High-lift axel for Escape 19 and Jeep Grand Cherokee?

[Dave Whiting]

We are finalizing our build list for our Escape 19 and Crystal from ETI has asked if we want the high-lift axel. We will be pulling the trailer with a new Jeep Grand Cherokee with the factory trailer package and an Andersen hitch.

For those of you with similar combinations, what would you recommend? High-lift axel or standard axel on the trailer?

Dave

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Dave Whiting

We are finalizing our build list for our Escape 19 and Crystal from ETI has asked if we want the high-lift axel. We will be pulling the trailer with a new Jeep Grand Cherokee with the factory trailer package and an Andersen hitch.

For those of you with similar combinations, what would you recommend? High-lift axel or standard axel on the trailer?

Dave

Now that is interesting. Do you mean the email says it or did Crystal ask specifically? Reason I ask is that when I was at ETI last week, Crystal said there is no "high lift" axle option anymore on the 19 -- its standard equipment. The email is just standard boilerplate sent to all future owners.

[cpaharley2008]

I miss Kim.....

[stewlang]

This is the reply I received from Tammy to the same question:

"On Feb 19, 2014, at 4:29 PM, Escape Trailer Industries <info@escapetrailer.com> wrote:

Hello Stew,

Yes, the 19’ Escape comes standard with a highlift axle."

[Dave Whiting]

Just heard back from Chrystal and she has confirmed that the high lift axel is standard. All is well.

dave

[Scott]

I'm also confused, Crystal just informed me that a high lift kit is available for $300 and it will raise the ball height to 20.5". I'm mostly concerned about getting off Ferries during lower tides. Anyone have experience with the standard ball height (19") and front/rear drag when making the transition from Ferry ramp?

[gbaglo]

I don't think raising the ball will make any difference when it comes to ramps. It's the hitch receiver and weight distribution hitch ( if used ) that will scrape if too low, and that's attached to your vehicle.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I don't think raising the ball will make any difference when it comes to ramps. It's the hitch receiver and weight distribution hitch ( if used ) that will scrape if too low, and that's attached to your vehicle.

I definitely agree with you about the WD hitch and receiver situation(that's a car/truck issue), but I've also had trailers scrap in the rear end when making transitions from fairly level surface to steeper inclines (mainly when backing down). Do you have any experience with towing your rig on the Ferry systems?

[gbaglo]

Used BC Ferry many times without issue, but some small ramps could be a problem I guess. If the rear of my 17 contacted the ramp, I'd be very surprised and would suggest the ramp person get his act together.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I don't think raising the ball will make any difference when it comes to ramps. It's the hitch receiver and weight distribution hitch ( if used ) that will scrape if too low, and that's attached to your vehicle.

The ball, ball mount or WD head, and any other WD hardware (spring bars, brackets, etc) are all at a height determined by the trailer, so lifting the entire trailer with a suspension change will certainly make a difference to the clearance of those parts.

The part of the ball mount of WD shank which goes into the receiver are at a height determined by the tow vehicle and its hitch configuration. Changing the trailer height won't change that.

So, if your receiver height is such that you need rise in the ball mount (like Baglo... and me), then you don't gain much raising the trailer. If you need drop in the ball mount (like many people), raising the trailer might be the solution to some clearance problems for the front of the trailer on ramps. Regardless of the hitch, raising the trailer will help departure angle (the clearance at the tail end).

[Fox hunt]

Mine sometimes scrapes with a big dip in a drive way but it's my hitch that is low