5.0 or not 5.0

[Not so Big Al]

All of the recent talk of trailer pin weights and the 1102 lb. load limit of my Frontier has me questioning my ordering of a 5.0, original model. I have run over the figures and keep thinking I've made the wrong decision...Help!!!

[Jim Bennett]

Other than layout, I am not familiar with the weights of the 5.0, but what is the hitch weight of it. 1102 lbs sounds like lots of allowed load to me.

[cpaharley2008]

Previously a member had their's weighed and it was 6-700 pounds, the spec's say 480 dry from factory. Assuming 650# would leave the owner 450# for passengers and gear exceeding the 80% rule. On the other hand the tandem axle may very well be less because of the forward axle carrying some load. I would discuss with Reace @ Escape his thoughts.

[FMLNM]

Our 2008 5.0 with empty tanks, 1 propane full and one partial, A/C and maybe 100 pounds of gear inside had a hitch weight of 720. The two other Escape 5.0 listed in the trailer weights table that someone is keeping were, if I recall correctly, were 680 and 780. I'd really like to hear if someone has a real world hitch weight less than 650....

I'd also like to know exactly what the configuration was for the website 480 hitch weight spec.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Not so Big Al

All of the recent talk of trailer pin weights and the 1102 lb. load limit of my Frontier has me questioning my ordering of a 5.0, original model. I have run over the figures and keep thinking I've made the wrong decision...Help!!!

Hi: Not so Big Al... At aprox. 700 lbs. actual pin wt. we have not had any problem towing with our Frontier. The non Escape mattress in our 5.0 is quite heavy as it is an 8" thick memory foam type. The one Escape now uses is a much lighter spring style.
Our truck squats about 1" when the trailer is hooked up, so I haven't even thought about any additional air bags or suspension alterations, after 3 years with this 5.0 & Frontier combo.
I think you're concern is real but unfounded!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Not so Big Al]

Thanks for your messages. There is still a lot to ponder over I guess. Thanks for your real world experiences.
Al

[jcrob]

I wieghed our 5.0 last fall. Most of our gear and clothing were in it, but no water and the fridge was empty.

Weigh #1 (truck and trailer)

• steer axle = 3400 lb
• drive axle = 3180 lb
• trailer axle = 2660 lb
• gross weight = 9240 lb

Weigh #2 (just the truck)

• steer axle = 3400 lb
• drive axle = 2440 lb
• gross weight = 5840 lb

The hitch weight is 3180-2440 = 740 lb. The trailer weight is 9240-5840 = 3400 lb. The steer axle didn't change at all with and without the trailer.

Regards,
John

[onetim]

I've moved some of the stuff I carried in the truck's bed including a propane stove, BAL leveler, chairs, chocks and block, and some tools to my 5.0 on the floor behind or over the axle. I'm even thinking about putting a small cargo box on the bike hitch receiver. I figure this will reduce the pin weight over the truck's rear axle.

The Frontier has plenty of power to tow the 5.0 but the pin weight (~700 lb.) and the cargo capacity of the truck (~1100 lb.) definitely limit what can be carried. I suspect that all of us towing any Escape with less than a full size truck have to be concerned with the tongue weight.

P.S. I checked Ford's website to see what the cargo capacity is for an F150 SuperCrew Cab 4x4 V6 with Ecoboost. Cargo capacity was 1300 — 1900 lb.
http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/payload/

[daveandsandyclink]

Hi Tim,
Have you thought about all that loose stuff sliding around inside your trailer while traveling? You could do damage to woodwork, flooring, and such. IMHO, I haven't found lack of storage in our 5.0 with just a few things put in below bed height.

[Not so Big Al]

I would like to thank you all for your input and especially StarGeezer who personally contacted me and told me of his deliberations on the matter. He even contacted the government weigh scales, something I had not thought of, and got their opinion. It seems we are going ahead with our choice of the 5.0 with more confidence. We will be removing the tailgate which was Reeces idea because of its weight and wind resistance.
Thank you all again.
Al

[onetim]

Originally Posted by daveandsandyclink

Hi Tim,
Have you thought about all that loose stuff sliding around inside your trailer while traveling?

I have a rubbermaid tote and a duffle bag that fit on the floor between the fridge and the sink. While there is plenty of room in the truck's bed I'm trying to keep some weight off the hitch pin. I also like the idea of keeping everything I need for the trailer in the trailer. It makes hitching up and hitting the road on a Friday afternoon a little quicker.