Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

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Mar 23, 2002 | 05:33 PM

Myvstar650

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From: Springfield

Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Mar-02 AT 06:34 PM (EST)]Folks,

I have a plan to haul my wife and I's motorcycles in the bed of my truck while towing the camper trailer. In order to put my bike into the bed I need to leave the tailgate down. The plan looked great until I hitched up the truck today and saw that I have about 1" clearance between the end of the down tailgate and the top of the trailer

Is there a diffent type of trailer jack that I can use? The current one is the standard model supplied with the trailer. If I could mount a shorter style jack (By about 2" or 3") I would have the clearance that I need.

Thanks for any ideas....

Mar 23, 2002 | 06:24 PM

Shannonm1

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Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

Maybe get a jack that swings horizontal. They work nice.

Mar 24, 2002 | 07:13 AM

sportscar

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Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

I have a car trailer that has the jack set back on one side of the A-frame to allow the tailgate to open. Take a look to see if you can move it back. Bolt it to one of the arms or have a block welded on.
Sounds like you have a light trailer. You might get by with U bolts. Check your local trailer shop, I found a small place that deals with travel type trailer service, real friendly and helpful.

Mar 24, 2002 | 06:31 PM

Petrol

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From: Virginia

Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

had this problem once, got some good rope and tied the tailgate up as high as it would go against the bikes rear wheel. When we got back and had more time I relocated the new (swinging) stand further back on the tongue

Petrol

Mar 25, 2002 | 08:17 AM

Myvstar650

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From: Springfield

Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

Just wwanted to let all you folks know taht you have been a nig help! I now have severalideas on how to fix the problem.

Thanks again!

Todd

Mar 25, 2002 | 10:36 AM

ranger pat

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From: Elk River, MN

Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

I had a similiar problem like this once and the solution was to use a draw bar about 8 inches longer to move the hitch ball and trailer rearward from the tail gate. Leave enough space to allow for sharp turns also. I fabricated the draw bar out of 2" tube stock.

Mar 25, 2002 | 07:33 PM

dpattonfl

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Clearance Problem Tailgate vs Trailer Jack

I've seen the extension tubes for sale in the J.C. Whitney catalog. They do reduce the towing capacity. Also, you will possibly need longer safety chains and wiring harness.