17 Footer Hitch Height

Thane · 03-09-2009, 08:53 PM

I'd appreciate if someone would measure the height of the hitch on a 17 footer. This is the distance from the ground to the top of the ball hitch. I have a new tow vehicle that I need to set up but my trailer isn't stored on a level spot so I can't accurately measure this dimension.

Thanks for the help.

gbaglo · 03-09-2009, 09:12 PM

Mine is 22 1/2 inches, but I have the high lift axel.

baglo

Lynn T · 03-09-2009, 09:15 PM

The info I've been sent says top of ball @ 19".

Thane · 03-10-2009, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the info. I'll post my height after I measure it. I have a high lift axle as well.

gbaglo · 03-10-2009, 09:15 PM

And you can spell.

baglo

SlvrSt8Steve · 03-24-2009, 06:44 PM

Thought I'd piggy-back a question onto this thread...

1. Just purchased jeffz's 17' footer!!! We will be picking it up by the end of the week!
2. Trailer has raised axle, so I'm looking at 22.5" hitch ball ht.
3. Tow vehicle is a 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab w/ GVWR of 10,300 and a GCWR of 16,000.

I'm assuming I'm well within it's capabilities with the 17' plan b.

Question 1. Does anyone have the tongue load/weight for the 17' plan b?
Question 2. Will I need to install a equalizing hitch? Will it make the trailer tow better?

Thanks,
Steve

Jim Bennett · 03-24-2009, 06:51 PM

Steve, welcome to the site and congrats on your new trailer.

Someone else is going to have to help you with those specs though, you could email Tammy and Reace at Escape to find out too.

gbaglo · 03-24-2009, 06:56 PM

I'm towing a 17B with a RAV 4 with V6 and it handles the job easily. I bought the RAV because my Explorer had a 350 lb. rating on the bumper hitch and Tammy and Reace wanted 550 at least ( as I recall). I didn't want to spend money installing a new hitch on a 94 Explorer, so I got the RAV and a class III equalizer.

So, partly it depends on the tongue rating for your hitch, but you might also find the ride better with an equalizer. I've towed a short distance without using it and it's a bouncy ride, but then it's only a RAV.

baglo

SlvrSt8Steve · 03-24-2009, 06:58 PM

Of course... right off the website!!! I'm just to damn excited!
Escape 17' Specs

Total Length 17' - 8"
Body Length 13' - 8"
Total Height 8'
Exterior Width 6' - 8"
Approx. Dry Hitch Weight 250 lbs
Approx. Dry Axle Weight 1650 lbs
Approx. Total Dry Weight 1900 lbs
Interior Height 6' - 2"
Rear Bed / Table 49" x 77"
Front Bed / Table (Plan B)
Front Bed (Plan A) 30" x 77"
52" x 77"
Bathroom Size (Plan B) 37" x 24" x 67"

Thanks,
Steve

PGDriver · 03-24-2009, 07:02 PM

Welcome & Congratulations Steve

You will have no problems with the Tundra, I have a Tacoma.
The equalizer hitch is always nicer for towing.

gbaglo · 03-24-2009, 07:45 PM

I'd still contact Escape with the specs for your vehicle. I thought my 350 lb. tongue weight on the Expirer bumper hitch was enough ( reading that same 250 lb figure ), but they said I needed more.

baglo

SlvrSt8Steve · 03-24-2009, 09:43 PM

Called the local dealer, they say max. is 750 lbs. So there's plenty of capacity there, however, as you both mention, it will probably "feel" better when towing with an eq. hitch. Plus, we have the disadvantage of usually having a fair amount of wind here on the east side of the Sierras.

gbaglo · 03-24-2009, 11:07 PM

You'll have no problem.

I used to drag a tent trailer behind a 4 cyl. Expirer. Leaving a rest stop and taking the on ramp, I was full of tension, wondering if I could get up to speed and merge before the ramp ended in a rather large piece of concrete.

Taking the same on-ramp in the RAV V6 ( 269 hp ) with the Toad behind, I confidently hit the gas and was doing 110 kph and had to let off the gas so I wouldn't rear-end the guy already on the highway.

I've taken highway #1 to Hope from Vancouver several times. It has signs warning of cross winds. None that I noticed.

I used to fear semi trailers passing me, but no more.

You've got the truck and you've now got the trailer. Add the equalizer and peace will be with you.

baglo

Sandra L · 03-25-2009, 12:37 AM

Congratulations and Welcome Steve. I know you'll be very happy with it! I t has some good features that you'll surely enjoy. Where in the Silver state are you? I looked to the east today and saw snow capped Sierras; beautiful as usual. Are you getting it soon? As I saw it when it was being made, I have a special fondness for it. I know you'll watch out for it and give it good care.

SlvrSt8Steve · 03-25-2009, 10:14 AM

We live in lovely Reno, NV. I think I'll be heading over to San Jose, CA on Monday or Tuesday to pick it up. It's great to be part of the Escapee clan!

Steve

amirie · 03-25-2009, 11:09 AM

Congrats on getting your new Escape.
I know you will really enjoy it.. I am so looking forward to getting out in ours...

Jim Bennett · 03-25-2009, 02:03 PM

Steve, you gotta love the short wait between deciding, buying and picking it up. Looks like Jeff had done some nice things with it too. I am sure you will have no problems enjoying it.

SlvrSt8Steve · 04-01-2009, 11:46 PM

The wait is over, we've got her, "Lucky", sitting in our driveway. Installed a friction sway control device (no eq. equipment) at consignment dealership and she pulled beautifully from San Jose, CA to Reno, NV. We look forward to our trip in June/July to Chilliwack to meet up w/ Reace for a gaucho/bunk retrofit. Then we'll tour for a week or two... YEA!!! ;o)

amirie · 04-02-2009, 12:03 AM

Glad that you have her home..
Congrats

Jim Bennett · 04-02-2009, 05:25 AM

Congrats Steve.

What type of sway control did you use. Honda recommends not using an equalizer hitch for my Pilot, but does say to use sway bars if required.

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