New to RV and towing a 2020 E19

[BigPapa]

Good morning,

Camper all my life. Never RVd. At the age where its now or never. Pretty anxious about towing a travel trailer for first time. I guess i need to get all the goodies like weight distribution hitch and brake controller STAT.

This forum has been so helpful already in researching which one i want so thanks for all the help.

Safe travels.

Sincerely,
Matt

[brroberts]

The E19 tows great as long as it’s level and has enough tongue weight. Ours has been great. Welcome, there is a learning curve, but it’s not too hard. Millions tow trailers everyday, and almost all of them do so just fine. This forum can help you stay way beyond average. I have an Equalizer hitch which I really like, but it’s heavy. There are also other good brands. I also like Tekonsha Prodigy 3 brake controllers, but many row vehicles have built in controllers.

https://www.equalizerhitch.com/

https://www.tekonsha.com/product/901...l-proportional

What is your tow vehicle? Having a solid tow vehicle set up properly is important.

[BigPapa]

Thanks for the info. I just posted one asking for those exact recs. Holy cow, you have a 98 trailler? Current tv is 2014 ford flex with manufacture tow package. Has 7 pin deal.

Just using it for local (1hour) trips for now. Thinking of upgrading to ridgeline.

[Selkirk]

I was in your shoes a year ago, when I picked up my E19 from Chilliwack. I had not towed anything larger than a 8' utility trailer prior.

I think the key to overcome my initial anxieties was to do as much initial research as possible. I wanted to be well-prepared and know what to expect before I ever hitched up.

Some advice based on my experience:

- Learn about trailer weight, tongue weight, towing capacity, payload capacity and how all these attributes interact. Understand how a WD hitch works and how to properly set-up the specific model you select. Make sure that you do not exceed the limits of your TV. Pay close attention to tire conditions and pressures on both the TV and trailer.
- Make sure you understand how a brake controller works, how braking power is adjusted on the particular model you select, and (very importantly) how to manually override braking.
- You will be towing at essentially the maximum capacity of your current TV. Make sure it is properly serviced and in good working order. I suggesting paying particular attention to monitoring transmission temperatures while towing. Don't tow in overdrive. I would definitely agree that a TV upgrade should be considered.
- Learn about trailer sway and understand how it should be managed....if it is encountered.
- Consider adding trailer mirrors to your TV. Make sure you maintain good rear/side visibility.
- Learn the basics of how to back-up a trailer.

I would suggest the first task after hitching-up for the first time would be to find a big empty parking lot. Take time to learn how the TV and trailer handle together. Make sure that the brakes are set up properly and working. Start practicing backing up.

When on the road for the first few trips, I think it is critical to maintain a keen sense of situational awareness. Turn the radio and phone off and focus solely on driving until you gain confidence. Drive defensively. Give yourself lots of space for braking distance, lanes changes, etc. Take twisty roads slowly. Make sure that you are in control of the trailer at all times....not the other way around. Know your route. To paraphrase an old aviation term, don't tow anywhere that your brain hasn't visited 10 min prior. Take lots of breaks.

I hope this helps.....

[brroberts]

I have a friend who tows his E19 with a Ridgeline. It’s mostly okay, but he added a transmission cooler for towing in the mountains.

That Ford Flex will be struggling some I imagine. My E19, although fairly heavy for a 19, rolls down the road at around 4700lbs.

[iamunique127]

Welcome to the forum and to Escape ownership.

[BigPapa]

Originally Posted by Selkirk

I was in your shoes a year ago, when I picked up my E19 from Chilliwack. I had not towed anything larger than a 8' utility trailer prior.

I think the key to overcome my initial anxieties was to do as much initial research as possible. I wanted to be well-prepared and know what to expect before I ever hitched up.

Some advice based on my experience:

- Learn about trailer weight, tongue weight, towing capacity, payload capacity and how all these attributes interact. Understand how a WD hitch works and how to properly set-up the specific model you select. Make sure that you do not exceed the limits of your TV. Pay close attention to tire conditions and pressures on both the TV and trailer.
- Make sure you understand how a brake controller works, how braking power is adjusted on the particular model you select, and (very importantly) how to manually override braking.
- You will be towing at essentially the maximum capacity of your current TV. Make sure it is properly serviced and in good working order. I suggesting paying particular attention to monitoring transmission temperatures while towing. Don't tow in overdrive. I would definitely agree that a TV upgrade should be considered.
- Learn about trailer sway and understand how it should be managed....if it is encountered.
- Consider adding trailer mirrors to your TV. Make sure you maintain good rear/side visibility.
- Learn the basics of how to back-up a trailer.

I would suggest the first task after hitching-up for the first time would be to find a big empty parking lot. Take time to learn how the TV and trailer handle together. Make sure that the brakes are set up properly and working. Start practicing backing up.

When on the road for the first few trips, I think it is critical to maintain a keen sense of situational awareness. Turn the radio and phone off and focus solely on driving until you gain confidence. Drive defensively. Give yourself lots of space for braking distance, lanes changes, etc. Take twisty roads slowly. Make sure that you are in control of the trailer at all times....not the other way around. Know your route. To paraphrase an old aviation term, don't tow anywhere that your brain hasn't visited 10 min prior. Take lots of breaks.

I hope this helps.....

Thank you so much for all that info. Amazing!