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Silvertwinkie · 02-20-2009, 05:29 PM

Don't know about you, but when I look at tow vehicles, 0 to 60 while towing is one of the top 3 things on my list of important items and gauges of how well it'll tow.

OnSafari · 02-22-2009, 07:45 PM

Ok. To put an end to this thread, we've successfully returned from our first night of camping at Pio Pico, Thousand Trails in San Diego. We had a 100 mile trip both ways and our 2007 Ford Escape did a grand job pulling our Sport 17'.

The dealer ended up mounting the Class III hitch underneath the Class II hitch. We lowered the trailer onto the hitch without the Equalizer and it did lower the back end considerably. We raised it back up, added the EQ, lowered it and this time the back end stayed more or less where it should have stayed.

We cruised at 55-60 the entire way and it pulled it very smoothly, nearly the same feeling as when we were pulling our T@B.

Here are photos of our setup:

Silvertwinkie · 02-23-2009, 06:39 AM

I'd be interested in seeing the rig with the hitch jack fully retracted while it is connected to see what the lean may look like if possible. From the current pics, the unit appears hitched, but seems to have the hitch jack extended.

OnSafari · 02-23-2009, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

I'd be interested in seeing the rig with the hitch jack fully retracted while it is connected to see what the lean may look like if possible. From the current pics, the unit appears hitched, but seems to have the hitch jack extended.

Here ya go

Silvertwinkie · 02-23-2009, 07:50 AM

That is a very level connection. I had thought there may be a bit of a slant, but it's perfect. Nice!

I have to say that little Airstream is really cute!

Silvertwinkie · 02-23-2009, 07:55 AM

One suggestion would be to get mudflaps for the Escape. I don't see rock guards on the Sport unit and a good set of mudflaps for the Escape will help save the front from being dented from projectiles coming off the rear tires.

I took the OEM mudflaps I bought separately and added some length to them. Also I have an enkay hitch mudflaps too. The enkay alone still might let some blow by happen, but between both, it's pretty great protection.

**moosetags** · 02-23-2009, 07:57 AM

It looks like a great set up. Get out there and start using it. We hope to see you down the road.

Safe travels, Brian

OnSafari · 02-23-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

One suggestion would be to get mudflaps for the Escape. I don't see rock guards on the Sport unit and a good set of mudflaps for the Escape will help save the front from being dented from projectiles coming off the rear tires.

I took the OEM mudflaps I bought separately and added some length to them. Also I have an enkay hitch mudflaps too. The enkay alone still might let some blow by happen, but between both, it's pretty great protection.

Yep, already thought of that. The Airstream does, however, have a layer of rock guard protection. Something you can't see in the photos as it's a transparent barrior of some sort. Can't remember what they said it was, right off hand, but it's there. We will more than likely still add some mudflaps, though

thecatsandi · 02-23-2009, 08:28 AM

Nice setup. Glad you could work it out.
be careful and leave plenty of room around you.

Gene · 02-23-2009, 09:25 AM

Is that plastic the same stuff they put in front of the tires on rear fenders on a lot of cars and trucks? It's a little protection, but mud flaps will help too.

It's great you've got it together and you've already had your first camping trip.

Gene