Thanks to everyone who responded to my initial post. The information has been very helpful. For background, we have never owned a truck or an RV, and have never towed anything. We are researching ordering a 2024 Ford F150 and an Escape 5.0. Our goal is to camp at state and national parks in our local state of Washington and adjacent states. We are getting too old to continue to tent camp.
We will have a B&W gooseneck kit and an Andersen hitch installed at our local RV shop. By the way, the shop owner gave Escape trailers a double thumbs-up!
Based on everyone’s input and our research to date, we are planning to purchase the following:
I’m very grateful for any thoughts, cautions, and insight that this group can provide!
We plan to visit the Escape factory within the next 4-6 weeks, and I’m planning to seek the wisdom of the group regarding “must have” options once we get to that stage.
Washington State RV Novice
We will have a B&W gooseneck kit and an Andersen hitch installed at our local RV shop. By the way, the shop owner gave Escape trailers a double thumbs-up!
Based on everyone’s input and our research to date, we are planning to purchase the following:
- Ford F150, most likely XLT but maybe Lariat
- 3.5L EcoBoost
- 3.55 Axle
- Tow/Haul Package, but not Max Tow
- 10 speed transmission
- Power folding tow mirrors
- Heads-up display plus fixed running boards
- Trailer TPMS, customer placed trailer camera
- 1800+ lb. payload (A nice XLT at the dealer was 1890 lbs)
- 4x4 vs. 4x2: We are leaning toward 4x4 since this is most likely to be available. Out local Ford dealer had no 4x2’s and said they almost never get them.
- 5.5’ vs 6.5’ bed: We are leaning toward 6.5’ bed based on the recommendation of our local RV shop that will install the gooseneck hitch. Is the 6.5’ bed required for a 36-gallon fuel tank?
- Supercab vs. Supercrew: We haven’t seen a Supercab yet except online videos. The local Ford dealer almost never gets this model. They seem to primarily sell 4x4 Supercrew (they had about eight in stock). Any thoughts?
- Wheelbase: Still unclear about which way to go, but we understand that longer is better for stable towing and shorter is better for maneuverability and parking. Anything else to consider?
- XLT vs. Lariat: We have to have adaptive cruise control, does this require Lariat? Are there any “must have” options for 5th wheel towing that cannot be added to an XLT trim?
I’m very grateful for any thoughts, cautions, and insight that this group can provide!
We plan to visit the Escape factory within the next 4-6 weeks, and I’m planning to seek the wisdom of the group regarding “must have” options once we get to that stage.
Washington State RV Novice