Tow vehicle hatch hitting trailer jack?

[Jordan]

Does anyone have a problem with the rear hatch of their SUV tow vehicle (such as a pathfinder, a highlander, or a Santa Fe) hitting the top of the trailer jack when the trailer is hooked up? I am trying to decide between the power jack and the regular jack, but fear the hatch will hit the power jack. Does the regular jack sit lower? Anyone have this issue? Thanks.

[John in Santa Cruz]

does it just clip it? using a longer tow bar will give you more clearance. I need a 12" tow bar on my F250 so the tailgate will clear the jack. thats extreme, and I wouldn't suggest one that long on a crossover SUV as the longer tow bar increases the impact of tongue weight and somewhat decreases stability... these things aren't a problem with my F250 since it can handle 1200 lbs+ of tongue weight and is as stable as an express locomotive on the main line

[75thRanger]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

does it just clip it? using a longer tow bar will give you more clearance. I need a 12" tow bar on my F250 so the tailgate will clear the jack. thats extreme, and I wouldn't suggest one that long on a crossover SUV as the longer tow bar increases the impact of tongue weight and somewhat decreases stability... these things aren't a problem with my F250 since it can handle 1200 lbs+ of tongue weight and is as stable as an express locomotive on the main line

I have a F250 also, 2002 7.3l diesel 340K. My tailgate clears the power jack by about .25in. I have the pro series ETI installed WDH. I've not measured it but I don't think it's 12"

[cpaharley2008]

There is a removable jack accessory you can purchase to eliminate clearance issues. I have used one several years https://jack-e-up.com

[Iowa Dave]

The tailgate on the 2018 Highlander clears the power jack on the 2013 Highlander by about an inch when coupled by an Anderson WDH as long as the combination is reasonably aligned and reasonably level.
Jackknifed short, I don’t think it would clear or if parked on a dip. The 2012 Highlander with the 2010 19’ would not always clear the Pro-Tow WDH with the manual crank but
Usually would if parked on a campsite and leveled for camping. Hope this helps
Iowa Dave

[Rossue]

One of the advantages of the Pro Series or "equalizer"(as ETI calls it) WDH is that the ball is 2.5" farther away from tailgate. That allows me to open even at angles. I remember having to be square with the Andersen and it was a pain.

[h2owmn]

I have a 2018 Highlander with an E2 WDH and the power jack. As Dave says, the wdh means the trailer is a little farther back, and the height of the power jack isn't a problem.

[Jordan]

Thanks all - good info! I backed my Santa Fe SUV up to a 2017 E19 and tried it. The hitch hits the power tongue jack by about 6 inches. I wonder if a manual crank would be closer to the ground?

[tractors1]

One can also buy shorter electric jacks if that would help. I had ETI put a shorter one on my 21. Shorter stroke on the lift, though - jack sticks up about 4-5 inches less.

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by tractors1

One can also buy shorter electric jacks if that would help. I had ETI put a shorter one on my 21. Shorter stroke on the lift, though - jack sticks up about 4-5 inches less.

This is great info - likely what I will pursue with ETI. Thanks!