Will HitchMate Extendable TruckStep # HE4045 Clear Spare and Tailgate on a 2017 Ram 1500

Question:

Will the HitchMate Extendable TruckStep # HE4045 Clear Spare of 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab with 5.7L Hemi? Will the extended step also clear the tailgate when open/down?

asked by: George

Expert Reply:

On the HitchMate Extendable TruckStep # HE4045 you will need to look at some measurements and compare them to your 2017 Ram 1500 to determine fit. The long arm with the step on it extends back under the vehicle about 22 inches from the face of the hitch receiver and hangs down about 1-5/8 inches from the bottom of the receiver. With those measurements you will be able to determine if the spare tire would be an issue.

With the step pulled all the way out it will measure about 13 inches from the face of the receiver to the start of the step so it probably won't stick out far enough to clear a lowered tailgate.

Another option, if your truck has a single exhaust pipe, is the Bestop step # B75306. When retracted it will stick out from the side of the lowered tailgate some.

Or you might like PortablePET Twistep Hitch Step - Full-Size Trucks - Rotating - 2" Hitches - 400 lbs Item # HE3045. It extends way out to clear the tailgate.

expert reply by: Michael H