How to Keep Shocker Hitch Air Cushioned Trailer Coupler from Hitting Tailgate

Updated 02/03/2025 | Published 01/27/2025

Question:

When this shocker hitch is mounted to the trailer and I let the tailgate down, the tailgate and tailgate camera land on it. What is the work around to keep the tailgate off of it to protect the camera in the tailgate and protect the tailgate? Nice product but the pitfall is the tailgate camera and tailgate land on it on my 2022 Ram 2500 and on my 2005 F250.

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

Hey John, thanks for reaching out!

The workaround for keeping your tailgate and camera free of hitting the Shocker Hitch Air Cushioned Trailer Coupler # SHK73RR is to use a longer ball mount so it's out of reach of your tailgate/camera. The Shocker Hitch brand is geared towards providing the smoothest ride quality as possible to the trailer, so in some cases, like yours, there might be a trade-off convenience-wise.

If you can let me know what the distance currently is from the center of the hitch pin hole on your truck to the center of the hitch ball I'd be more than happy to help you find a longer alternative so you can still utilize your truck tailgate!

expert reply by: Jon G

John S.

1/31/2025

I have a B&W Tow and Stow ball on the Ram 2500. I currently have it set with the hole on the hitch so it sticks out a small amount from the pickup receiver-so I could use the other hole and move it in a small amount closer to the pickup. With that in mind, today I measured and it is 9 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball. Please advise which hitch would allow the trailer to clear the Air Cushioned coupler so I can let the tailgate down. Thank You.

Jon G.

2/3/2025

@JohnS We have a few longer ball mounts for sure! The Gen-Y Phantom X # GY57JV is 12-1/8" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the hitch ball, while the Gen-Y # 325-GH-524 is 13-1/8" when you use the further hitch pin hole - both of these fit with a 2" hitch receiver. The Gen-Y brand is designed to be a bit more rugged than the Tow & Stow, but that also enables them to be a bit more versatile as well. If this longer length doesn't work, please let me know that as well as what rise/drop you're needing and I'll see if we have any straight ball mounts that will work for you.