Is 2018 Escape 5.0 TA lifted?

[rvnovice]

We purchased a 2018 Escape 5.0 that we will tow with a 2024 Ford F150 4x4 (on order). Per Escape, any truck with the truck bed rails 56-58" requires the trailer to have a lift kit. Our truck will be at 56.5" so I am working on getting it lifted.

Our local RV shop thinks the trailer is already lifted based on the photos. The original owner doesn't think it was lifted, and there is nothing on the attached bill of sale that indicates to me it was lifted. Do any of these photos show it was lifted? Is there something we can measure to be sure?

The local RV dealer also suggested perhaps we could put larger tires on it to raise it as well. Has anyone put larger tires on an Escape 5.0? We are about to replace the tires anyway, since they are original and 6 years old now.

 

[D&L]

rvnovice


The trailer you have has not been lifted. IMO order the lift kit from ETI. It is a bolt on.

Dan

 

[DanandDaphne]

No it hasn't, here's what the lift looks like also on a 2018, 5.0

Like D&L said it's a bolt on kit, order them from Escape and have a shop bolt them in for you, or do it yourself if you're handy.

Larger tires isn't a great idea, they are already pretty close together if you had any bigger tires you wouldn't be able to use X-chocks

 

[Centex]

Just FYI there are other sources for the kit exactly as used by ETI

2-5/8" lift kit for tandem Dexter #10 Torflex Axles (e-trailer)

 

[GinoandLinda]

Another vote against bigger tires. Add the lift kit and you should be good to go.

 

[splitting_lanes]

You might not even need the lift kit, I’d suggest getting the truck, then evaluate.

Lift kit is pretty easy to add if you feel that things are too close without it.

 

[Centex]

FWIW I think anticipatory installation of the lift kit would be a good move.

I'm towing with a 2022 F150 4x4 and glad I took mentor David Murphy's advice to order it as OE for my 5.0. As David counseled, it might not be absolutely necessary for the majority of situations, but it relieves concern about clearances for all but the most radical 'turning over a grade-break' situations that are occasionally encountered (e.g. there are some 'wicked' gasoline station deep gutter + steep ramp entries out there). For me it's a welcome comfort factor.

Yep, 2-5/8" higher entry height, but I can't see any other downside and that one is easily mitigated with any of many portable / fold-flat step-platforms (which is handy to carry anyway).

Obviously, I've never towed a 5.0 without it but I can't imagine the lifted CG affects towing / handling / stability perceptibly, my rig tows like a dream (I'm not running slaloms at speed ).

YMMV, no worries!

 

[iamunique127]

My bed rails were around 57", my unlifted 5.0TA was running nose high and there was minimal clearance at the tailgate on a hump I need to negotiate at my storage yard. The pin box and the standard Reece hitch were already at maximum adjustment so my only option to level the trailer and gain more clearance was to lift.

On my year of 5.0TA the axles are different from yours and the resulting lift height was considerably more than the 2 5/8" addition yours will see. I have experienced only benefits from lifting my trailer: it now tows level, it is highly unlikely I will damage the tailgate on humps, the freshwater drain valve is further from any obstructions on uneven ground, etc. The only downside, and it is a minor inconvenience, is we now carry a portable step which is actually useful for other purposes around the truck/trailer.

As for towing, I have discerned no difference in stability or towability whatsoever in any situation with a trailer that is considerably higher than the stock height.

As I vacillated on doing the job, ppl here were telling me "just do it, you'll see, it will be good". So after much research here and with trailer shops, I just did it and sure enough, it was the thing to do.