Recommendations For Allowing Trailer Jack To Be Able To Swing Up Without Hitting Ground

Question:

Here is my problem: If I could rotate the hitch so the tongue was on top I could get a couple more inches so I could easily swing up the jack, but if I did that I wouldn't have clearance from the spare tire to get the trailer hitch on and off. If the hitch were a little longer so that it stuck out past the spare tire I might make that work. I saw a hitch extender at Wal-Mart but it was much longer than I would want.

asked by: Bob S

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

There is a few options to get the increased clearance you need to raise your trailer so you can stow away your jack when not in use.

I recommend replacing the coupler with a standard a-frame coupler you would still be able to get the coupler off the hitch without hitting the spare tire as it would be the same height. With an A-Frame coupler like the # DM14791-97 installed this would raise the trailer a few inches so you could keep using your jack, or it has the holes for mounting an A-frame jack like the Bulldog Round, A-Frame Jack - Topwind - 15" Lift - 5,000 lbs # BD155032.

I do not recommend using a hitch extender as it will reduce the capacities of your hitch by 50% and will likely make it where you cannot tow your trailer safely.

You could however use the Brophy Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitch - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10,000 lbs
Item # BH20 which is 13-1/4" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole and will not reduce your hitches capacities so it would be able to clear the spare tire on your Jeep. This ballmount has a 6000lb trailer weight rating and a 600lb trailer weight rating, and takes a hitch ball with a 1" diameter shank. If your current hitch ball does not have a 1" diameter shank you will need 2" hitch ball # 40038.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.