Future Full Time RVing

[richardr]

We currently have a Casita FD17, but are planning to start RVing full time. My wife insists on a larger trailer. The Escape 21 appears to fit the bill. We have seen an Escape 19, and tomorrow will be looking at a 21. We are planning on towing it with our 2014 V6 4Runner that we use with the Casita. I'm interested in opinions on using a 4Runner to tow an Escape 21.

[War Eagle]

Welcome, Richard. You'll get tons of responses (generally positive) from folks on this forum already towing various rigs with 4Runners. I'll just relay on to you the simple answer ETI gave me when I asked a similar question of them about towing the 2017 21', and that is that anything rated at 5,000 lb towing capacity should handle it fine. The rest is personal preference. Dale

[tractors1]

The 21 spec dry weight is 3020 pounds (without options); we have a 2014 that weighs 4020 loaded for travel. We pull it with a rig rated for 6400 lbs towing. Check your vehicle tow ratings.

[float5]

We have the same generation 4Runner and tow with no problem. We do use a WDH, the Pro Series from Escape. Came back the other day in winds and no sway. We have no actual sway control, only the WDH.

As I always say though, it depends upon how you travel. If you are on Interstates running across country at high speed, or doing a lot of mountains, you may want another set-up. We don't travel much in a day and that is common for full-timers.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by tractors1

The 21 spec dry weight is 3020 pounds (without options); we have a 2014 that weighs 4020 loaded for travel. We pull it with a rig rated for 6400 lbs towing. Check your vehicle tow ratings.

Based on specs currently listed on the ETI website, I think the dry weight on the 2017 base model 21' went up 120 lb to 3140 lb, but that's not much difference - the equivalent of about 15 gallons of on-board water.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

Based on specs currently listed on the ETI website, I think the dry weight on the 2017 base model 21' went up 120 lb to 3140 lb, but that's not much difference - the equivalent of about 15 gallons of on-board water.

The post was a query about towing a 21

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by tractors1

The post was a query about towing a 21

As was my reply (see current model 21 specs in link below).
The 21 Foot Escape
Am I missing something in this conversation?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

I'll just relay on to you the simple answer ETI gave me when I asked a similar question of them about towing the 2017 21', and that is that anything rated at 5,000 lb towing capacity should handle it fine.

As a rule of thumb, that's a reasonable starting point. The assumption seems to be that the weight of any Escape 21' - even loaded to its limit - is enough lower than 5000 pounds that the tow vehicle will have capacity remaining for passegers and cargo.

In reality, there are several limits of a tow vehicle, such as hitch weight and axle loads, and a less-than-5000-pound trailer could still violate one or more of these limits. Even if within all of the limits, a particular tow vehicle and trailer combination might not have acceptable performance. A rig which is acceptable under some road conditions (low elevation, moderate grades and speeds) might not be under more challenging conditions.

While I wouldn't just accept the "anything rated at 5,000 lb towing capacity" without further examination, 4Runner owners have good experience to draw from, and the 4Runner/21' combination seems sound. That doesn't mean every 5000-pound-rated tug is suitable.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by richardr

We currently have a Casita FD17, but are planning to start RVing full time. My wife insists on a larger trailer. The Escape 21 appears to fit the bill. We have seen an Escape 19, and tomorrow will be looking at a 21. We are planning on towing it with our 2014 V6 4Runner that we use with the Casita. I'm interested in opinions on using a 4Runner to tow an Escape 21.

Hi: richardr... IMHO it is best to try the tug you've got, if within the tow rating of the vehicle. Tugs are usually the variable's in any towing equation. Most tow ratings allow a full tank of fuel and a driver.
You will of course be open to the many opinions shared freely by this forum. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie