Are There Trailer Jack Options That Allow You to Fully Open a Truck Tailgate w/ a Travel Trailer On

Updated 06/26/2023 | Published 06/25/2023

Question:

We have a 2022 Keystone Springdale with an electric tongue jack. The tailgate of our tow vehicle strikes the jack motor at about 45 degrees open when hitched. I have seen jacks with motors mounted higher on a taller post. Is that or something else eTrailer might have to allow tailgate to open fully?

asked by: John P

Expert Reply:

Your truck tailgate hitting the electric jack on your 2022 Keystone Springdale TT is a pretty common occurrence. Unfortunately, I am not able to determine what jack you have from your RV information. But, I have listed a couple potential options. I am unfamiliar with the taller post jacks you mentioned and did not find much on them.

The first thing you could look at, is if you can rotate the jack to face the side. This typically provides a couple more inches of clearance. A jack like the Phoenix Electric Trailer Jack # UF38-944040 that has a round attachment plate with multiple slots on each side is able to be rotated.

If the couple inches you get from that doesn't provide enough clearance, you could also have a steel plate welded on further back to provide an area to move the jack further back on the trailer. You will want to keep in mind that the trailer will get heavier the further back you mount the jack, so one with a higher capacity may be required if you go this route.

expert reply by: Scott S