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What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer With My Trucks Tailgate Down  

Question:

I have a 14 Sierra 1500 Z71 with a 5’8 bed. I’m hauling my Honda rubicon in the bed 600 lbs and am trying to determine what kind of trailer can I purchase to haul behind. Tailgate has to be down so I need an extender to attach my trailer. Need 12” of clearance

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Expert Reply:

There isn't really a special type of trailer you can use with a longer tongue to clear the tailgate. The best option is to use an extra long ball mount to clear the tailgate because extenders like Trailer Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # e88YR will cut the tongue weight capacity of your hitch in half. I recommend the Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches part # BM20 which is 13-1/4" long so you can clear the tailgate. This particular ball mount has a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. To figure out how much rise or drop you need to tow level with the trailer you will be getting you will need to measure from the top of Sierra's hitch opening to ground. Then measure from the bottom of the trailer coupler to ground. The difference between the two measurements is how much rise or drop you will need.

I recommend Tow Ready Hitch Ball # 63845 if you need a 2" ball. If you need a 2-5/16" ball I recommend Draw-Tite part # 63847. If you need a 1-7/8" ball, I recommend Draw-Tite part # 19260.

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