18" Equal-i-zer Shank - Hitching with Tailgate Down?

[mrgrim007]

Trying to figure out if we can hitch our trailer (on order) to our '14 RAM 3500 with the tailgate down, using an extended shank.

Our tailgate will need to be completely down when hitching - we carry a side by side in the bed.

Looks like the ball will be just at the end of the tailgate, but not 100% sure. Just looking for someone who has done this and can give some insight.

Thanks

[philh]

rotate the jack 90 degrees. My tailgate cleared it when I rotated it. Holes were pre drilled, I just had to tab them.

[mrgrim007]

Lwiddis wrote:
Does the proposed extended shank have sufficient rating for the weight of your TT?

The 18" shank is rated for up to 1,400 lbs tongue weight, should be plenty.

[mrgrim007]

mr_andyj wrote:
Also, do you have that stock class III Mopar receiver hitch? It might work, it might crack. Mine cracked and I put a class V on. A class IV would have done it but the V was just a few dollars more. They will take more tongue weight.

It's a 2.5" hitch, so it should be fine. I think it's a class V. I ordered the 18" shank (rated for up to 1,400 lbs tongue weight). I'll probably order the Jack-e-up as well.

[mr_andyj]

Also, do you have that stock class III Mopar receiver hitch? It might work, it might crack. Mine cracked and I put a class V on. A class IV would have done it but the V was just a few dollars more. They will take more tongue weight.

[mr_andyj]

I just answered this same question a few days ago. Try checking the "search" function first before posting...

Yes, the answer is yes. That is what those extension shanks are made for. 18 inches should do it.

They are not made for a super heavy trailer, for that you need a Super Truss.

See the Truck Camper forum section, as almost all truck camper guys who tow will be using something as most TCs are about tailgate-down length.

It works just fine with no issues at all.

[Huntindog]

mrgrim007 wrote:

TurnThePage wrote:
I have the extended shank which gives me a couple inches of clearance from the electric jack. It appears that I could get away with most turns with the tailgate down. But not ALL turns. If you put the rear tires of the side by side on wood blocks, could you raise the tailgate say half way? They make adapters for that purpose.

Don’t think the wood blocks would help. About half the tire sits on the tailgate.

We’re thinking the 18” shank, the Jack-e-up, along with removing the propane tanks while we travel would work. A bit of an inconvenience to remove those items, but worth it to be able to take the sxs with us.

Get some 2x6s long enough so that the front and rear tires can sit on them. Then strap it down real good.

[lane_hog]

mrgrim007 wrote:

Thanks. Do you have the extended shank?

Nope. I couldn't tow my trailer with one because of the weight I'd have to shave off.

Can your ramps be positioned to help bridge the rear wheel? Is there perhaps a hard point up on the frame you could block up on and not have to rely on the wheels for support?

Maybe try one of those fifth wheel tailgates? I had one back in my fifth wheel days, and the ones with louvers aren't going to hold any weight, but Stromberg Carlson makes one from steel tubing that looks like like it could support *some* weight and may provide enough clearance for the shank & jack.

https://www.etrailer.com/Tailgate/Stromberg-Carlson/VGM-07-100.html

You could also check with a fabrication shop and see if they could make a half-gate that would support the tire, fit into the pocket, and latch onto your cable pegs...

[B-n-B]

Some interesting solutions here:

https://www.utvguide.net/utv_transport/

[mrgrim007]

TurnThePage wrote:
I have the extended shank which gives me a couple inches of clearance from the electric jack. It appears that I could get away with most turns with the tailgate down. But not ALL turns. If you put the rear tires of the side by side on wood blocks, could you raise the tailgate say half way? They make adapters for that purpose.

Don’t think the wood blocks would help. About half the tire sits on the tailgate.

We’re thinking the 18” shank, the Jack-e-up, along with removing the propane tanks while we travel would work. A bit of an inconvenience to remove those items, but worth it to be able to take the sxs with us.

[TurnThePage]

I have the extended shank which gives me a couple inches of clearance from the electric jack. It appears that I could get away with most turns with the tailgate down. But not ALL turns. If you put the rear tires of the side by side on wood blocks, could you raise the tailgate say half way? They make adapters for that purpose.

[mrgrim007]

Maybe I could swap the propane bottles and battery? Move the propane to where the battery would normally be - give me some more clearance.

[TomG2]

Lwiddis wrote:
Does the proposed extended shank have sufficient rating for the weight of your TT?

Reese says to derate the hitch 50% when using an extension and I agree with them. Some don't.

[mrgrim007]

lane hog wrote:
Remove the gate. You're asking for trouble with it down.

My tailgate doesn't clear my power jack, and even with a Jack-E-Up, the gate would crunch into my propane tanks on a turn...

Disconnecting my tailgate with a camera and power locks takes about a minute... 10 seconds to disconnect the cables, ~10 seconds for me to crawl under the bumper, 10 seconds to disconnect the wiring harness for the camera, 20 seconds to get back up (takes twice as long these days...), and then another 10 seconds to pop it out of the hinge pockets.

Thanks. Do you have the extended shank?

[lane_hog]

Remove the gate. You're asking for trouble with it down.

My tailgate doesn't clear my power jack, and even with a Jack-E-Up, the gate would crunch into my propane tanks on a turn...

Disconnecting my tailgate with a camera and power locks takes about a minute... 10 seconds to disconnect the cables, ~10 seconds for me to crawl under the bumper, 10 seconds to disconnect the wiring harness for the camera, 20 seconds to get back up (takes twice as long these days...), and then another 10 seconds to pop it out of the hinge pockets.