High Lift Axle Pros and Cons

[Beaver]

We are now mulling over which options to order for our 17B/Rav4 combo. One query. The high lift axle would provide more clearance under the trailer for rough roads or roots on campsites, etc. but probably decrease gas milage. Does anyone have observations regarding this tradeoff based on their experience? Are there other variables? Many thanks!

[gbaglo]

I have the high lift axle. When I ordered the trailer I planned to get a Tacoma. Old Bag nixed that because she didn't think we could climb up into it in our old age. So we got the RAV, but still had the high lift on Toad.

I haven't studied it scientifically, but given the clearance on the RAV, I suspect that having extra clearance on the trailer really isn't necessary since RAV has to go over the terrain first.

It probably takes it's toll on mileage, but I think it's probably a plus for resale.

In other words. I haven't a clue.

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

I opted for the lift axle with the though of why not, I could likely need it some day. I drive lots of gravel roads, and a few dirt roads/trails, and have come nowhere near needing the capacity.

If I was to do it again, I doubt I would get it. The standard straight axle provides quite good clearance.

If you had a full-sized pickup and towed often to remote wilderness locations using lots of off-road trails, it would definitely be worth it.

[Garand]

I agree with the posters above. It's probably not necessary and it makes climbing in and out more difficult on sloping campsites.

Dave

[JeffZ]

Ditto: we got it and in hindsight we didn't need it and what it did was just create a higher wind profile..of course we're not off roading it either.. more typical roads and occasional dirt roads.

[escape artist]

Hi: Beaver... Having a full size pickup to shove under a 5.0 required a high lift axle. What wasn't thought out was it also affected the screen rooms ability to reach the ground from the high point in the roof. Something to do with "Mind over matter"!!! If you don't mind it doesn't matter.
Garand is quite right it also means the bottom step can be a doozie... too. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[shanngord]

We have the lifted axle and wouldn't be without it. When Reace originally quoted the price for it when we where in the building process I thought that the $105 was a mistake and would have paid much more than that.

What are you towing with? If your tow now and in the forseeable future is a four wheel drive with any clearance, the lift brings the trailer up to the same height (aprox.) as the truck.

We camp a lot of forest service sites and primitive campgrounds where rocks, root clumps, limited turnarounds, etc are common. Unless your future Escape is a "pavement princess", I highly recommend going with the high lift.

There are so many other factors in achieving maximum fuel economy that the difference in mpg lifted or non-lifted is probably minimal.

Our screen room (which we love as well - we are in mosquito country) does easily reach the ground.