Will HitchMate Extendable TruckStep # HE4045 Interfere With Spare Tire on 2012 Ford F-250 Short Bed

Updated 08/31/2012 | Published 08/29/2012

Question:

I have a new Ford F-250 Lariat with a 6 3/4 foot bed. One of your reviewers said that this hitch step would not work with a 2011 F-250 with a short bed due to it hitting the spare tire upon retracting. Can you tell me if this will also be the case with my truck? Its tough to tell from the pictures and when I look at my truck as the spare does not appear to down very far. Thanks in advance for your help.

asked by: Dana G

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Heininger on the HitchMate Extendable TruckStep, part # HE4045, and he said they have not had a problem with it hitting a spare tire on short bed or long bed, but it is always possible if something might be changed on the vehicle. He did mention to take a measurement on your 2012 Ford F-250 to determine if it will clear your spare tire.

With the truck step inserted into a trailer hitch the support arm will sit 1-5/8 inches below the hitch receiver opening and the support arm will extend under the vehicle 22-1/2 inches from the front of the hitch receiver, when it is completely retracted under the vehicle. I am including a picture of those measurements.

If you take these measurements on your vehicle you will be able to determine if this step will interfere with your spare tire when fully retracted.

expert reply by: Jeff D