Suburban: Clearance for Tailgate w/Airstream?

[redwoodguy]

I have a 2007 Suburban half ton with the automatic rear hatch. I can't open this when hitched to my current 18' TT. But, we are picking up a new 25' FC this Friday. I am wondering if the gate will open with the new Airstream?

[dznf0g]

I think you will be able to. I can with my 30' Classic.

[subfan1]

We have a Tahoe, 2008, and when we had the 19 bambi we could open the hatch. On another note regarding your hitch question in your other thread, because the tow hitch is mounted in the bumper rather than below the bumper you will need a drop shank to assure the rig is leveled. Hopefully your dealer knows about this issue with our GMT 900 SUVs.

[moosetags]

We tow Lucy ('05 25FB) with two different Suburbans, an '04 and a n '05. We have always been able to fully open the rear gate. We do tow with a Hensley which gives us some extra clearance between Lucy and the Subs.

Brian

[redwoodguy]

Ok - good news then. I would be a bit disappointed if I can't open the gate while hitched.

I do have a dropped stem for the receiver.

[Jack46]

In case, with a 2008 Suburban, I could not open the hatch with our Blue Ox hitch, but can now with the Hensley. It lengthens things about a foot - enough for the clearance. I'm with you, what a difference it makes to be able to easily access the back when hooked up.

[MrUKToad]

The tailgate on my Sienna is so big that I'd need to move the hitch back about two feet to accommodate it. Given that the aim of the game is to get the the trailer as close to the back axle of the TV as possible, I will be sticking with my non-opening tailgate....

[phbarnhart]

It's going to depend on your hitch. I have 25" Eddie Bauer and I'm using an Equalizer hitch and the tail-gate on my '10 Suburban hits the tongue jack controls. It seems, from reading the comments above, that with a Hensley (or, presumably a ProPride) you should be able to get it open.

[redwoodguy]

Originally Posted by phbarnhart

It's going to depend on your hitch. I have 25" Eddie Bauer and I'm using an Equalizer hitch and the tail-gate on my '10 Suburban hits the tongue jack controls. It seems, from reading the comments above, that with a Hensley (or, presumably a ProPride) you should be able to get it open.

Argh! It doesn't clear!

[dznf0g]

What hitch and shank?

This is a Reese dual cam with a 9"drop Equal-i-zer shank. Clears fine. Yukon XL in pic is same, dimensionally as a Sub.)

Note: must be pretty much in a straight ahead stance though. If in a turn....will not clear.

[Alumaholic]

From your posts, I have inferred that you may not be using a weight distribution hitch. ALmost any weight distribution hitch has a long shank that provides enough horizontal distance between TV and TT to allow lift gate clearance.

Please tell us which hitch you are using. Otherwise, we are all just speculating in the dark (illegal in some states).

[redwoodguy]

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

From your posts, I have inferred that you may not be using a weight distribution hitch. ALmost any weight distribution hitch has a long shank that provides enough horizontal distance between TV and TT to allow lift gate clearance.

Please tell us which hitch you are using. Otherwise, we are all just speculating in the dark (illegal in some states).

I am using the Equal-i-zer hitch. Just by eye I assumed it wouldn't open. But after seeing the pic of the Yukon, maybe I jumped to conclusions. I didn't want to have the gate get banged up hitting the jack post. Maybe this am when we hitch up to leave, I will give it a try.

[Antique Pedaler]

One can always have a welding shop fabricate a longer shank.

[subfan1]

You could always have the post head turned 45 degrees and have the controls on to the side for more clearance if you need it.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by redwoodguy

I am using the Equal-i-zer hitch. Just by eye I assumed it wouldn't open. But after seeing the pic of the Yukon, maybe I jumped to conclusions. I didn't want to have the gate get banged up hitting the jack post. Maybe this am when we hitch up to leave, I will give it a try.

If you have the power tailgate, switch it off and experiment by manually opening the hatch. This way you can learn how much of a turn is
ok without skinning things up.

[redwoodguy]

It definitely hits the jack motor. Too bad. Another 2" and I would have it.

[redwoodguy]

Originally Posted by subfan1

You could always have the post head turned 45 degrees and have the controls on to the side for more clearance if you need it.

I'm not looking at it right now...but this sounds like a workable idea! THX.

[Condo1]

Hi All, I’m picking up a 2019 Flying Cloud 28RBT next week and it just dawned on me that I may have a hatchback clearance issue. Does anyone know if it will open using an Eqalizer hitch with trailer attached? Thanks Condo 1

[StuartsDad]

Condo1, Chances are your Equalizer hitch shank is the standard 12" length, but they also make an 18" long shank, if you hatch doesn't clear with the 12". You can view pictures and measurements on etrailer.com. If 12" is not enough, but 18" to much, it may be possible to take an 18" shank, slide it further into your receiver and have an additional hitch pin hole drilled to get you somewhere in between.

[AlinCal]

Keep in mind lengthening the hitch does not help towing characteristics.