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Old 04-23-2014, 03:00 PM   #1
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Towing the new 21'

I'm all level in the trailer and measured the truck to ground distance, 37.5 for the front and the rear is 36.5 so I have a one inch squat. Truck is filled in the bed and the trailer is packed and full and is wet, with water in the water heater and 10 gallons in fresh, grey/black empty. I was going to install the Andersen, but found out that they shipped me the wrong hardware for the 4" frame. So I'm going to leave the 1" difference until I get the correct parts. I think I'll be okay.
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Old 04-23-2014, 03:59 PM   #2
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Go Get 'em JIm!!!!!!
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Old 04-23-2014, 06:17 PM   #3
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I'm absolutely sure that a one-inch rake over the wheelbase of the truck is not significant to anything. As long as the rear axle load is not excessive, there's no problem. Enjoy your travels!

Also, is there really a reference point about a yard off the ground which is consistent at the front and rear axles? Most vehicles don't have exactly the same height of fender openings on each end... but the Ram 1500 might be the exception.
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Old 04-23-2014, 06:49 PM   #4
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To your point Brian that's why when measuring ride height there is a specific procedure that in the gm world is referred to as the "Z" ride height measurement which uses frame height and not body heights as there is a lot of variance in body measurements
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Old 04-27-2014, 06:28 PM   #5
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Just got back from a 12 hour tow from the Tennessee rally. I averaged 13 mpg and towed without the Andersen as they sent me the incorrect brackets. I met several forum members there as well some potential new owners. This was my first full hook ups with Blackjack, so I had to figure out the water heater bypass valve situation. All is well and I can say thankfully I had no problems what soever with the trailer as it came from the factory (except for that lock recall issue) no leaks, everything operated as it was suppose to and I'm a happy camper. I'm also glad to report that the refer did not blow out, it stayed on the entire trip on propane without any issues. Looking forward to next month's marathon trip to Osoyoos. Oh, I can not find the low point drains, but I'm sure I will find them next month.
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Old 04-27-2014, 07:24 PM   #6
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Oh, I can not find the low point drains, but I'm sure I will find them next month.
Reace told me there was no low point drain on the 21 during our orientation - I would need to blow out the lines to winterize - but I noticed 2 drains on RickM's at the NOG Gathering this weekend (under the step ).
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Old 04-27-2014, 08:48 PM   #7
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Paul, I asked Reace about the drains under the step during my 21 orientation. If I remember right, he told me to ignore them. He puts them there because he has to, code I guess. I didn't ask any more because if I can ignore them, I don't have to find a place in my memory banks, and that's a good thing.
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Old 05-06-2014, 07:48 AM   #8
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Just got back from a 12 hour tow from the Tennessee rally. I averaged 13 mpg and towed without the Andersen as they sent me the incorrect brackets. I met several forum members there as well some potential new owners. This was my first full hook ups with Blackjack, so I had to figure out the water heater bypass valve situation. All is well and I can say thankfully I had no problems what soever with the trailer as it came from the factory (except for that lock recall issue) no leaks, everything operated as it was suppose to and I'm a happy camper. I'm also glad to report that the refer did not blow out, it stayed on the entire trip on propane without any issues. Looking forward to next month's marathon trip to Osoyoos. Oh, I can not find the low point drains, but I'm sure I will find them next month.
Were you towing with the Ram or FJ Cruiser?
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Old 05-06-2014, 11:01 AM   #9
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The Dodge Ram….
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Old 05-06-2014, 12:02 PM   #10
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The Dodge Ram….
Thanks for the reply. Do you feel that the FJ Cruiser would be adequate? The reason that I am asking is that I have a Tacoma 4X4, V6, w/ factory tow package (6,400 lb cap.) and was wonder if it would be ok with the Escape 21'.
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Old 05-06-2014, 12:12 PM   #11
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Thanks for the reply. Do you feel that the FJ Cruiser would be adequate? The reason that I am asking is that I have a Tacoma 4X4, V6, w/ factory tow package (6,400 lb cap.) and was wonder if it would be ok with the Escape 21'.
You should be just fine with that, short of trying to haul along a whole bunch of other weight.
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Old 05-06-2014, 12:26 PM   #12
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Thanks. I don't anticipate having a lot of extra weight.
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Old 05-06-2014, 12:54 PM   #13
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Although I have not towed the E21 with the FJ, I did tow the E19 with the FJ with the Andersen set up. I had no issues and in fact got a little better mpg. I just recently purchased my second Andersen( first was sold with the E19 ) and I'm in the process of installing it for my trip to Osoyoos, but I'm taking the Ram again due to greater carrying space in the truck bed. I do plan on towing with the FJ later this year to Michigan, so I'll give a report then.
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Old 05-06-2014, 01:08 PM   #14
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Although I have not towed the E21 with the FJ, I did tow the E19 with the FJ with the Andersen set up. I had no issues and in fact got a little better mpg. I just recently purchased my second Andersen( first was sold with the E19 ) and I'm in the process of installing it for my trip to Osoyoos, but I'm taking the Ram again due to greater carrying space in the truck bed. I do plan on towing with the FJ later this year to Michigan, so I'll give a report then.
Thanks. I think I feel better about the Tacoma and the E21. Will look for your feedback from the trip to Michigan.
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Old 05-06-2014, 01:28 PM   #15
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I'm currently towing my new 21 we picked up on May 1 with a Tacoma 2WD. I have the Anderson hitch and love it. We are in Port Townsend right now and so have not traveled a big distance yet but it seems to do well. I used this truck for 6 years of Casita towing and I can tell a difference. With the 21 in tow the Taco wants to be in 4th gear more often. So when I just keep it in 4th it tows great. I am traveling light for this 4 week trip but I do have solar, dual batteries, insulation, air conditioner and oven so that all adds some weight. We are heading back to Virginian and will know for sure if the Taco is a keeper.

