How to Add Clearance so Truck Tailgate Does Not Contact Jack
Question:
Cut the rack tube. My issue is I need a short top side of the jack to insure my truck tailgate will open while hitched to my A-liner trailer and not contact the jack.This jack seems to be a perfect jack to customize the jack height while having enough lift to couple the trailer. Also, does the wheel detach.
asked by: James
Helpful Expert Reply:
Though I cannot recommend cutting the Bulldog Rack-and-Gear Jack with Steel Wheel BD165311, which measures a total of 23-1/2 inches when fully extended (the wheel does not come off), there is another option, the Ultimate Trailer Jack - A-Frame - Topwind - 27-1/2" Lift - 2,000 lbs # 322-RDJ-2K. This jack measures just 7-1/4" from the trailer frame to the top of the handle when fully retracted, which should be enough for you to lower your tailgate.
The other option, if that does not work, is to use a ball mount with a long shank.
For example, the Brophy Ball Mount # BM20 measures 13-1/4" from center of hitch pin hole to center of ball hole and has a 2" drop or 3/4" rise. There is also the Curt Ball Mount # D-28 which is 14-1/4" from center of hitch pin hole to center of ball hole and has a 6" drop or 4" rise; both of these ball mounts fit in a 2" hitch receiver. To lock them to your hitch you can use the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # e98880.
Both of these ball mounts use hitch balls with a 1" diameter shank, such as the 1-7/8" Hitch Ball # 19260, 2" Hitch Ball # 63845 or 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # 63847.
I have added links to video reviews for you to check out as well, and if you let me know how much length and rise or drop you need I can try and find the best option for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Brophy
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 14-1/4" Long - 6,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 6 Inch
- Rise - 4 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Long Shank
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Standard Pin Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Chrome
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Flush Pin
- 2-5/8 Inch Span
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Ultimate Trailer Jack - A-Frame - Topwind - 27-1/2" Lift - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Jack
- Car Hauler
- Enclosed Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- A-Frame Jack
- Leveling Jacks
- Tongue Jacks
- Steel
- 1001 - 2000 lbs
- Topwind Jack
- 28 Inch Lift
- Bolt-On
- Weld-On
- With Rectangle Foot
- Ultimate Jack
more information >
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