To body lift or not

[Clkr]

Hi Everyone, We are researching options for our ordered E19 and looking for thoughts, comments about the utility of getting the ‘body lift’. Because the axle clearance remains the same not sure of the benefits! Thanks for any insight.

[Centex]

Some here have advocated in favor of high-lift for the benefit of a more elevated sewer drain connection (they feel it helps with dumping in certain situations). Others have mentioned cases where it helped to have the clearance for low-hanging under-trailer pipes at steeply-sloped sites or sites with 'curbs' (timber or otherwise).

YMMV

[Ron in BC]

One benefit is that going from a flat situation up a very steep incline the back end of the trailer, probably the rear receiver, is less likely to scrape on the ground.

Our Scamp 13 was prone to that but it's never been a problem with either our 19 or 21.

Personally I wouldn't want the extra step up height and increased windage unless I was routinely driving up creek beds. But, again, the axles would still be vulnerable.

Ron

[Centex]

Perhaps worth noting that 'Hi-Lift' exactly as provided by ETI can be added to any Escape trailer relatively easily and economically after purchase. It lends to either DIY (for the mechanically adept and equipped) or competent local service-facility installation. It's a purely bolt-on kit with no need for axle alignment or anything complicated like that. Here's a source for the parts to fit all Escape axles with a link to the installation instructions: lift kit for #10 Dexter axles.

So, one alternative is to order without the Hi-Lift option from ETI and live with it for awhile secure in the knowledge that it can be added later and locally if one decides they need it.

That's my approach in configuring my 5.0TA; YMMV.

[rmitch]

Just put the lift on my 5.0 last week. The reason? I want to get a new truck. The bed sides are so tall on new trucks it is almost a " requirement " to have the lift. Total cost installed including tax $533.34. Definitely Worth the labor cost to me, about $325.00. Standard trailers don't have this issue. But the cost would be the same.

[Brian B-P]

I wouldn't call it a "body lift": in automotive terms, that means spacers to raise the body (which is the fiberglass shell in this case) above the frame, and that's not what is being considered here. This is a suspension lift, but between the frame and the square steel tube which is part of the axle assembly (essentially a subframe, but often called "the axle" in these discussions). That means that this tube isn't any higher off the ground than without the lift spacers, but it's not the lowest part of the trailer so it doesn't matter much anyway. The whole frame and body and everything attached to them (including plumbing) are lifted by the height of the spacers (2.625" or 67 mm).

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I wouldn't call it a "body lift".....

Fair enuf, and your description is certainly accurate (as the OP indicated they understood already).

We're just using the term ETI has now adopted for the option in it's literature and build-sheets, certainly a bit more accurately descriptive in the context of Escape Trailers than the previously long-standing term "axle lift" in reference to the option.

Chassis Lift?

Axle Spacer?

[Rossue]

Have camped all over Western U.S. for six years now with our 21 and have never wished we had gotten a High- Lift kit. Saw a 21 at camp recently and saw the downside: the stabilizers are not any longer so blocks were always necessary. Ours have sandpads and on rare occasions we will have to use something under a rear or two- usually a rock nearby.

[ritacasita]

Originally Posted by rmitch

The bed sides are so tall on new trucks it is almost a " requirement " to have the lift.

Clearance is the reason I got hi rise. Works great. No regrets here.

[Doug2000]

I prefer to have my trailer lower and closer to the ground staying in the aerodynamic slipstream of the tow vehicle. I had a 17B and now have a 19 and haven't needed a lift kit. My 2007 17b had a drop frame and sat really low and the back bumper never hit anything. (Drop frame, the frame at the front bent down and then flat for the body, few had this, most were straight).

The only place I see people needing a lift kit is for the smaller ferries in the Pacific Northwest or a taller truck bed for the 5.0TA.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Centex

We're just using the term ETI has now adopted for the option in it's literature and build-sheets, certainly a bit more accurately descriptive in the context of Escape Trailers than the previously long-standing term "axle lift" in reference to the option.

Chassis Lift?

Axle Spacer?

I hadn't notice that ETI had changed terminology - sorry if I caused any confusion.

While "high lift axle" was never a great description, "body lift" is even worse. Dexter just calls it a "Torflex lift kit", but I suppose just "lift kit" might be lacking enough context to make sense as a trailer option.

[AndNeitherDoI]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Have camped all over Western U.S. for six years now with our 21 and have never wished we had gotten a High- Lift kit. Saw a 21 at camp recently and saw the downside: the stabilizers are not any longer so blocks were always necessary. Ours have sandpads and on rare occasions we will have to use something under a rear or two- usually a rock nearby.

I have the high lift and absolutely agree it means you need to have more blocks for the stabilizers. I'd use blocks anyway but I usually need extras for two of the stabilizers. Not a huge deal but a small trade-off.

For the benefits, it was nice to have a little more room for the hose when emptying the waste tanks.

[Upfisk]

We live down a 4 mile dirt road that is a twin to the road into Chaco Canyon, but not in length. To call it rough or full of ruts is a compliment. We absolutely need a high lift axle. It helps when we enter gas station entrances with steep gradients, when we follow that dirt road that soon becomes a rutted mess, or when we drain the grey water tank. No regrets here

[Bobbito]

Our high lift kit compensated for the loss of clearance due to our underbody foam insulation, which we are SO glad we got. I posted pics of the clearance in a previous thread on this topic. It gives a bit more clearance on the rough roads we at times travel.

Bob K

[Little Richie]

Perhaps to late a note for you, but possibly helpful for others:
1 A benefit of a lift kit is that it raises my 5.0 at the king pin. I am 6’-4”. I take what I get.

2 The maximum extension of my lift jacks and stabilizer jacks are similarly decreased and sometimes require the addition of more blocks.

[AuthorSP]

Hate to hijack the thread for the OP's 19, but how would a person planning on a 5.0 know if they need the lift kit to clear the truck bed sides?

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by AuthorSP

Hate to hijack the thread for the OP's 19, but how would a person planning on a 5.0 know if they need the lift kit to clear the truck bed sides?

I'm sure Escape Trailer could answer that question............

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by AuthorSP

Hate to hijack the thread for the OP's 19, but how would a person planning on a 5.0 know if they need the lift kit to clear the truck bed sides?

It would help if you would state the truck you have. Nearly all of today's full-sized trucks benefit from the lift.

Enjoy,

Perry

[AuthorSP]

Originally Posted by Perryb67

It would help if you would state the truck you have. Nearly all of today's full-sized trucks benefit from the lift.

Enjoy,

Perry

Ah, of course. We have a 2020 Ranger XLT 4x4.

[sofmerc]

I think it is recommended at 56" tailgate height by ETI