Tailgate Hitting the Coupler
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 206
Likes: 12
From: Rathdrum, ID
Tailgate Hitting the Coupler
Out of curiosity, what are you guys doing if anything about the the tailgate hitting the trailer coupler? I just set up my WD hitch and the trailer is 1/2" down in the front from level. With it set up this way the tailgate hits the coupler when its down. As of right now my only option would be to lower the ball mount down one hole on the shank so that the tailgate doesn't hit.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 655
From: Sioux Falls Area
If you do that, the trailer will be very low in the nose which can cause some serious handling issues.
Not a lot you can do.
1: you can lower the nose then use blocks between the axles and springs to lower the trailer the same amount so that it stays level.
2: put a body lift on the truck
3: deal with it the way it is and just don’t lower the tail gate when you are hooked up.
4: get a vehicle without a tailgate (large SUV)
slim pickin’s for options.
maybe I’m missing something?
Not a lot you can do.
1: you can lower the nose then use blocks between the axles and springs to lower the trailer the same amount so that it stays level.
2: put a body lift on the truck
3: deal with it the way it is and just don’t lower the tail gate when you are hooked up.
4: get a vehicle without a tailgate (large SUV)
slim pickin’s for options.
maybe I’m missing something?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,687
Likes: 12,812
From: Wyoming
I use option 3 above. But there is another option:
4. Use an extended length ball mount to put the trailer further away from the truck.
I think it's a lousy option and I wouldn't waste _my_ time pursuing it.
4. Use an extended length ball mount to put the trailer further away from the truck.
I think it's a lousy option and I wouldn't waste _my_ time pursuing it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 947
Likes: 144
From: Columbus Ohio
Out of curiosity, what are you guys doing if anything about the the tailgate hitting the trailer coupler? I just set up my WD hitch and the trailer is 1/2" down in the front from level. With it set up this way the tailgate hits the coupler when its down. As of right now my only option would be to lower the ball mount down one hole on the shank so that the tailgate doesn't hit.
DONT use an extender with a WDH! Your trailer when connected to your trailer should be level. Adjust the hitch so its level. If your tailgate hits the ball mount your SOL... dont have a fix for it, since I drive an Excursion. But the trailer is supposed to be level.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 668
From: DeMotte, IN
The trailer coupler is what goes on the ball. I doubt your tailgate is hitting that. It could be hitting the trailer jack. After you slam your tailgate into it 3 or 4 times, you will remember its there and won’t do that anymore. Only then fix the dent in your tailgate.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 655
From: Sioux Falls Area
the tailgate Of most pickups would hit the trailer coupler on my camper. The tongue is stupid high.
The hitch on my expedition is about 4” higher than most pickups and I have the ball raised up 3” from that to account for squat.
measure up from your hitch 7 inches ... I bet you are well into the tailgate.
The hitch on my expedition is about 4” higher than most pickups and I have the ball raised up 3” from that to account for squat.
measure up from your hitch 7 inches ... I bet you are well into the tailgate.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 947
Likes: 144
From: Columbus Ohio
the tailgate Of most pickups would hit the trailer coupler on my camper. The tongue is stupid high.
The hitch on my expedition is about 4” higher than most pickups and I have the ball raised up 3” from that to account for squat.
measure up from your hitch 7 inches ... I bet you are well into the tailgate.
The hitch on my expedition is about 4” higher than most pickups and I have the ball raised up 3” from that to account for squat.
measure up from your hitch 7 inches ... I bet you are well into the tailgate.
A squat of 3" ? What are you hauling with that much tongue weight? I had a 2003 Expedition without air ride so I know how they are... But 3" ? Sure you don't need a WDH, or load a little more weight on the back of your trailer?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 87
From: Olympic Peninsula
I have a 2019 F350 DRW with the rear view camera and just bought a 2019 Artic Fox 32A bumper pull travel trailer. Due to the way Ford designed the tailgate to accommodate the darn step it flares out and will hit the coupler/ball when the tailgate is lowered.... It is something that I am not happy about, but can work around it to have a great truck and trailer....
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I have a 2019 F350 DRW with the rear view camera and just bought a 2019 Artic Fox 32A bumper pull travel trailer. Due to the way Ford designed the tailgate to accommodate the darn step it flares out and will hit the coupler/ball when the tailgate is lowered.... It is something that I am not happy about, but can work around it to have a great truck and trailer....
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 655
From: Sioux Falls Area
the problem I was trying to illustrate is that the top of the coupler needs to be above the top of the receiver which is already 4” higher than it would be on most pickups.
as for me, my tongue weight was 1080 when I measured it on the scale. With the WDH hooked up I was returning a few pounds more than 100% of the empty weight to the front axle. I should go out and get some measurements that would help illustrate what I’m talking about.
this is a pic of my old truck on its last trip hauling the camper. Notice how the top of the ball is above the receiver by at least 2”. The tongue on this camper is really high. If not for the already very tall receiver on the expedition (in the bumper) it would be well into the tailgates of many pickups because it would have to be 6+ inches above the top of the receiver hitch. The tongue on the trailer is at the same height as the camper frame, not below it like many are. If the OP is like mine, I can see how it would be a problem.
