Towing with a pick up truck.....

[cpaharley2008]

For those who tow their trailer with a pick up truck and find that they can not open their tailgate while hooked up, there is a solution. I purchased one of these
Jack-E-Up Jack-E-Up
and installed today, took about 15 minutes. I can now use a standard stinger or my Andersen set up and still open my tailgate. Some pictures of the install, later will post after hook up.

[cpaharley2008]

two more, notice I had to notch the cover.....

[cpaharley2008]

Hook up pictures will follow.

[Loren & Cathy]

I don't quite see how that works. Does that allow you to lower the tailgate without unhitching the trailer? Are the LP tanks still that far forward even if you don't have the storage box? Cathy voiced a concern about the tailgate when we were looking at the trailers as the pickup box is the main cargo hauler on trips. Loren

[Cypherian]

Originally Posted by Loren & Cathy

I don't quite see how that works. Does that allow you to lower the tailgate without unhitching the trailer? Are the LP tanks still that far forward even if you don't have the storage box? Cathy voiced a concern about the tailgate when we were looking at the trailers as the pickup box is the main cargo hauler on trips. Loren

If I understand the web page you turn the jack a bit and lift it right out, since the trailer is hitched .. I HOPE at that time lol it is not needed.

Cypher

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by Cypherian

If I understand the web page you turn the jack a bit and lift it right out, since the trailer is hitched .. I HOPE at that time lol it is not needed.

Cypher

One can only turn and lift the jack out when the trailer is hitched and the jack is not being used; when it is supporting the trailer, the jack itself is pressed against the upper plate preventing removal.

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, this allows the removal of your jack, a major obstruction to your tailgate, lift gate, hatchback, once you are hooked up and the jack is no longer needed. Easy on and easy off.

[santacruzer]

I had the tailgate problem when I tried to use the Tundra to tow the 17. That tailgate is huge. It was the crank handle that got in the way with me. I ended up buying a longer ball mount, but that poses its own different problems. I may not have the problem when my 19 arrives, since I ordered the electric tongue jack, but it's nice to know there's solution. I watched their video a week ago.

[cpaharley2008]

I'm sure you will still have the same issue with the 19, I did!

[cpaharley2008]

I tested this product last week and it works flawlessly. Removal of the jack while hooked up allows easy access to the truck bed for last minute loading. Upon arrival at the cg you just slip it back into the slot, turn a 1/3 of a rotation and the bolts line up for lowering the jack to unhitch.
A simple solution to a common problem.

[Cypherian]

Hey,

Jim I can open the tail gate on my Tacoma with the 19 hooked up so just a note to check to see before investing in a new tongue jack.

Cypher

[santacruzer]

I decided the simpler solution was to order the electric tongue jack! No handle to get in the way and we don't need to crank anymore.

[cpaharley2008]

Robert,
You may want to check your clearance, I had the same issue on my 19 and the electric jack's motor head was the same size as the manual jack. I had to purchase an extended stinger which I do not like using due to it's towing complications. Your tow tailgate maybe ok, but for me this solves my problem and I can use the smaller Andersen or regular stinger.

[santacruzer]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Robert,
You may want to check your clearance, I had the same issue on my 19 and the electric jack's motor head was the same size as the manual jack. I had to purchase an extended stinger which I do not like using due to it's towing complications. Your tow tailgate maybe ok, but for me this solves my problem and I can use the smaller Andersen or regular stinger.

Thanks. I'll double-check it with Reace. I think I only need to save about 1/2"

[grc]

I want to keep this in mind for truck towing. Installation is simple. Trailer jack can ride in the pickup bed when hitched or towing. Quick and simple to insert the trailer jack when ready to unhitch and support using the trailer jack.

Looks like a good product.

[grc]

cpaharley2008,

you might be interested in this trailer hitch from Australia and used by the Gall Boys as they tow their KEDRON caravan

youtube video McHitch off-road auto-coupler (auto coupling trailer hitch)

OFFROAD McHITCH AUTO-COUPLER OFFROAD CARAVAN COUPLING - GALL BOYS - YouTube

[Jubal]

I am using a ball adapter that is 2" longer than than the standard. This allows me to fully open the tail gate to access the bed on the 2012 Tundra when hitched. I do not use a WDH or sway control and have not experienced any negative towing characteristics. I am looking at the Dexter sway control made by Tuson.

[cpaharley2008]

Bob,
With the Jack E Up you can use a standard shorter ball adapter, The closer to the rear end the better it will tow and you will be able to open the tail gate. I just got this one yesterday, it is a 4" drop, 750/7500 lb capacity.

[Wanda2]

Jim - Camping World has the jack-e-up for sale online for $40.00 but they don't say whether it is the top-wind or side-wind model. I see that Jack-e-up themselves sell two different models. Where did you buy yours, and did they offer both models? Thanks

[cpaharley2008]

You want the side wind model, as if it were permanently mounted. The top wind models appear to be narrower and taller vs the shorter, wider side wind jacks. Side wind is the way it came from ETI so that is what you want. Figures it goes on sale after me buying full retail....!!!