What’s the best truck - Page 2 - Escape Trailer Owners Community
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×

Go Back   Escape Trailer Owners Community > Escape Tech > Towing and Hitching
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 05-30-2023, 09:03 AM   #21
Site Team
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Trailer: 2023 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 810
Quote:
Originally Posted by shlm2umac View Post
I am curious about the comment made regarding “jackknifing.” How can I possibly avoid that altogether? Again, I’m female (which in my case is very relevant) and have zero experience. This trip is not going to be for fun. I’m moving to Texas to be closed to my 93-year old Dad who is beginning to forget. And I do not have the funds to pay someone to drive it for me. And I want to take it myself.

Thanks, forum people! You’re awesome!!
First thing to do is relax. The 5.0 is probably one of the easiest towing trailers made and the Tundra you plan on purchasing is certainly up to the challenge. Make sure you have a reputable hitch installer do the installation of your hitch and you will have an excellent rig.

Second thing to do is watch the tutorial videos on the Escape website. They are easy to follow and have valuable content. Also check out videos on Youtube. There are some good ones out there as well.

You will get the hang of it. Just take your time and don't let anyone rush you!
SageRpod is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 10:27 AM   #22
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SLO County, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21C 2019 Expedition
Posts: 5,210
Driving School

Several here have mentioned Valley Driving School in Chilliwack which is very close to you. There is also Pegasus Driving School in Bellingham. Like Valley they are primarily a truck driving school, however on their website they show a tab for Specialized Training and it shows a truck & 5th Wheel combo.
https://pegasuscorp.us/courses-and-fees
__________________
"We gotta get as far away as we can!"
- Russell Casse, Independence Day
Rossue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 10:28 AM   #23
Senior Member
 
YakRV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Cold Spring, Kentucky
Trailer: 2022 21C + 2021 F-150 PowerBoost 4x4
Posts: 547
Quote:
Originally Posted by SageRpod View Post
First thing to do is relax…….You will get the hang of it. Just take your time and don't let anyone rush you!
This is excellent advice from SageRpod, shlm2umac. Getting rushed and flustered only makes things harder. I was brand new to towing last year, and getting myself to relax and “follow the steps” was the best way to go.

Also, don’t be afraid to stop, reset, and try again. This applies to every aspect of towing, but for me it’s especially important when backing the trailer.

You’re getting some great tips on this thread. I would reiterate that you should pay attention to the payload capabilies of your tow vehicle (which should be listed on a sticker located on the door jamb of the driver’s door). Payload is too often overlooked when folks only consider towing capacity.

You’ll get it figured out! Good luck on your trip, and best wishes to your dad.
YakRV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 01:52 PM   #24
Site Team
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: San Jose, California
Trailer: 2023 5.0 TA
Posts: 248
Quote:
Originally Posted by shlm2umac View Post

I am curious about the comment made regarding “jackknifing.” How can I possibly avoid that altogether?

Thanks, forum people! You’re awesome!!
In the true meaning of jackknife, no you do not want to do that, thats an accident.
But in this case he means to be able to turn the tow vehicle at a 90 degree angle to the trailer without hitting the cab of your truck while backing up or a very sharp turn. Like pulling out of a gas station. Wide turns are your friend.

To be able to back up your trailer and have the cab at a 90 degree angle is seldom needed. You just need to know how sharp you can turn without hitting the cab. Thats the reason people have a concern about shorter truck beds. With the he right hitch set up it doable.
occer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 02:44 PM   #25
Senior Member
 
Centex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: East of Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2021 Escape 5.0 / 2022 F150 SuperCab
Posts: 2,866
^This^, good explanation, IMO

Just take you rig to an open parking lot and slowly back into a tight angle while watching the clearance to learn your rig's limits; a spotter can be helpful, but not a necessity, for this exercise. Then just remember that if the trailer wheels are higher than the truck wheels the cab clearance will be reduced.
__________________
Alan E.
2021 Escape 5.0 / 2022 F150 Lariat SuperCab 6.5' box / Centex's 2021 5.0 Modifications
Centex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 03:14 PM   #26
Senior Member
 
TahoeJoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: South Lake Tahoe, California
Trailer: 2017 5.0
Posts: 523
Quote:
Originally Posted by Centex View Post
Just take you rig to an open parking lot and slowly back into a tight angle while watching the clearance to learn your rig's limits; a spotter can be helpful, but not a necessity, for this exercise. Then just remember that if the trailer wheels are higher than the truck wheels the cab clearance will be reduced.
I second this as a great idea, it's one of the first things I did when I got mine. I did it alone and took pics so I could reference them later if needed. It not only gave me very valuable knowledge for my future turning, but also prompted me to adjust my hitch setup a bit...mine is an Andersen so not the same as yours, but you may have some options as well for a few inches here or there. In my case I was able to install an adapter that moved the trailer back 4".

