tailgate issue...

[safari25-05]

We have an SUV with swing tailgate doors that don't get in the way getting into the back of TV while hitched up. Looking at the pickups with the tailgate that drops down to get stuff in and out of the bed while hitched, doesn't that tailgate get in the way? Plus...you must not be able to drop it down while hitched? Be neat if they had a split swing tailgate... I should design trucks, no wonder sales are down. Thanks for your feedback..

[SteveH]

I have a pickup, an '07 GMC EX cab, and yes the tailgate gets in the way. Basically, you can't drop the tailgate while the trailer is hooked up or it will hit the tongue jack. If you need something from the bad of the truck before disconnecting the trailer, you have to crawl or reach over the tailgate. However, that tailgate makes a great workbench, or even seating bench while it's down. Like everything else in life, nothing's perfect.

[reddogfox]

I have a 2007 GMC “New” Sierra Extended Cab pickup truck and use a Reese Duo Cam hitch and I can open the tailgate without hitting the tongue jack on my 20 foot Airstream. Possibly the hitch bar used on my rig gives a little extra room.

[DEITZ645]

We are able to drop the tailgate on our '06 GMC 2500 quad-cab with several inches of clearance between the gate and the tongue jack...But since I added our pole-ease flag pole holders that gap has closed considerably. Now if the rig is straight and in-line I have maybe 1/4" clearance, but I can still drop the gate.

[Phoenix]

2008 Tundra tailgate hits the hitch jack. So did our old 78 Chevy crewcab pickup.

[Minnie's Mate]

I had a 2005 F-250 and now have a 2008 F-250 and can lower the tailgate on either while hitched to our 30' Safari. I think the draw bar length really makes a difference. It is close to the Pole-Ez, but there is still at least an inch or more clearance.

[easyride]

I think it`s just the hitch,I`ve had the same WD hitch thru several TV`s and never a problem.Dave

[Bluto]

No problem with mine on Ford pick up or the 07 Chevy. Lots of room. Oh, I forgot I also had no problem with 02 Dodge pickup either so it must be the hitch set up that makes the difference.

[Ag&Au]

I would appreciate it if those that can open the tail gate, would post the make and model hitch they use. I have a Airsteam on order and am not sure if that will allow me to open the tailgate, but I sure can't do it with my Bigfoot. TV-Dodge 2003 Ram 2500. Hitch is a Equal-I-Zer. Thanks
Ken

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by safari25-05

We have an SUV with swing tailgate doors that don't get in the way getting into the back of TV while hitched up. Looking at the pickups with the tailgate that drops down to get stuff in and out of the bed while hitched, doesn't that tailgate get in the way? Plus...you must not be able to drop it down while hitched? Be neat if they had a split swing tailgate... I should design trucks, no wonder sales are down. Thanks for your feedback..

Another advantage to using a Hensley!

Brian.

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by w7ts

I would appreciate it if those that can open the tail gate, would post the make and model hitch they use. I have a Airsteam on order and am not sure if that will allow me to open the tailgate, but I sure can't do it with my Bigfoot. TV-Dodge 2003 Ram 2500. Hitch is a Equal-I-Zer. Thanks
Ken

My drawbar /hitch head is a Reese brand that I bought many years ago. I don't have any idea about a model number but if you look at what Reese has to offer I'm certain you'll find what you need. The Dodge truck that worked with my set up was a 2002 Ram. The other TV was a 84 Ford f250 and now the Chevy is a 3500.
Hope this helps.

[Ahab]

We don't have a problem. Our tailgate can swing or fold down.

[Minnie's Mate]

2005 F-250 and, currently, 2008 F-250 with Equal-I-Zer brand hitch with the 1,000 LB head and bars.

[Gene]

It depends on the hitch, the height of the tailgate, the distance of the tailgate from the hitch receiver, phases of the moon, temperature (I guess the tailgate could expand in hot weather), and luck.

With an Equalizer and an '07 Tundra double cab, we can lower the tailgate. If the truck is at a severe angle to the trailer, we can't.

Gene

[azflycaster]

I can lower the tailgate on my 07 Tundra with a Reese hitch as well. With my 03 Tundra I had a few more inches of clearance.

[mojo]

You can get a tailgate replacement designed for fifth wheel trailers that has a dip in the top center of the gate. That should clear the jack on your trailer. May be better than a hitch extension or a new truck!

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by mojo

You can get a tailgate replacement designed for fifth wheel trailers that has a dip in the top center of the gate. That should clear the jack on your trailer. May be better than a hitch extension or a new truck!

However it would be kind of tuff to get the topper back glass to seal to it.