Detection and mitigation system re tailgate to trailer hitch interference

A detection and mitigation system for interference between a vehicle tailgate or rear gate and a component inserted within a hitch receiver of the vehicle, comprising:

• a detector housing framework including a cap portion, a flexible bridge attached at a first end to the cap portion and at a second end to a receiver attachment portion, such that the receiver attachment portion secures to the housing framework to the receiver such that the cap portion can pivot between a first vertical position covering the internal cavity of the receiver and a second position at an angle offset from the first vertical position;
• a detector and a transmitter attached to or within the cap portion of the detector housing framework;
• wherein the transmitter is operably connected to or integral with the detector, the transmitter being configured to send a communication to an interference mitigator indicating that a potential interference condition exists;
• and
• the interference mitigator being mounted within a tailgate or rear gate of a vehicle electrically in series between the vehicle electrical system and a tailgate or rear gate lowering activator, and including a signal receiver configured to receive the communication from the transmitter, and further configured to prevent the activation of the lowering of part or all of a tailgate or rear gate of a vehicle.