dixie chopper rubbing lift gate on trailer

[BOBSTER31]

I am in the middle of buying a 2001 chopper. I took a demo out the other day for a test run and i love it. I was having problems with it rubbing my lift gate as i was pulling off and on the trailer. I have a 17 foot trailer. Has anyone had this problem before? I thought about raising the deck after i get the dc to clear the gate or welding a block of metal on the end of the gate to lesson the pitch of the gate. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks Bob

[Esby]

I think you are on the right track by adjusting the gate. Extending it to a longer length would also help this problem. I would advise away from altering your dixie, it just could lead to more problems. I like the idea of putting blocks under the gate, just as long as they aren't too high.

[lawnboy82]

Is your trailer hitch a ball or a pintle ring? Is your truck mount adjustable? See if you can lower the hitch on your trailer, and raise the hitch on your truck.

[EJK2352]

I had a problem w/ a mower getting hung up on the gate like you are having. I added a foot to the gate and it solved the problem. :) :( :) ED

[awm]

you might want to lay a couple 2by 6 down so the front castors cross them at the point where the deck is scraping. simple but it works.

[Turf Cutters]

I use a 4x4 block under each corner of the gate to get the DC on and off. I haven't hung it up since I started using the blocks.

[cclllc]

i have had the same prob.at one time or another depending on the terain.i have had to litterly pop a weelie go get it loaded.those dc's ride weelies pretty good too.just don't make it a habit.oh one more thing the striping chains got caught in the gate too.that was a mess.

[BOBSTER31]

Thanks for your replys i think i might try to extend the trailer gate a little with a metal plate

BOB

[mdb landscaping]

why dont you put the two blocks on each side of the gate, then make another little ramp that folds up like on enclosed trailers. i bet this would solve the problem great.

[Likestomow]

I have the same problem with my 60” dragging on the tailgate. The problem is occurring because my tailgate had bent from the weight of the DC going up and down. I must have a 2” sag in my tailgate, thus causing the deck to drag. It’s aggravating and to solve the problem temporarily I have put a piece of sheet metal across the top of the tailgate where it meets the trailer.

This winter I am going to saw little slits in the side rails of the tailgate to and bend it to have about a 3” bow (instead of a sag) and then weld it back up. I’ve seen other tailgates made this way and I think it is a good design.

[Eric ELM]

Another thing you can do is bolt a couple of 2X8's or 2X10's to the gate where your tires run up the gate. This lifts the mower up another 1 1/2" and takes the sage out of the gate. This will get you by until you can get it fixed the right way. ;)

[TLS]

Likestomow,

Flip the gate over! Then its shaped ideally!

[Davis TLC]

I have the same problem. I flipped the hitch over in my receiver on the truck so the drop is up. This winter I plan to add abot a foot to foot and a half to the gate then flip the hitch back over right. I have an 18 foot trailer.

[cclllc]

I have also found that if I load my dixies backwards they don't rub as bad.

[Likestomow]

TLS -- I thought about flipping it over, but the expanded metal would be on the bottom! Also I have a tailgate assist arm (Eric's design!) welded in place. I'm not sure too if the hinges would line up if reversed, so I'm just gonna hack it up and re-bend it. Thanks.