14 inch Hitch Extension To Allow Truck Bed Tailgate to Fold Down

Updated 09/03/2025 | Published 08/30/2025

Question:

For the tailgate to clear the trailer jack, I need a minimum 12 hitch extension for 2011 Ford F150 towing a 21 2 Wildwood RBX167 with dry weight of 3,084 and tongue weight of 350. This trailer has a large belly storage area at the front, so Im concerned that installing a 12 tubular extension would be inadequate. What would you advise to purchase?

asked by: Earl R

Expert Reply:

Hey Earl, we have the Gen-Y hitch extender part # GY89SR which is 14 inches long and has a 500 lb tongue weight capacity. This would work well for you based on what you mentioned. Is the extension just to allow the tailgate to fold down?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Earl H.

9/3/2025

Jameson: Thanks for the quick response! Yes, I do not want to take chances on damaging the tailgate. After I sent the initial message, I realized that I should have taken a closer look at the ball mounts available at etrailer. In the next couple of days I'll take the necessary measurements to determine which ball mount to pursue. Again, thanks for your response. I have been more than pleased with the prices, products, service, and follow-ups in my purchases from etrailer. You are always my first recommendation when asked what company I'd recommend for automotive towing and RV products!

Jameson C.

9/3/2025

@EarlH That's awesome! We appreciate the kind words!! I almost mentioned a longer ball mount as a possible solution since we do have some pretty long ones.