Hitch Extender

[Carlosrod]

Ok. The first thing I need to do is apologize because I'm sure this question has been asked over and over again, so just in case, I'm So, Sorry.

Here it goes. I pull my 23IKSS with a 2015 Dodge Durango. Yes, it's a Hemi. I have a WDH along with a Sway bar and all seems to fit like a glove and works well.

My question is "Has anyone or is anyone now, using a hitch extender along with a WDH?"

I keep hearing that a hitch extender with a WDH is No, No.

It's not a real big deal. It's just that every time I'm on the road and I have to let the dog out, I can't use the Durango rear hatch because it hits the electric jack. Thing is, it's only about a half inch clearance that I need to get the hatch open. I thought about turning the jack sideways, but don't want to drill additional holes into the frame. Once I turn the jack, the holes don't line-up. They know what they're doing, I tell Ya!!

It may sound picky, but sometimes it could be very frustrating.

Anyway, sounds like I'm venting.

[Mainframe]

I wonder if you could drill another hole in the truck reciever about an inch from the one you usually stick the pin through, that would get you the clearance.

[Pill Billy]

Look at this

http://jack-e-up.com


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[caper]

My question is "Has anyone or is anyone now, using a hitch extender along with a WDH?"

No you cannot use a hitch extender with a WDH. The extender has a Max hitch weight of 350lbs. and a towing weight of 3500lbs. They are meant to be used when using a slide in truck camper to two a small boat behind.

[ChooChooMan74]

You do not want to do that. You are creating more leverage on the tow vehicle by the trailer. I actually drilled a hole in my shank so I can get the ball closer to my axle. The 4 inches or so made a difference on the Jeep. Maybe come up with a different idea for the pup? We are lucky, as our pup weighs less than 4lbs.

Sent from my Samsung Note 4 using Tapatalk.

[bikendan]

NO NO NO!

For all the reasons mentioned above.

That's one negative thing about using SUVS for tow vehicles.

[rockfordroo]

Looks like the Jack-E-Up is about the same price at the hitch extender. I'd go with the Jack-E-Up.

[madmaxmutt]

Since it is only about 1/2" call the hitch manufacturer and ask them if there is anything you can do with their product. If that doesn't work look for a different W/D hitch that might give you that little bit extra.

[rockfordroo]

There are some other posts here about rotating the jack. Try doing a search.

[caper]

You could look at a different length shank.

[Mikewcrook]

Trucks have a similar disadvantage as SUVs as you cannot drop the tailgate on most without hitting the electric jack either.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Mikewcrook

Trucks have a similar disadvantage as SUVs as you cannot drop the tailgate on most without hitting the electric jack either.

I have an Ultra Fab 3500 power jack and had to turn the motor 180° so my Avalanche's tailgate could clear.

[Mikewcrook]

Wish I could do the same bikendan but my tailgate on my Ram still won't clear even if I turn it 180. Just a hastle I've learned to live with!

[Blackrock]

Hehehehehe I run the heck out of a 1 foot hitch extender with a WDH and sway control. How the heck do you think I can haul a Polaris ranger and leave the tailgate down. Am I crazy - you betcher bippy I am.

[OK3wire]

Carlosrod,

I had the exact same problem with my electric jack motor not clearing the tailgate of my GMC Sierra when I opened it. I came across a solution by pure accident. The dealer didn't install my WDH high enough on the L-shape adjustable shank that goes into the truck's receiver, causing the front end of the trailer to be about 6 inches lower than the back end when hooked up to the truck with the spring bars attached. When I raised the head one notch, it leveled the trailer and caused the electric jack shank and motor to be perfectly perpendicular to the ground. The slight change in geometry gave me just enough clearance to open the tailgate with the trailer still attached. I have an Equalizer WDH, so your results may vary but it's worth a try. Hopefully this will work for you. Let me know how it turns out. Semper Fi!

[Mikewcrook]

Thanks for the suggestion Carlosrod but even doing that won't buy me enough space for the tailgate to drop down. I need at least 3 inches for it to clear. No big deal. I have just gotten used to it over the years and make sure I load stuff into the back of my truck before I hookup and take stuff out after I disconnect. Plus my trailer is already level with the WDH hooked up. Thanks anyway!

[Bluemax542]

Hello

I had the same issue with my Ram and new trailer. My equalizer 4 sway control was to close to the electric jack motor. I called equalizer and a nice guy in service told me the correct shank to order. He even send a email with the part number. I found the part on Amazon for a great price.

[Mikewcrook]

Thanks Bluemax I may give equalizer a call and ask about it. I currently use an andersen WDH on my roo but use an older equalizer 4 pt WDH on my 25' utility trailer. I suppose I could switch them and order the longer shank. I will look into it. Thanks again.

[FordFan]

Originally Posted by Bluemax542

Hello

I had the same issue with my Ram and new trailer. My equalizer 4 sway control was to close to the electric jack motor. I called equalizer and a nice guy in service told me the correct shank to order. He even send a email with the part number. I found the part on Amazon for a great price.

Any Chance you have the part #? I have the same issue with my E4 and F-150.

[fella10]

been using Jack-E-Up for two yrs., works great and solved the problem of tailgate hitting the tongue jack,...plus by removing it when traveling, you will NEVER run the risk of leaving it down too low and suffering a bent shaft,.....yes, using it on an elect. jack would be a little different than on a manual jack,....but is very do-able,... would only require a plug installed in the wiring to make the unit removable,.....I would certainly give it a thought...........