E2 Fastway Drop Bar Question

[WillyB]

Hey Escape Wizards!

I have a Ford F150 with an 18 1/2" height to the bottom of my receiver on the truck for our upcoming 21C.

Linda at Escape Trailers is saying I need an E2 Fastway 8 Hole Drop Bar.

That seems awful long. Is that correct?

[Crazypill]

I have a 21NE and 18", they insisted I needed the 8hole at additional cost; I did not need the 8 and it scrapes everywhere . Pain in the ass. The 6 hole shank is supposed to be included too standard , and after email correspondence they still haven't sent my 6 hole.

[MVA]

I am not sure what you are referring to as the 8 hole shank; all of the sharks on the Fastway site have 6 holes, regardless of drop:
https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-trunnion-hitch-shank

Perhaps you are referring to a non-E2 branded shank.

The "standard" in the E2 installation package left our E19 too high in the front when coupled to a 2015 F150 and fully loaded. We did change out the shank installed by ETI with a lower drop shank:
https://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-9.../dp/B00AZS94B8

Trailer is now level with the additional 1.5" of drop.

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by MVA

I am not sure what you are referring to as the 8 hole shank; all of the sharks on the Fastway site have 6 holes, regardless of drop:
https://www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-trunnion-hitch-shank

Perhaps you are referring to a non-E2 branded shank.

The "standard" in the E2 installation package left our E19 too high in the front when coupled to a 2015 F150 and fully loaded. We did change out the shank installed by ETI with a lower drop shank:
https://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-9.../dp/B00AZS94B8

Trailer is now level with the additional 1.5" of drop.

I saw that on Fastway's site but on Escape Trailers Build Sheet it shows two options. An 8-Hole and a 9-Hole. Linda at Escape is saying I need the 8-Hole.

It is totally confusing since, as mentioned, all Fastway drop bars I find are 6-Hole. I've asked her to provide a very detailed response to my questions about that.

We'll see?

[Crazypill]

Just get the standard 6 hole shank, if it's suboptimal you can get the 8 if needed afterwards from third party.

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by Crazypill

Just get the standard 6 hole shank, if it's suboptimal you can get the 8 if needed afterwards from third party.

That's what I'm thinking but Escape Trailer is supposed "to know" what works. I don't want to be towing a brand new $40,000+ Escape 21C from Sumas to St. Louis in Late October on a suboptimal setup.

I'm mean, what the heck, Escape Trailer has a F150 as a tow vehicle.

Hopefully Linda or someone at Escape Trailer can provide proper back up to their recommendation because I will not sign a contract without full documentation on this first.

For now, I'm going to chill out and pour a little glass of Bourbon and wait for her email response.

[MVA]

Originally Posted by WillyB

I saw that on Fastway's site but on Escape Trailers Build Sheet it shows two options. An 8-Hole and a 9-Hole. Linda at Escape is saying I need the 8-Hole.

It is totally confusing since, as mentioned, all Fastway drop bars I find are 6-Hole. I've asked her to provide a very detailed response to my questions about that.

We'll see?

Entirely confusing! I suspect ETI means 8 inch not 8 hole. In fact, you would be installing it as a drop not rise so it would be a 2 inch drop rather than the standard 0.5 inch drop.

FWIW, when we changed out the shank, you will need to go through the equalizer setup (L bracket height and number of washers). The final configuration with the new shank required removing one washer and keeping the L brackets at the same position. Fastway technical service is great. The E2 installation online and written instructions are not great in terms of adjustments. The L brackets serve of coarse adjustment; the washers serve as fine adjustment. I would get the trailer with the standard hitch and swap it out when you get home.

[Crazypill]

I have an 18-18.5" hitch, they had me buy the 8 hole, and I still use only like the first 3. The 6 hole affords more adjustment than I needed. Lol

But you can't go wrong with asking for substantiation while enjoying a bourbon

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by Crazypill

I have an 18-18.5" hitch, they had me buy the 8 hole, and I still use only like the first 3. The 6 hole affords more adjustment than I needed. Lol

But you can't go wrong with asking for substantiation while enjoying a bourbon

Does it actually have 8 holes? I can't find an 8-hole sold by Fastway.

Okay, now it's time to get up and get that Woodford Reserve.

[Crazypill]

Originally Posted by WillyB

Does it actually have 8 holes? I can't find an 8-hole sold by Fastway.

Okay, now it's time to get up and get that Woodford Reserve.

Will snag a pic when I get back to the house late this evening

[Crazypill]

See attached. I could stand to move it up one peg but its good enough where it is

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by Crazypill

See attached. I could stand to move it up one peg but its good enough where it is

Thanks for taking the time. Much Appreciated!

[cpaharley2008]

I always thought 19" to the ball top was the desired height, regardless of holes, for level towing an Escape?

[Fender]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I always thought 19" to the ball top was the desired height, regardless of holes, for level towing an Escape?

I'm going through the same process Jim. The measurement they ask for is from level ground to the inside lip of your receiver.
Mine measures 18" and they (ETI) too have said that the 8 hole drop is required.

[Rossue]

When I changed WDH from Andersen to Pro Series I had to get a much longer shank for my Yukon than the stock one that came with the RB2 Pro Series kit.

Turns out I needed a Reese 3215 as described by etrailer:
Reese Weight Dist Shank - 13" Long - 6-3/4" Drop to 11-1/2" Rise - 1,400 lbs TW
Item # RP3215. Cost me $145 in 2016 from them; price now $252; however on ebay it shows in stock for $185 delivered.

My height to bottom of receiver is 21" on my Expedition- I actually stepped it up one hole from what the Yukon had been. There is no perfect adjustment and the trialer rides slightly nose up which is what you want for a tandem vs. nose down- which it would be if I used the last adjustment holes.

[Rossue]

Another view: No way would the stock shank have worked.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by Crazypill

I have a 21NE and 18", they insisted I needed the 8hole at additional cost; I did not need the 8 and it scrapes everywhere . Pain in the ass. The 6 hole shank is supposed to be included too standard , and after email correspondence they still haven't sent my 6 hole.

Yeah, the first shank etrailer sent me was a Curt C17122 and it had 9 holes and no way could I use it so they made it right.

[Rossue]

One thing to consider is the Eqaul-i-zer shank is 12" long (from center of hitch pine to end), whereas the Reese is 13". Might make some difference with tailgates.

Best to get it right from the beginning; not the easiest thing to R & R the head unit to swap shanks and re-torque those nuts.

[cpaharley2008]

So Ross,
If you are not level it is better of be nose up with the tandem axle vs nose down? if level can not be achieved?

[Rossue]

That seems to be the prevailing wisdom and is what Reace & Dennis told me at pickup.