Pickup tailgate and tongue jack

Bert

I have a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. What is the best mod that will allow me to lower the tailgate to get into the truck bed when our 2016 Tab Outback Max S is attached?

DurangoTaB

We have a 2012 Tacoma and a 2014/15 Maxx S T@B.  With the stock tongue jack cranked down, the tailgate just misses the jack handle. But with the truck turned even slightly, the jack handle gets in the way.  When I discovered the stock jack didn’t retract enough up to clear some deep dips I replaced the jack with a top mounted model from eTrailer...works great!  Some folks have installed a removable jack, but that was too much hassle and another thing to store for me.

Sharon_is_SAM

We have the removable jack plate from the Teardrop Shop and it is easy and works well.  

easttntab

I bought a Reese 10 inch extension for my 2017 Tacoma. Works great and does not affect handling at all.

JimEngel

We find the Fulton folding wheel very effective. It is robust and the larger wheel is helpful on gravel or other rough surfaces.

Dalehelman

One of the members of the forum makes an excellent tongue jack mod. It is sold through the 

Dalehelman

easttntab said:

I bought a Reese 10 inch extension for my 2017 Tacoma. Works great and does not affect handling at all.

Have you checked to see how much your tongue weight capacity has been reduced?

blackoaktree

I have a Tacoma and got this from the teardrop shop.
https://teardropshop.com/collections/trailer-parts/products/jack-e-up?variant=17483137221
Its easy to install and you can leave the tailgate down and do full turns without the tailgate getting smashed.

Bert

DurangoTab--which etrailer top mounted jack did you install?

DurangoTaB

Got this one fbecause it raises up almost all the way to the top...
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer_Jack/Bulldog/BD155033.html

etrailer has a BUNCH of different models to choose from, so you have to read the spec details carefully.  BTW we have our spare mounted on the tongue...limiting our options a little.

Bert

Thanks, DurangoTab. My options for a side mount are also limited. I don't completely understand why the top-wind jack helps resolve the problem of the tailgate hitting the trailer hitch. Is the distance from the trailer's A-frame to the top of the top wind jack several inches shorter than from the A-frame to the top of the standard jack?

RollingBnB

I bought an extended stinger with a 6" drop for my truck so I can open the tailgate. Those hitch extenders cut your tow capacity in half.

Ratkity

I bought an extra long hitch (from etrailer) that was 16" long from top of the ball to the hitch pin. It dropped the towing capacity by 1000 lbs. Well, my truck can tow 7000# and I have yet to find a 2" ball that has over a 6000# capacity, so I was ok. The jack handle had to be move up and down a tad to clear the tailgate, but other people have moved the handle to the other side of the jack! I didn't bother. Worked great. 

Any extender will cause extra bounce and cut your tow weight in half. Try looking into the extra long hitch. If you can't find one, I have one sitting on floor with a bunch of other hitches I've collected over the years. I can send it to you for shipping.

Bert

Thanks, DurangoTab. I ordered the Bulldog jack and installed it (easy). The tailgate clears the jack by a tiny bit--enough.