5.0 Tow vehicles?

[SandBuzzard]

I have pretty much completed my build sheet for my 5.0TA but I am agonising over 2 issues: (probably more in reality) the high lift axle and the hitch. Thank goodness for the forum and all its experienced people. I have a 2013 F-150 FX4, Supercab, 6.5' box 3.5 EB. I understand the payload issue, but I do not want to get the high lift axle because I wish the COG to be as low as possible - even 2.5" lower is better for me, nor do I want the front end of the trailer pointing up to the sky. Obviously level is good. But my top of box side is 57.3" according to the specs I can get my hands on. Escape indicates anything over 56.0" requires the high lift axle (yes lift kit). I am overseas right now and can not actually measure the box sides. Any advice would be appreciated. Now for the hitch. My gut says I prefer the purpose built robustness of a 5th wheel. I know Andersen's are lighter and more versatile, but is there any height difference of a 5th wheel versus an Andersen at the pin? Any positive or negative impacts to the top of box side issue for either hitch type? Again appreciate all your comments. Thank you.

[frank_a]

Originally Posted by SandBuzzard

my top of box side is 57.3" according to the specs I can get my hands on. Escape indicates anything over 56.0" requires the high lift axle (yes lift kit).

I simply cannot imagine a truck with a nearly 5 foot high box side. That's because I would think Escape means height inside the box?

We're going Andersen Ultimate with a flip-over ball in the bed for convenience.

Best of luck to you!

Frank

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by frank_a

I simply cannot imagine a truck with a nearly 6 foot high box side. That's because I would think Escape means height inside the box?

We're going Andersen Ultimate with a flip-over ball in the bed for convenience.

Best of luck to you!

Frank

Hi: frank_a... The critical measure is from the ground to the top of the box rail at the rear axle. The truck needs to tuck under the trailer with enough clearance for movement. Our 5.0TA is lowest as the measure is 47" for the Frontier. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Chotch]

When ordering my 5.0TA I contacted ETI because I had the same concern, you should email them. My truck @ 55.5" was suggested stay with standard trailer height. I seem to remember 58" being the upper limit but an email from ETI will set you straight

[Chotch]

As to hitch, I have the Anderson and love it. Out of truck in 3 minutes and I can lift it 1 handed. Has 3 height positions and rated for trailers 4 times as heavy as my 5.0.

[SandBuzzard]

Thanks Chotch