wm36
Oregon
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Joined: 06/20/2012
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We just bought a new to us 2010 Jayco Jay Flight 25RKS and are towing it with a 2012 F150 Ecoboost (6.5' bed, max tow). Last weekend was our first trip out. I found that I can't get the tailgate of the truck down if we are hitched up as it hits the tongue jack post. This is a pain because the dog (80 lb yellow lab) rides back there a lot - she gets too excited and isn't pleasant to have riding up front. It's hard to get her in and out with the tailgate only halfway down.
What are my options here? I see there are hitch extensions, what are the tradeoffs of using these? The TT is 8100 lbs GVWR, so there's a lot of weight on the tongue. Is a hitch extension an okay idea here? Any other ideas?
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TomG2
Central Illinois
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Joined: 03/07/2004
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I didn't want to use a hitch extension, so I moved the jack back a few inches. It took a couple of steel plates with a hole for the jack, but solved the problem. Easier than it sounds.
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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Joined: 02/14/2008
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How about a ramp for the dog to go up and down.
Something like this:
http://www.discountramps.com/dog-truck-ramp.htm
Use it from the side of the truck or with the tailgate up
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sljkansas
Miami Co. Kansas
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Joined: 09/28/2005
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Are you hitting the post or handle? If it is the handle, they do make one with a side handle instead of a top handle.
Like this.
Steve & Linda
Son married (1 DIL, 3 granddaughters 1 grandson)
Daughter can now be called a Teacher.
Miami Co. Kansas
2004 F350 CC dually 8ft bed 6.0 PSD
2009 Bighorn 3670RL
B&W under bed hitch with 18k companion hitch
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wm36
Oregon
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Tom, thanks that sounds interesting. I will look at the trailer and see how involved that looks.
Bear, interesting idea. Not sure how easy it would be to get her to use it, but I will keep it in mind.
Kansas, sorry I left out that it is an electric tongue jack. It hits the post of the jack.
Thanks for the ideas all. So far I haven't seen anyone recommend the hitch extension, so does that confirm my gut feel that it's probably not a good idea?
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Terryallan
Foothills NC
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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Take the tailgate off. It's easy. Put on one of the web gates.
Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
04 F150, 5.4, Lariat SuperCab
Lazy Campers
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mbopp
Henrietta, NY, USA
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What hitch do you have, and what length shank? Reese sells 10, 12, and 14" shanks but they're not exactly cheap for all they are.
I had the opposite problem - I didn't like the way the hitch stuck out so far from the bumper. I center punched a new hitch hole, and for $20 a local machine shop re-drilled a new pin hole and cut off the excess shank.
2013 North Trail 21FBS
2012 F-150 XLT Ecoboost ("EcoBeast") scab
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shakyjay
California
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Joined: 11/10/2006
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You can always just put a fifth wheel syle tailgate on. See them all time for sale fairly cheaply.
2007 Rockwood 8315SS
2004 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax Diesel
1999 Dodge 1500 5.9L Gas
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Your trailer is relatively small for the capacity of your truck. this is GOOD because you can buy an extended stinger for your hitch which will place the trailer further behind the truck and allow you to open the gate. Using an extended stinger however, will de-rate your receiver by a fair amount so it is only a GOOD option when you have some cushion to work with. Keep in mind that using the extension WILL have an impact on your ride comfort though.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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I bought a longer draw-bar to solve this same issue.
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
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