23 FB too close to truck to drop the tail gate

[Adiredneck]

KWN306, the missing piece of info here is your hitch (at least I missed it). What kind of hitch are you using? I used to tow our 27FB with a 2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins 4x4 8' bed using just an Equalizer hitch with plenty of clearance for the tailgate. But that might be the result of more room on the a-frame for a 27FB Classic vs your 23 footer. We upgraded this past year to a Ram 3500, but also added an AirSafe hitch to our Equalizer - which added another 10" of clearance. No sway or problems with that combo on the last two cross-country trips.

[upnorththree]

Originally Posted by KWN306

I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton 4x4 that I pull our 23 FB with. I can not let the tail gate down on the truck without it hitting the electric jack and damaging my truck.

I have hooked up my neighbors 2013 Ford F-150 Eco Boost and the problem is worse.

I have had two AS dealers look at my hitch set up and they say it is spot on and if I went with a longer shank I would have towing issues.

Is this a problem with all pickups with AS?

Wife and I are looking to upgrade our TV, but this is an issue for us.

I had a GMC 1500 and the tail gate was fine.
I purchased a RAM 1500 where the bed size is a bit taller and just tall enough to present the same problem you are experiencing. The gate hits the jack motor in the open position.
Solution - go online and select the ball shank of your choice. I had a 12 inch shank rated at 1000/10000 and I replaced it with an 18 inch shank rated at 1400/14000. Boom.
Both shanks are 2 inch, made by Equalizer, cost ~$175 for the 18 inch.

I have consulted professionals and their comments were the additional 6 inches will probably ADD control to what you already experience since you extended your wheel base with the new shank. So far, they are spot on.

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/store...-3-drop-7-rise

[Mtplsnt]

We had this same problem with our Ram. All you need to do is rotate the jack a quarter turn left or right. At least it worked for us.

[tjdonahoe]

2500 ram with Reese 54977 shank lets me open the tailgate with lots of room to spare, my 2" shank would also.....13 31' classic....

[slowmover]

Let's make this a non-existent problem. Load the truck bed differently, or the item in another location. Tons of options.

Shortest shank is best. Leverage against the receiver should be kept to a minimum for a number of reasons.

[rmkrum]

Engineering OverKill Version FIX:

Obtain and install a ProPride or Hensley hitch system.

Solves three problems:

1) moves trailer quite a bit further from rear of TV...

2) Pretty much eliminates the sway problem you may or may not have known about...

3) Makes your wallet a heck of a lot thinner, so you can sit in your seat more comfortably....

[Solus]

Slightly off topic but the rear hatch on a Suburban will also hit a 23D cylinder cover forcing a decoupling to access rear of vehicle.
Just sayin...