Question for those towing with pickups

[paiceman]

We run the following set up:

F350 6.7 Diesel Crew.
Leer Topper
6'9" Bedslide
2017 30' Classic - prior 30'FC
Equalizer Hitch set up

Now, there is NO issue opening the tailgate while hooked up. About 1.5" of clearance. Now an interesting point is that we used to have an F150 and we could NOT open the tailgate without hitting the jack motor housing. At first it was a puzzle, but we had sold the F150 to the people across the street so I measured the tailgates of both his F150 and my F350, much to my surprise the bed of the F150 is significantly deeper than the F350, so the tailgate is wider as well. This was a 2012 F150 and we have a 2015 F350, so not sure what the 2017 or 2018 models will be like.

Then you can always turn the hitch jack sideways if for some reason it does hit on your set up. But, suggestion is turn the motor, not the whole shaft.

[Ponyfvr]

We have a Ford F 250 and a Husky hitch and have no problem opening the tailgate

[Mollysdad]

Since the jack post has 3 bolts, I'd think turning the entire jack would demand 120 degree increments. In other words, you can't turn it sideways. But turning the motor head is possible, and many do.
That only counts if you're straight. If you turned to back into your spot, all bets are off. I'd consider a small length of pipe insulation held with cable ties on the jack post as cheap padding just in case.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

So it seems like it is more of a hitch setup issue than a trailer issue. We rented a trailer this week with a Blue Ox Sway Pro and the tail gate would only open part way before hitting the jack. F-350.

Hi

I think that a big fat power jack vs something a bit smaller likely is another variable in the mix. A power jack mounted with the "long axis" left / right would be a third thing in the mix.

Bob

[Antique Pedaler]

Get the hitch setup of your choice. First option if the tailgate won't clear is to turn the hitch jack to the side. If you need more space obtain a longer shank that goes into the receiver.

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

Can you open the tail gate while hooked up, or does it hit the jack? We are planning to use the bed of our F350 with topper for storage, would be nice to be able to open the tail gate when hooked up to the trailer.

I have no problem opening the rear gate with our F-250, also with our previous F-150. Using a Blue Ox hitch however that really shouldn't make a difference.

[TRizzuti]

I'm using an equalizer and cannot drop tailgate.

[TBRich]

19' Bambi | Equal-I-Zer Hitch | 2016 Tacoma ... no problem opening the tailgate while hitched.

[GammaDog]

No for a 2014 Tundra pulling a 2014 25' FB with an Equal-I-zer

[OriginalMrT]

2500HD GMC Sierra with Blue Ox the tailgate opens fully no problem.

[pappy19]

I use an Equalizer on my 2008 F250 and I can open my tailgate, but I also have Firestone air bags set at 60lbs. to hold down the interstate hop.

[HeltzelEricE]

Depends on the trailer and truck. We have an F250 with a 3" lift and the tailgate opens fine with our '94 34' Excella.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by GammaDog

No for a 2014 Tundra pulling a 2014 25' FB with an Equal-I-zer

Does it hit the motor housing or the post? I have almost the same setup and am curious. Would turning the motor head sideways cure the issue?
I think the Tundra tailgate is a bit taller since it has 23" of height in the bed.
I think not being able to open the tailgate to be a major pain. I'd get a longer shank by an inch or two. I don't think drilling another hole is feasible since they're solid and it changes the leverage inside the receiver.
I also can't believe there's much difference in Airstream A frames between models, e.g.. a 25' clears but a 27' doesn't.

I just visited the Equalizer web site to see the options, and in shanks the standard choices are a 12" long and a 18" long, both with a 3" drop and 7" rise (standard, I think)

So you'd gain 6" of length. That seems like a lot to me, as far as the torsion inside the receiver.

Curt makes one with a 14" length, more moderate. Same specs.

[us3rnam3]

2015 F150 2wd with Hensley hitch, no problem

[EarlM]

2015 GMC Denali equalizer and 30 ft Classic I can open tail gate

[SeaLevel]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Since the jack post has 3 bolts, I'd think turning the entire jack would demand 120 degree increments. In other words, you can't turn it sideways.

Yes, there are 3 holes in the frame where it gets mounted, but on my jack at least, there are extra holes provided so that you can turn it 90 degrees sideways. It's designed that way so that you can turn it if required to clear the tailgate.

[PVStreamer]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

Can you open the tail gate while hooked up, or does it hit the jack? We are planning to use the bed of our F350 with topper for storage, would be nice to be able to open the tail gate when hooked up to the trailer.

Had the issue when I changed from a 2500 Suburban to my current Ram 2500 Cummings. Rebuilt the hitch using a prefab 14" draw base with adjustable height. Now no problem dropping the tailgate as the added length from the truck allows the space. It also improves handling, especially backing with increased angle clearance before jack knifing. Easy and not expensive.

[NWRVR]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

So it seems like it is more of a hitch setup issue than a trailer issue. We rented a trailer this week with a Blue Ox Sway Pro and the tail gate would only open part way before hitting the jack. F-350.

2016 F350 and BlueOx. I can drop the tailgate if truck and trailer are straight.

[quietguy]

2017 GMC 2500HD, Denali; 25FB International, Equilizer hitch set up, tailgate opens with room to spare.

[tjdonahoe]

My 07 new 17 2500 ram with Reese duel cam, have lots of room...