Extended Ball Mount Option for Tailgate Clearance on a 2024 Ford F350 with 2 1/2 Inch Hitch  

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Expert Reply:

Paul, I completely understand wanting a little more clearance there because the last thing you want is the trailer jack contacting the tailgate on a brand new F350. A couple extra inches can make a huge difference when you are trying to drop the tailgate while hooked up, especially with the larger electric jack heads many newer trailers use.

The safest and cleanest way to gain that extra 4 to 5 inches of clearance is actually to use a longer ball mount instead of a hitch extender. We currently do not carry a true 2-1/2 inch to 2-1/2 inch extender in that shorter length, and in general I try to avoid recommending extenders when possible because they reduce the hitch’s effective tongue weight capacity by about half and add extra leverage through multiple connection points.

I think a much better option for your setup is the Brophy Ball Mount part # BZ20. It is designed for a 2 1/2 inch receiver and gives you a longer overall shank length that usually solves this exact tailgate clearance issue on newer heavy duty trucks. As long as the rise or drop range works for your trailer height, it is a really solid and reliable solution without introducing the extra flex and stress that extenders can create. Just keep in mind this ball mount uses a hitch ball with a 1 1/4 inch diameter shank. If your current ball does not match that size, you would need a different hitch ball like part # C69FR for a 2 inch ball or part # C40030 for a 2 5/16 inch ball.

This is one of those situations where getting the right setup makes towing feel a lot less stressful because you can finally lower the tailgate without worrying about denting it against the jack every time you hook up. What do you usually tow with the F350 when you need tailgate access?

expert reply by: Heather A

0

Paul B.

5/28/2026

My bad i guess didn't explain with enough detail...I tow commercial and have to use weight distribution bars from frame to tow head. I bought a new (longer) 2.5 hitch bar yesterday and will transfer myb14k head over to new bar. Thank you for effort though Paul