Great advice all around, team...you got this, shlm2umac!
__________________
“We are here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is.”
- Kurt Vonnegut
TahoeJoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 03:56 PM   #27
Senior Member
 
splitting_lanes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: San Jose, California
Trailer: 2022 5.0 TA
Posts: 669
Quote:
Originally Posted by shlm2umac View Post
Hi, I finally drove the 2010 Toyota Tundra V8, 5.7L, RWD with 6.5 box. It seemed strong, and everywhere I read it says it can tow upwards of 10,500 lbs. I called Toyota and a salesman says he has the same engine and is towing a 5th wheel trailer. I need to stop over and talk to him face to face, because now I’m worried. I’m not sure yet which route I’m taking to Texas, but if it’s through mountains, I don’t want to be left in the dust so to speak, or worse, it running into me while I’m slowing down.

I am curious about the comment made regarding “jackknifing.” How can I possibly avoid that altogether? Again, I’m female (which in my case is very relevant) and have zero experience. This trip is not going to be for fun. I’m moving to Texas to be closed to my 93-year old Dad who is beginning to forget. And I do not have the funds to pay someone to drive it for me. And I want to take it myself.

Thanks, forum people! You’re awesome!!
Plenty of people on here are very happy with a Tundra with a V8, all aspects except the fuel mileage. Plenty of power.

With a 6.5 foot bed you’ll have no problems with jackknifing, it’s only the really short beds you need to be careful to make sure that doesn’t happen.

You could double check the payload capacity of the truck, as a fifth wheel puts weight on it.
splitting_lanes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 05:47 PM   #28
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Trailer: 2015 5.0TA, Toyota Tundra CrewMax
Posts: 570
All great advice.

My two Tundras with the 5.7L motor have been stellar at towing the 5.0TA. There has never been any lack of power so you should have no concerns about that. I have towed on the mountainous Coquihalla Hwy. in BC at speeds up to 140km/hr or more just to keep up with traffic. No problem whatsoever and I didn't need to use the Tow feature.
At slower speeds I've been on backroads at 25% grade going into and out of Telegraph Creek in BC. Yes, 25%. No problems.
You will not have a lack of power.

As mentioned before, my Tundra has the 5.5' box and I can't turn the trailer 90º to the truck but I have spun a u-turn in a non-residential intersection with no contact between truck and trailer. With a 6.5' box and a bit of sensible driving you will have no trouble.

Best of luck and enjoy your trip.

BTW I'm the first to admit my driving isn't always completely sensible but I have tested the limits for you, so there is that.

All that said, Reace at ETI did set up my trailer to work properly with my truck's short box and rail height. I do not know if there was some adjustments he made to the king pin in order for the trailer to work so well with my truck. Someone else may be able to chime in about that.
__________________
Lyle
iamunique127 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 06:01 PM   #29
Senior Member
 
WillyB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Trailer: "Side Effect" 2022 21C
Posts: 1,341
Here is a link to a few photos of Escape's F150 with a 5 1/2 foot bed showing turning angles.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...ver-18114.html

NOTE! It's not just about how many pounds a truck can tow. It's how much PAYLOAD CAPACITY can it handle.

We are extremely happy with our 3.5 EcoBoost F150. As the diesel guys say "It's got a lot of twist".
WillyB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2023, 09:09 PM   #30
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Hazelwood, Missouri
Trailer: 2021 5.0
Posts: 767
I have the same size Tundra, all works well.
Try not to do much backing up and watch when turning.
I think you should get help with the coupling of your trailer.

Or maybe find the money to pay someone to drive it there for you and then pay for their return flight. Since you’re not going to be traveling with it after that, might be worth it.
Ooshkaboo is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2023, 08:42 AM   #31
Site Team
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Trailer: 2023 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 810
Quote:
Originally Posted by iamunique127 View Post
...I have towed on the mountainous Coquihalla Hwy. in BC at speeds up to 140km/hr or more just to keep up with traffic...
I think this is were the disclaimer is added, "Don't try this at home"
SageRpod is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2023, 03:00 PM   #32
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Trailer: 2015 5.0TA, Toyota Tundra CrewMax
Posts: 570
Quote:
Originally Posted by SageRpod View Post
I think this is were the disclaimer is added, "Don't try this at home"
Very true.
__________________
Lyle
iamunique127 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 09:48 AM   #33
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Nooksack, Washington
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 43
Thank you, All, for all this valuable information. What I’m getting is that it’s going to be the hitch installer I find who will be key. I could purchase a different hitch if need be, but I do like the low miles on this Tundra. Just found out it needs the gaskets for the camshaft holders replaced. It’s a 14 hour job, I’m told, but the seller is going to cut me a deal on her price. I’ll definitely now be looking for “PAYLOAD” when I go take some measurements today. If anyone can tell me how much I’m looking for, that would be helpful. Have a great day!
shlm2umac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 11:32 AM   #34
Site Team
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Trailer: 2023 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 810
For those who still think a 3.5 Ecoboost just isn’t enough to pull that E17, there’s this

https://www.theautopian.com/ford-wil...omment-page-1/
SageRpod is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 12:07 PM   #35
Site Team
 
John in Santa Cruz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Mid Left Coast, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21
Posts: 5,122
Quote:
Originally Posted by SageRpod View Post
For those who still think a 3.5 Ecoboost just isn’t enough to pull that E17, there’s this

https://www.theautopian.com/ford-wil...omment-page-1/
and buy a new transmission the following month.

