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Old 09-21-2015, 05:32 PM   #1
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Towing Escape TA 5.0 with 2011 F150 5.5 bed?

Howdy folks. First post over here from Georgia. Me and DW been pulling a 2006 Casita SD for 8 years and looking to get some more room. We have 2011 F150 EB FX4 5.5 bed. Tired of climbing over each other in Casita and the Escape TA 5.0 really looks like the ticket. I've browsed through this site trying find anyone towing with a 2011 - 2014 F150 5.5 short bed. I like the idea of the B&W turnover ball with an andersen ultimate hitch to limit weight with second choice being companion but not sure about cab clearance. Anybody pulling with this truck and similar setup?

Thanks for any help, pics, suggestions,
J
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Old 09-21-2015, 05:47 PM   #2
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I believe Reace did simliar

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f2...html#post48917
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Old 09-21-2015, 05:56 PM   #3
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Thanks Bruce! Ive pm'd Reace.
J
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Old 09-21-2015, 06:25 PM   #4
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Welcome to the site.

A 5.0 TA is a great choice, one I recently made, and I am in the process of planning the build too, including hitches, though haven't really given them much though tye. I did have a 19 for over 6 years, so Escape trailers are not new to me.

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Thanks Bruce! Ive pm'd Reace.
J
I would suggest just emailing him at Escape. Not certain they follow PM's here very closely.
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Old 09-21-2015, 06:44 PM   #5
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Thanks Jim! I didnt realize he was with Escape. We've loved our Casita but really want the space and bigger bed.

J
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Old 09-21-2015, 06:54 PM   #6
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Thanks Jim! I didnt realize he was with Escape. We've loved our Casita but really want the space and bigger bed.

J
Yeah, Reace & Tammy Harmatuik are the owners of Escape. Goof folks to deal with, and fun to party with too.

What does J stand for, or is that what you go by?
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Old 09-21-2015, 08:09 PM   #7
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Quote:
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What does J stand for, or is that what you go by?
We're really friendly folk here. I'd really would talk to you by your name... J... am I supposed to call you Jay, John, Jadda... or something else?

Call me Donna D., I'll answer
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Old 09-21-2015, 08:40 PM   #8
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Jim..My name is actually just "J"....Lol. Like harry s truman, the s didnt stand for anything. Donna, Ive seen you on both casita forums. I get the same family-like vibe here as well. Donna, You liking your ta 5.0?
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Old 09-22-2015, 12:41 AM   #9
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The 5.5 foot box is workable, the 3.5L EcoBoost has lots of power and - if the truck is otherwise properly equipped - can handle the work of towing far more than any Escape. I suggest checking the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and resulting payload, since the way the truck is equipped (does it have the optional payload package?) is relevant to whether or not it can properly handle the pin weight.

The idea sounds promising - I hope it works out for you, J.
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Old 09-22-2015, 05:33 AM   #10
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Donna, You liking your ta 5.0?
Very, VERY much!
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Old 09-22-2015, 08:22 PM   #11
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Hi Brian,
My max truck payload is 1,312 lbs. I don't carry much in the truck besides DW, 2 small dogs, 20lbs of gear in back seat and roughly 100lbs of gear in the bed. My GVWR is 7,200lbs, max trailer weight is 9,600lbs and GCWR is 15,500lbs. Pulling a casita for 8 years, I have learned to trim down to necessary gear only due to small camper. The ecoboost is a strong engine. It pulls the casita like its not even back there. If the hitch weight of the TA 5.0 is 900lbs, add 225lbs of cargo and that leaves about 200lbs for a hitch. My concerns are: cab clearance using andersen ultimate hitch (but it only weighs 40lbs).....if i go with companion slider, the hitch weighs 200lbs.
I'm thinking I'll be fine... Just gotta find the best hitch set up!
J
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Old 09-22-2015, 08:25 PM   #12
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Donna,
How does your F150 handle the TA 5.0 compared to your Scamp?
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Old 09-22-2015, 08:39 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chattahoocheej View Post
Hi Brian,
My max truck payload is 1,312 lbs. I don't carry much in the truck besides DW, 2 small dogs, 20lbs of gear in back seat and roughly 100lbs of gear in the bed. My GVWR is 7,200lbs, max trailer weight is 9,600lbs and GCWR is 15,500lbs. Pulling a casita for 8 years, I have learned to trim down to necessary gear only due to small camper. The ecoboost is a strong engine. It pulls the casita like its not even back there. If the hitch weight of the TA 5.0 is 900lbs, add 225lbs of cargo and that leaves about 200lbs for a hitch. My concerns are: cab clearance using andersen ultimate hitch (but it only weighs 40lbs).....if i go with companion slider, the hitch weighs 200lbs.
I'm thinking I'll be fine... Just gotta find the best hitch set up!
J
You are neglecting to account for the weight of the passengers / dogs in your vehicle.
Passenger weight is considered part of the payload as well as any options added to the vehicle.
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Old 09-22-2015, 09:01 PM   #14
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Steve,
That total includes my 95lb wife and 10lbs of dogs. I dont have any extra options besides the fx4 package which is already taken into account by ford when they give max payload.
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Old 09-22-2015, 09:06 PM   #15
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Quote:
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Donna,
How does your F150 handle the TA 5.0 compared to your Scamp?
Honestly, about the same. I towed the Scamp first when the truck had less than 300 miles on the odometer. But, I also changed the axle on the Scamp and it runs 15" tires. Smooth ride. Ten Forward is a good match as well. But backing up... hummmm, I had the Scamp nailed! Ten Forward...
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Old 09-22-2015, 09:11 PM   #16
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Donna,
I towed a 5th wheel before the Casita and it was very different to back up...not nearly as responsive as a bumper pull. Takes some gettin used to thats for sure!
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Old 10-12-2015, 10:15 AM   #17
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Thanks for all the responses. I am starting get some good info. The B W hitch sounds pretty good but still looking.

Rick
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