Sanity Check. Input Wanted.

[gnies]

[quote source="/post/7169/thread" timestamp="1424807637" author="@whoofit"]Wow, Paul

Thanks for the heads-up! I don't even know if they are LED or not. Was only concern about the interior lighting for this before now. Truth be told I bought this trailer sight unseen from a dealer and have never set foot inside a Camp Lite. Bought it based on info here and elsewhere with a recommendation from a distant friend.

If worse comes to worse I suppose I could rent a truck. I have a 3/4 ton van I could use locally for point to point towing but not for road trips. It is less than ideal. It sounds like you take a lot of gear and have a great time with it. I'd say that is the most important part of all of this.

Thanks for the important info and personal experience with your combination![/quote]
Yes I found out about the led lights problem (the lights of the brakes and flashers are led) after I had left the RV dealer, I had a dash message saying there was a problem with the lights and I noticed while I was stopped for gas that they were blinking slightly but it was operating, also when you backup the sensers was beeping to say that there was something behind me, and this does deactive now with the adaptor (when I put reverse it says on my message center something about trailer so the sensor doesn't beep to tell you are going to hit something). The brakes and everything was working without the adaptor I did over 1000km trip without it (yeah the dealer is far away from me lol) but I got the adapter after and it solved the problem. There is other solution I found on other forum some are putting some resistors on the trailer wiring instead of using the adaptor but I prefer the adaptor it's easiest. This is a common problem with Escape you can find it if you google.

[spot1]

Installed resistors supplied with LED kit to make LED turn signal flash properly on one installation. On the last LED turn signal installation purchased a plug & play NAPA electronic flasher, worked great with LED turn signals.

Superbright LEDs also has plug & play electronic flashers & resistors for LED turn signals.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/search/led-products/flashers/

Here's the NAPA electronic flasher used on my 35 year old  motorcycle LED turn signal installation:

[a href="http://s657.photobucket.com/user/vstromklr/media/2013/Honda%20CX500D%20Street%20Tracker%20Project/IMG_5366_zps2eeb9a7e.jpg.html"]

[drdave]

Hi David.

It's 240hp at 5000rpm and makes 270ft/lb torque at 3000 rpm. It is the 2.0 litre Eco Boost 4cyl intercooled turbo. Thing is real strong for a 4cyl. I question it's longevity in this TV role though. Do you see a problem with the HP and Torque specs for say 55mph 6-8% grade stuff? Thanks!

[p]As others have said, it isn't the available hp and torque, it is displacement. That engine has a turbocharger to be able to produce its 240 hp. That is very close to the numbers for the 3.5 liter engine in our Pathfinder. In normal driving use, you will get something like 30 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. That is somewhere close to 28 horse power required at a steady speed (modern gasoline engines produce 12 hp for every gph of gas burn rate). Every now and then you hit the pedal to the metal and produce 240 hp but only for a few seconds. With that useage/load profile the little engine will last a long while.[/p][p]
[/p][p]But when towing you will get about 13-14 mpg like most of us. That kicks it up to 53 hp at a steady 60 mph. That is putting a more serious load on the engine, and it is full time.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I think that the engine will be fine, but don't expect to tow 50,000 miles and get more than 100,000 miles out of the engine. But a few thousand miles until you move up to a bigger TV should work out ok.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Do consider sway control and maybe a light WD hitch. Your TV has a shorter wheel base than mine and that creates instability.[/p][p]
[/p][p]I am no where as pessimistic as Pinstriper. But you are on the edge of insanity. Stay away from the dark side.[/p][p]
[/p][p]David
[/p]

Woo:  I agree with David's statements.

I own a 16DB (tow with a V6 Nissan Frontier) and I have a 2013 escape ecoboost at work I drive sometimes.   I don't think you would be a danger to society towing with the escape, but I think you will quickly be ready for an upgrade.    I'd go get your smokin' deal and give it a try, but I have my doubts you'll own the escape much longer after towing the 16DB up any kind of hills

[whoofit]

I like both the harnesss and the flasher fixes. Got to see if they make a flasher to fit the Escape. Neither of these will be at hand in the morning for our trip to the Canadian border to get the trailer. I'm wondering, if there are replacement bulbs I could fit tomorrow. Conventional bulbs to replace the led ones that are on the trailer?