"Just found out it needs the gaskets for the camshaft holders replaced."
ouch. I would bring this to a Toyota truck specialist of your own choice, and get a 2nd opinion and quote on this job. 14 hours of shop time around here is $2000+
John in Santa Cruz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 05:04 PM   #36
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2023 5.0 TA
Posts: 107
Quote:
Originally Posted by shlm2umac View Post
I’ll definitely now be looking for “PAYLOAD” when I go take some measurements today. If anyone can tell me how much I’m looking for, that would be helpful. Have a great day!
Ask 100 of us and you'll get 100 different answers on this one IMO. I would be uncomfortable going below 1,500 lbs before hitch is added. Lots of folks will walk you through their calculus for what they have, and I will not judge folks going below 1,500 lbs but that is where I'm at and I personally would not go there. My truck has 1,724 lbs of payload but I added a tonneau cover, B&W Turnoverball, and the Anderson Ultimate Gooseneck hitch. I think I'm now close to 1,500 lbs but that's after adding the hitch and tonneau. There will be 1-3 adults traveling in the truck, some gear in the bed of the truck, possibly a small dog, and pretty soon I could be well under 1,000 lbs. Figure your pin weight is 700+ lbs wet. How much more than 700+ is all in what you take with you. There is a pole somewhere on this forum of what folks payload actually is. Sorry it isn't a cut and dry answer. We liked our diesel GMC canyon but it only had a payload of 1,272 and there's no way I was going to pull a 5.0 with that low of a number before adding the hitch. YMMV.
__________________
2023 5.0 TA 2022 F150 Lariat Supercrew EB 3.5 with 6.5' bed
Jeremy Kessenich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 05:06 PM   #37
Site Team
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Trailer: 2023 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 810
Quote:
Originally Posted by shlm2umac View Post
I’ll definitely now be looking for “PAYLOAD” when I go take some measurements today. If anyone can tell me how much I’m looking for, that would be helpful. Have a great day!
A quick search of the Googles shows that depending on the configuration of your truck, your payload capacity will be between 1640lbs and 2020lbs. That is the total amount of weight your truck can carry (not tow). This will include: fuel, people, dogs, cats, the pin weight of the 5.0 (between 600lbs and 700lbs), camping gear and supplies, the weight of the hitch, etc. Basically anything you plan on putting in the truck.

There should be a sticker on the driver's side door jam that looks like this


All the best and sorry to hear about the needed repairs.
Attached Thumbnails
IMG_1446.jpg  
SageRpod is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 06:17 PM   #38
Senior Member
 
Centex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: East of Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2021 Escape 5.0 / 2022 F150 SuperCab
Posts: 2,866
Exclamation fuel load does not count against payload

Quote:
Originally Posted by SageRpod View Post
.... That is the total amount of weight your truck can carry (not tow). This will include: fuel, ....
Just FYI, please note that per the US Regulation pertaining to 'payload' stickers, the stated 'payload' number already accounts for the weight of a full tank of fuel (and all other fluids required for normal operation) for whatever tank size is OE for the specific VIN.

IOW, you do not reduce the available rated 'payload' based on fuel load, even if your vehicle has a 'factory option' extended-range tank.

Yep, this applies in Canada, too
__________________
Alan E.
2021 Escape 5.0 / 2022 F150 Lariat SuperCab 6.5' box / Centex's 2021 5.0 Modifications
Centex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 06:23 PM   #39
Site Team
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Trailer: 2023 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 810
Thanks for that clarification, Centex. I've heard it both ways. Glad to have better clarity on that.
SageRpod is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-10-2023, 09:56 PM   #40
Senior Member
 
CharlesinGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: 50 miles S of Atlanta, Georgia
Trailer: 2008 BigfootRV 25B21RB
Posts: 288
Up until a couple of months ago, the Youtuber Grand Adventure towed a full sized 'half ton" fifth wheel trailer with an older (2005 or so) Tundra 4x4 long bed, and while it did struggle at times, he has been to the east coast and back west a couple of times or more since he switched to the 5iver a couple of years ago.

You will probably do OK with the Tundra if it is in good mechanical shape. Hint, Toyotas love fresh transmission fluid, get it and all other fluids replaced before the trip and after you get to Texas at reasonable intervals. My Pontiac has a Toyota engine and transaxle in it and I do a dump and refill on the transmission every 10000 mile oil change (full synthetics) Toyota automatics do not have filters so the fluid needs to stay clean by changing it often.

Charles
__________________
'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9HO PacBrake six speed std cab long bed Leer top and 2008 Bigfoot 25B21RB.. Previously, 2008 Thor Freedom Spirit 180, SOLD! 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome, SOLD!
CharlesinGA is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Escape Trailer Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:26 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2023 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.