Set up Tow Vehicle prior to delivery

[Dream]

We have been reading through the forum posts and the information is amazing. We appreciate it. My question is how to set up my TV (2003 Toyota Tundra V8) prior to delivery. We have tentatively decided on the E2 Fastaway hitch. At what height is the Escape 19 hitch set at delivery? My Tundra receiver at top of the ball is 17.5 inches without load. Also, due to our driveway, I worry about the rear of the trailer scraping upon entry. Is there any protection at the rear of the trailer for such occurrences? Assuming our delivery is January/February and we all know how weather is at that time of year is the delivery date a hard set or does the factory allow for delay should it be necessary? We do plan on delivery to Mid California for our trip back to Texas. Thanks and we look forward to joining the group.

[Randy in Maine]

I am pretty sure you want the top of the 2" ball to be right at 19".

[arniesea]

Originally Posted by Dream

Also, due to our driveway, I worry about the rear of the trailer scraping upon entry. Is there any protection at the rear of the trailer for such occurrences?

On all of the tandem axel trailers, the rear frame is raised about 4" higher than the rest of the frame. This allows for a pretty good angle of attack without scraping bottom. But of course this is a general statement. Each situation is unique with many variables that you will need to judge for yourself once you have the trailer in hand.

I would suggest a conversation with Escape to see if a high-lift axel is warranted in your situation. Note, if you get the lifted axel, that will also raise your hitch hight by 2-5/16".

[Bill and Earline]

Most or the tow bars (into which you put the ball) I've seen seem to have 2 inch choices. Don't forget that you also can flip the tow bar, too to see how that changes your top-of-ball height.

If you have a driveway issue, you might want to have two tow bars. One with about a 19 inch final height, but keep your current one that's lower, you could put on at or near home. A lower front of trailer, would give you a higher rear of trailer to clear your driveway problem.

Another solution is a longer shaft 2 inch ball. If the standard ball is at 17.5, you might be able to find a taller ball (I have one) that gives you a little more height. 18.5 is probably close enough for example.

Shop at Harbor Freight to get a torque wrench, if you don't already have one, and maybe a large enough socket for the 2 inch ball nut.

[ritacasita]

Originally Posted by Randy in Maine

I am pretty sure you want the top of the 2" ball to be right at 19".

This is the hitch I pulled my 19 with on my Tundra. Was perfect.

[Dream]

Thanks, I did look into flipping my hitch to push the ball higher. I will work on that but the information of a 19 inch trailer height helps. Yes, I plan on taking my torque wrench when we take delivery since the E2 hitch is adjustable. I assume there is no departure angle skid provision on the trailer. An older trailer I had provided a skid plate for what it was worth.

[Randy in Maine]

I have never used my 1/2" drive 250 foot pound torque wrench on the trailer hitch ball. I do however put it my big bench vise, put some Locktite Thread Locker Red on the 1" shaft with a lockwasher, and hit it pretty good with my big meat air impact gun.

I had one come loose once in I-80 in Nebraska, it won't happen again. It helps to have a look at it once in a while. Use the torque wrench on your wheels.