This would get us through. I cringe enough never having seen the trailer, never having towed the trailer and now dealing with Fords fubar that is going to drive me crazy, and possibly be dangerous, for a 5.5 hr drive home with it.

Anyone know if standard bulbs will fit and what the types may be?

[whoofit]

tlbones, I actually want one already! Will have to make do with what we have for the time being. Now with brake and turns not working correctly I feel like I'm getting to the edge of danger to society if I drive it that way.

It's 2014 and led lighting is new to Ford....sheesh!

If I had my choice I'd get something else. Not too much bigger though.

[tinkeringtechie]

I'm wondering, if there are replacement bulbs I could fit tomorrow. Conventional bulbs to replace the led ones that are on the trailer?

Anyone know if standard bulbs will fit and what the types may be?

If they're like mine then it's not a matter of bulbs because the whole fixture is a custom LED assembly. Maybe the marker lights use bulbs, but the brake lights (the ones the Escape is "looking" for) are custom LED housings.

[pinstriper]

[quote timestamp="1424804460" source="/post/7161/thread" author="@whoofit"]Your point is well taken. You leave more room for the unforeseen. I'm cutting it too close to give a big thumbs-up to. I deeply appreciate your concern for our safety. I promise to NEVER sacrifice the safety of others. Though I might tick some off by driving slower than they'd like. Thank you!
[/quote]Yep, that's what I was trying to get across.

[whoofit]

That's what I feared. A custom lamp assembly. Sounds like this ship may be delayed.

[drdave]

[quote source="/post/7183/thread" timestamp="1424823977" author="@whoofit"]tlbones, I actually want one already! Will have to make do with what we have for the time being. Now with brake and turns not working correctly I feel like I'm getting to the edge of danger to society if I drive it that way.

It's 2014 and led lighting is new to Ford....sheesh!

If I had my choice I'd get something else. Not too much bigger though.[/quote]Just fix the brakes and forget the turn signals.   I've come to the conclusion they must be optional in PA judging by their lack of use.   This is probably true in your state also.

[spot1]

Quick check online and did not find an after market signal relay. Here's more info on your relay:

http://www.partsgeek.com/m463tf5-ford-escape-turn-signal-flasher.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=ff&utm_content=MP&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Bing&gb=pp&utm_term=&ad=3082680927

I'm confident there's an aftermarket electronic relay available, but would have to search a little. Not all electronic relays will solve the flashing issue. NAPA worked for me and Super Bright LEDs know how to resolve this issue. Had a couple that did not work.

Towed my 2010 CampLite 11 home with a 1987 Toyota Pickup & did not have issues with the trailer lights. After what Paul said, checked a Ford Escape forum, there have been other issues with LED trailer lights working properly, too.

[gnies]

[quote source="/post/7181/thread" timestamp="1424823592" author="@whoofit"]I like both the harnesss and the flasher fixes. Got to see if they make a flasher to fit the Escape. Neither of these will be at hand in the morning for our trip to the Canadian border to get the trailer. I'm wondering, if there are replacement bulbs I could fit tomorrow. Conventional bulbs to replace the led ones that are on the trailer?

This would get us through. I cringe enough never having seen the trailer, never having towed the trailer and now dealing with Fords fubar that is going to drive me crazy, and possibly be dangerous, for a 5.5 hr drive home with it.

Anyone know if standard bulbs will fit and what the types may be?[/quote]
Are you buying the trailer in Canada? Which province? I bought mine in Canada also (well I am from Canada) but the dealer was 12 hour drive from my home the dealer was in Québec

[whoofit]

tlbones, I got a good laugh out of that one last night. Needed it too after the 15 hour ordeal. Had typed up a lengthy post to this thread but forgot to login and lost it all.

exploringcarolina, thanks for the research. I too am not sure a flasher fix is the best option. I've decided on the harness. But the pull home last night went well without it. We had the problems but we determined they weren't show stoppers. Everything still worked but was a bit odd.

Paul, we bought the trailer in St Albans, VT USA. Right on the Canadaian border. It was around 260 miles or so from our home. We hit delay after delay, one of them being the NH visit of VP Biden.... sheesh can't plan for everything I guess. I got really ticked about that one. That's the second time me and him crossed paths and was delayed by his visiting. First one was in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands where he frequents and has family in.

