How to Extend Hitch for Tailgate Clearance on 2026 Tundra Towing 2024 Rockwood Mini Lite Camper

Updated 10/26/2025 | Published 10/21/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt TruTrack 2P Trunnion Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - 7-Hole Shank - 12K GTW

(5)

$499.95

Curt Friction Sway Control for Weight Distribution Systems

(323)

$69.24

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 18" Long - 8" Rise, 4" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

(487)

$170.57

Question:

Im looking for help to purchase the right products. Im wanting to extend my trailer hitch, so that I can tow my camper trailer with my truck tailgate down. The camper has sway bars. Right now the jack on the camper trailer is too close to the tailgate. I have a 2026 Toyota Tundra and a 2024 Rockwood Mini Lite camper.

asked by: Matthew N

Expert Reply:

Hi Matthew; do you have a weight distribution hitch like the # C75RJ you were looking at or just a standard ball mount with a tab and friction sway control bar like # 17200? If it is a weight distribution hitch you can use an extended shank like the Equal-i-zer # EQ90-02-4600 to get the clearance you need.

This shank is 18" long and compatible with most systems, let me know what you have and I can verify fitment. Check out the measurements in the attached picture as well and compare that to what you have to see if you can clear the tailgate. If it is the friction bar you're looking at an extended ball mount and probably welding on a new tab unless one is available at the length and rise/drop you need.

expert reply by: Robin H

EQ90-02-4600 Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Matthew N.

10/26/2025

Thank you for the reply, so it looks like the hitch/sway bar setup I have says EAZ-Lift on the hitch and 600 on the sway bars themselves. It looks similar to the C75RJ you said. It looks like the product you recommended would work I believe. I guess I just wasn't expecting it to be that simple of a solution. Thank you so much for your help.

Robin H.

10/26/2025

@MatthewN you're welcome. Unless they have changed it the EAZ-Lift should use a standard shank so that will work. The holes on the Equal-i-zer # EQ90-02-4600 are 3/4" in diameter and 1-1/4" apart so you can compare that to what you have now to make sure it will fit. A lot of people get caught up on needing a hitch extender, I completely understand why. Thankfully, the longer WDH shanks and ball mounts exist since they get around the 50% capacity reduction from your typical extender which presents its own problem.