Thanks for the introduction Bill,
We also went from a 17’ Casita to a 21’ Escape, both being towed with a Ridgeline. We’ve towed the Casita, weighing near it’s max of 3500 lbs, over the Rockies at 11,000 ft without a problem. We’ve also towed the Escape over 7,000 ft so far without issues, and it weighed about 4,200 lbs.
With the Casita we used a sway bar for safety, and if I didn’t already own an Anderson WDH, that’s probably all I’d be using with the Escape. The Casita squatted the Ridgeline more than the Escape, probably due to my loading, which I pay close attention to now, and along with the dual axle, the Ridgeline-Escape combination just feels more stable. I would still use a sway bar, as recommended by Honda for safety, but the WDH?
My mileage dropped from 16mpg towing the Casita to 14.5mpg towing the Escape. That mileage is a combination of towing and side trips without the trailers. We’ll be going over the Rockies again this year, for a +8,000 mile adventure, so we’ll see how that goes.
The engine/transmission does a good job of controlling descent speed as long as the grade isn’t greater than 6%. Over 6% and a little breaking will be needed.
I think that’s it, if you need more detailed information, just send me a PM.
You’re going to love your new 21, we sure do,
Tom
|