So, we made the trip and the purchase.

The Bad:

It costed a lot of ducats.
Flasher and brake light issue/annoyance.
Guy that mounted the brake controller (not this dealer) did not provide 12V charging to the TT battery.
Not LED lighting where I wanted it most, in the trailer.
No tank gauges.
Not in love with the overall layout. We knew this before hand and will eventually work to change it to suit our needs better. Got a good welder friend.

The Good:

It is in brand new shape. No damage, fading, missing parts. Just as advertised and as we imagined. We tested and inspected every little thing there. Indoors in their shop. The dealer was awesome. TC's RV in St Albans, VT.... woot woot! They actually remounted our brake controller and test drove the trailer with us before we set sail. They did not sell us the controller either. Spent a good hour showing us around the unit.

This combo towed and stopped like a dream. I mean, if any of you all know I-89 you get the picture. Very hilly with posted warnings of steep grades and high wind conditions. This little Escape was able to handle the trip at 65 mph easy on cruise control. Never dropping below 63 or above 67 and never exceeding 3500 rpm on the tach unless I wanted to pass or go slower. Even up the hills. Although it was only 25F the temp gauge read as normal as no trailer at all.

The handling I would term superb in every way. Zero sway (no sway bars). Zero sag, no WDH ( maybe an inch?). Our existing ball setup was right on the money too. Large coach buses and Tractor Trailers passed us with no blowing us off the road feeling.

I know that I am still missing something and there are far better options out there. But for now I am really pleased. I know it is still unloaded weight but I can't see why we wouldn't be able to travel well wit this combo. Maybe slower. Maybe need to add sway control but we are set for some good times ahead. A big thumbs-up!

The Ugly;

Looks like I'll be stopping for gas a lot. 11 mpg with a 14 gal tank. Must resist the snack counter at all these stations....lol

This is my experience so far with only 300 miles under my belt. That is like an infant spouting out "Damn, Life Is Good!". But it is good... Thnaks for all the advice, tips and help!

[djsamuel]

[quote source="/post/7214/thread" timestamp="1424954403" author="@whoofit"]tlbones, I got a good laugh out of that one last night. Needed it too after the 15 hour ordeal. Had typed up a lengthy post to this thread but forgot to login and lost it all.

exploringcarolina, thanks for the research. I too am not sure a flasher fix is the best option. I've decided on the harness. But the pull home last night went well without it. We had the problems but we determined they weren't show stoppers. Everything still worked but was a bit odd.

Paul, we bought the trailer in St Albans, VT USA. Right on the Canadaian border. It was around 260 miles or so from our home. We hit delay after delay, one of them being the NH visit of VP Biden.... sheesh can't plan for everything I guess. I got really ticked about that one. That's the second time me and him crossed paths and was delayed by his visiting. First one was in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands where he frequents and has family in.

So, we made the trip and the purchase.

The Bad:

It costed a lot of ducats.
Flasher and brake light issue/annoyance.
Guy that mounted the brake controller (not this dealer) did not provide 12V charging to the TT battery.
Not LED lighting where I wanted it most, in the trailer.
No tank gauges.
Not in love with the overall layout. We knew this before hand and will eventually work to change it to suit our needs better. Got a good welder friend.

The Good:

It is in brand new shape. No damage, fading, missing parts. Just as advertised and as we imagined. We tested and inspected every little thing there. Indoors in their shop. The dealer was awesome. TC's RV in St Albans, VT.... woot woot! They actually remounted our brake controller and test drove the trailer with us before we set sail. They did not sell us the controller either. Spent a good hour showing us around the unit.

This combo towed and stopped like a dream. I mean, if any of you all know I-89 you get the picture. Very hilly with posted warnings of steep grades and high wind conditions. This little Escape was able to handle the trip at 65 mph easy on cruise control. Never dropping below 63 or above 67 and never exceeding 3500 rpm on the tach unless I wanted to pass or go slower. Even up the hills. Although it was only 25F the temp gauge read as normal as no trailer at all.

The handling I would term superb in every way. Zero sway (no sway bars). Zero sag, no WDH ( maybe an inch?). Our existing ball setup was right on the money too. Large coach buses and Tractor Trailers passed us with no blowing us off the road feeling.

