Question:
hitch mate he4045 extends out 12.5 inch, my tailgate from opening of rec hitch is 14 inch your site is recommend this item number. I have 2013 toyota tacoma or do i need he4037 and will this affect the weight distribution of receiver hitch?
asked by: Carmine
Helpful Expert Reply:
The HitchMate TruckStep Extendable Hitch Mounted Step # HE4045 referenced in your question extends an additional 12-1/2 inches from its original position, but this will give you a total distance of 18 inches to the end of the of the step from the hitch receiver. If you measured 14 inches from the opening of your hitch to the edge of the open tailgate, almost all of the step platform will completely clear the tailgate when extended. The step platform features a depth of right at 5-1/2 inches.
The HitchMate TruckStep XL Hitch Mount Step # HE4037 that you also mentioned features the same extension length, but with a greater depth of 8 inches on the step platform. This option will provide you with a better solution since a bigger platform will be available that clears the tailgate on your Tacoma. It has a weight capacity of 500 pounds and it will not affect the capacity of the hitch itself.
I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can also check out.
HitchMate TruckStep XL Extendable Hitch Mount Step for 2" Hitch - 11" x 8" - 500 lbs
HitchMate TruckStep Extendable, Hitch Mounted Step for 2" Hitches - 9" x 6" - 500 lbs