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Old 05-06-2014, 02:16 PM   #16
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Thanks for the reply. Do you feel that the FJ Cruiser would be adequate? The reason that I am asking is that I have a Tacoma 4X4, V6, w/ factory tow package (6,400 lb cap.) and was wonder if it would be ok with the Escape 21'.
I've towed a Lance that was 3900 lbs dry with a Taco 4x4 V6 Longbed (full of stuff) with no problem on hills. Waiting for my own Escape 21.
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Old 05-06-2014, 11:38 PM   #17
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I am towing an Escape 21 with a 2013 Tacoma 4x4 V6 and a weight-distributing hitch. I picked up the trailer on April 7 at Chilliwack and am now in Utah. The Tacoma tows the trailer perfectly. There is no sway; strong crosswinds are barely noticeable. Acceleration is adequate, braking is good, and I even get decent gas mileage towing at 13mpg. I'm very impressed by the way the combination handles. Note: I believe my truck is rated for 7500 lbs towing.

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Old 05-06-2014, 11:42 PM   #18
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I am towing an Escape 21 with a 2013 Tacoma 4x4 V6 and a weight-distributing hitch. I picked up the trailer on April 7 at Chilliwack and am now in Utah. The Tacoma tows the trailer perfectly. There is no sway; strong crosswinds are barely noticeable. Acceleration is adequate, braking is good, and I even get decent gas mileage towing at 13mpg. I'm very impressed by the way the combination handles. Note: I believe my truck is rated for 7500 lbs towing.

Mike Lewis
I have the same Taco with a long bed; rating is 6400 pounds.
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Old 05-07-2014, 07:57 AM   #19
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I am towing an Escape 21 with a 2013 Tacoma 4x4 V6 and a weight-distributing hitch. I picked up the trailer on April 7 at Chilliwack and am now in Utah. The Tacoma tows the trailer perfectly. There is no sway; strong crosswinds are barely noticeable. Acceleration is adequate, braking is good, and I even get decent gas mileage towing at 13mpg. I'm very impressed by the way the combination handles. Note: I believe my truck is rated for 7500 lbs towing.

Mike Lewis
Thanks for the reply. Its good to hear that the Tacoma is performing well. Have you modified the rear suspension or added air bags to your Tacoma? Which weight distribution hitch are you using?
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Old 05-07-2014, 10:37 AM   #20
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We've towed our 21 with our 2008 4Runner V6 4WD and Anderson hitch on three occasions. The first was the 180 mile trip home from Chilliwack. The next two were weekend outings with round trips of 220 and 150 miles. I’m still learning to slow down when towing and when on four lanes find myself creeping above 60 – 65 mph on the flats. Overall fuel economy has averaged just under 13 mpg.

Our 21 is not as light weight as the barebones version. We’re equipped with front cargo box, AC, solar, dual 6 volt batteries, inverter, oven, thermal windows, added insulation and foam underbody. And, when we travel we bring plenty of toys, food and beverages – just in case.

With one exception, and that was my own fault, towing our 21 has been a delightful experience. The Anderson hitch system performs wonderfully. We notice very little oscillation after crossing a dip or bump and swaying/buffeting when passing 18 wheelers is almost imperceptible. The exception was the outbound leg of our first weekend trip (we were boondocking). I had the water tank full (its behind the axles) and both holding tanks empty. This plus the way we loaded food and gear caused a low weight hitch condition and resulted in excessive steering sensitivity. Lesson learned!!!

We are quite happy with the overall performance and experience. We’ve not tackled any mountain passes or high altitudes yet but I don’t anticipate any problems. Just think of it; towing a well appointed, beautiful, comfortable, high quality 21’ TT with a V6.TV. Way to go ESCAPE!
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