considering the extra length you'll also be adding once you attach it to the head. I also found a review from another RAM owner who successfully used in the exact same way you are wanting to use it. I've attached the photo and review for you to see.

While there are other hitch extenders that are safe to use between your truck and trailer, using an extension will reduce your hitch's tongue weight capacity by 50 percent. The Class IV factory hitch on the 2016 RAM 1500 has an 1,100 lb tongue weight capacity, reduced to only 550 lbs when used with a hitch extender. By the time you factor in the portion of the weight of the motorcycle that's behind your rear axle, and load up your trailer, you'll most definitely be over that 550 max tongue weight.

Replacing your weight distribution shank with # C17122 is not only going to work, it's also the safest way to go.