I know that I am still missing something and there are far better options out there. But for now I am really pleased. I know it is still unloaded weight but I can't see why we wouldn't be able to travel well wit this combo. Maybe slower. Maybe need to add sway control but we are set for some good times ahead. A big thumbs-up!

The Ugly;

Looks like I'll be stopping for gas a lot. 11 mpg with a 14 gal tank. Must resist the snack counter at all these stations....lol

This is my experience so far with only 300 miles under my belt. That is like an infant spouting out "Damn, Life Is Good!". But it is good... Thnaks for all the advice, tips and help!








[/quote]
Sounds like the Escape worked well for you.  If you worry about gas mileage with a larger tow vehicle in the future, don't.  Even with the Ram 1500 with a V8, I averaged about 11.5 MPG on the trip out to Arizona/Utah.  The Ram has a 26 gallon tank; I can't imagine 11MPG with a 14 gallon tank!

Great news though.  Enjoy!

[gnies]

[quote timestamp="1424954403" author="@whoofit" source="/post/7214/thread"]tlbones, I got a good laugh out of that one last night. Needed it too after the 15 hour ordeal. Had typed up a lengthy post to this thread but forgot to login and lost it all.

exploringcarolina, thanks for the research. I too am not sure a flasher fix is the best option. I've decided on the harness. But the pull home last night went well without it. We had the problems but we determined they weren't show stoppers. Everything still worked but was a bit odd.

Paul, we bought the trailer in St Albans, VT USA. Right on the Canadaian border. It was around 260 miles or so from our home. We hit delay after delay, one of them being the NH visit of VP Biden.... sheesh can't plan for everything I guess. I got really ticked about that one. That's the second time me and him crossed paths and was delayed by his visiting. First one was in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands where he frequents and has family in.

So, we made the trip and the purchase.

The Bad:

It costed a lot of ducats.
Flasher and brake light issue/annoyance.
Guy that mounted the brake controller (not this dealer) did not provide 12V charging to the TT battery.
Not LED lighting where I wanted it most, in the trailer.
No tank gauges.
Not in love with the overall layout. We knew this before hand and will eventually work to change it to suit our needs better. Got a good welder friend.

The Good:

It is in brand new shape. No damage, fading, missing parts. Just as advertised and as we imagined. We tested and inspected every little thing there. Indoors in their shop. The dealer was awesome. TC's RV in St Albans, VT.... woot woot! They actually remounted our brake controller and test drove the trailer with us before we set sail. They did not sell us the controller either. Spent a good hour showing us around the unit.

This combo towed and stopped like a dream. I mean, if any of you all know I-89 you get the picture. Very hilly with posted warnings of steep grades and high wind conditions. This little Escape was able to handle the trip at 65 mph easy on cruise control. Never dropping below 63 or above 67 and never exceeding 3500 rpm on the tach unless I wanted to pass or go slower. Even up the hills. Although it was only 25F the temp gauge read as normal as no trailer at all.

The handling I would term superb in every way. Zero sway (no sway bars). Zero sag, no WDH ( maybe an inch?). Our existing ball setup was right on the money too. Large coach buses and Tractor Trailers passed us with no blowing us off the road feeling.

I know that I am still missing something and there are far better options out there. But for now I am really pleased. I know it is still unloaded weight but I can't see why we wouldn't be able to travel well wit this combo. Maybe slower. Maybe need to add sway control but we are set for some good times ahead. A big thumbs-up!

The Ugly;

Looks like I'll be stopping for gas a lot. 11 mpg with a 14 gal tank. Must resist the snack counter at all these stations....lol

This is my experience so far with only 300 miles under my belt. That is like an infant spouting out "Damn, Life Is Good!". But it is good... Thnaks for all the advice, tips and help![/quote]I agree with the gas station stop! I did a couple of long trip and had to stop quite frequently! But the Escape perform really well for me, and I am happy to learn that it's going well for you with the 16DB, I almost got the 14DBS instead but I was scared about the weight, maybe I should have got it afterall but I still like my 13QBB a lot!

[david]

As you note, slowing down definitely improves mpg. But turning off the cruise control also helps, particularly on a road with undulating hills. Let your TV speed drop about 5 mph going up a hill and then pick it back up on the downside.

I did an informal experiment driving a couple of hours with and without cruise control, but staying at the same average speed and the same terrain. I picked up about 1 MPG without.

David