Escape 19 vs 5.0 TA?

[Richard in Georgia]

All: Thank you so much for the input. Now I'm even more unsure what to do. I like the flexibility of the 19 and the 5.0TA. I think I know what I will order, but that is gonna change. I have a bunch of other questions is and I will post it in an appropriate forum AFTER I see if it's already been asked and answered. I hope you stay tuned to Richard in Georgia

[easytravelman]

Hello Jim,

We just joined and it looks like it will be some time as the window is closed for new orders. Off the bat I can see the 5.0TA 21 foot is the one I would be interested in. Just as you said I would want the bed separate and the extra living space. I would really like to see what you have come up with on modifications. It seems you have put a lot of effort and time in planning. I went on a RT trader site and didn't see one escape for sale. No wonder their holding the value. Have always wanted to spend several years traveling around our beautiful country before I get much older. Thanks in advance.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by easytravelman

I would really like to see what you have come up with on modifications.

As it will be another four months until I get my 5.0TA, then a couple weeks of work on it, it will be some time yet before anyone will get to see the resultants. Plus, I still have a few ideas I have to finalize, and some may not come until I have it in hand.

Your intended usage is pretty much what I have in mind too, and what plenty others here already do.

[easytravelman]

So it sounds like your a very analytical about your decisions. I am sure you have looked at many 5th wheels and trailers. What caused you to finally decide to go with the Escape 5.0TA. When I look at the pictures on their website I would describe it as practical, nothing fancy or luxury. Also, seems there are quite a bit of options that need to be added to fill out the unit. When I looked a the options list I think I would probably order almost all of them amounting to almost $9,000. That would bringing the total to about $39k for a 21 foot 5th wheel. Your comments appreciated.

[Jim Bennett]

I never even considered another fifth wheel, or really any other brand of trailer. After owning an Escape 19 for over 6 years, knowing the quality and value it had, and getting to know the owners quite well over that time, it was a no brainer. I had been pining over the 5.0TA since it's inception.

Don't forget, buying in your big US bucks gets you an even better deal .

[easytravelman]

Yes, I sent Escape an email this morning asking them if I ordered now could I get the current pricing. Ans. Was no have to wait until release of 2017 schedule.

[Jake930]

We at first ordered a 19, but at the Niagara rally saw the 21 and 5.0ta. I absolutely loved the 5.0, looks, layout, everything. The wife loved it also, but the deciding factor was that my wife has some small balance issues and I could just see her falling down those three steps in the middle of the night, so we upgraded our order to the 21. If we were 10 years younger we would have went with the 5.0ta. With any escape that you chose, you can't go wrong.

[easytravelman]

Jake,

Thank you for that. It appears everyone is so positive about this product and company. In an era were so many people are dissatisfied it's good to see such enthusiasm. Anxious to see a 5.0TA live.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by Jake930

We at first ordered a 19, but at the Niagara rally saw the 21 and 5.0ta. I absolutely loved the 5.0, looks, layout, everything. The wife loved it also, but the deciding factor was that my wife has some small balance issues and I could just see her falling down those three steps in the middle of the night, so we upgraded our order to the 21. If we were 10 years younger we would have went with the 5.0ta. With any escape that you chose, you can't go wrong.

Hi Jake930
Glad to hear you were able to get an order in for a new Escape. I'm sure you'll enjoy it like the many others with a rig from Escape. You did not say when you will take delivery, keep us posted and we hope to see you again.
Iowa Dave

[Jake930]

Hi, Iowa Dave, we have a completion date of October 16th. But but paid off all but a 1000.00 USD this last week. After watching the exchange rate for a few months, I figured Reese would have to up his price at some point so I went for it, took a guess in my head at how much USD would just about pay it off and sent a wire transfer. Came with in 1002.00 USD. Some times I do good. Will pay the rest by credit card, after we are sure we are done with the options. Hoping that if it is paid for I might get an earlier completion date if some one backs out.

[Bill and Earline]

Way to go, guys. With any luck, you might have your 21' in time for the next Niagara gathering. We traveled to get our 21' in November 2014 and had to dodge a little snowy weather. Hopefully you'll get yours home with some nice October weather, even coming across the northern states/southern provinces.
Bill

[Iowa Dave]

Bill
I am sensing that your tow vehicle might have changed?

[Bill and Earline]

Very observant, Dave.
I just changed it this morning on the site.
I had high hopes for the Nissan Titan 5 liter Cummins, but when I saw it weighed in at 7500 lbs, and a preliminary test came in with fuel mileage in the teens, not towing, that took it out of the running. Honda Ridgeline is just now being released, and it won't be much stronger than the former one, although it looks great. Ford 3.5 liter Eco-boost is a race car, if you want that, but towing mileage is apparently pretty low. So, here I am with the 3-liter Eco-diesel, crew cab 4wd. First three tanks without towing have been 24, 25 and 28mpg. That's using a calculator and not the truck's computer--although it shows cumulative result on the truck's screen of 25 point something.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Jake930

After watching the exchange rate for a few months, I figured Reese would have to up his price at some point so I went for it, took a guess in my head at how much USD would just about pay it off and sent a wire transfer. Hoping that if it is paid for I might get an earlier completion date if some one backs out.

Last week I got a notice from ETI that a few of the options I wanted had increased in price. U-shaped dinette went up to $400. I forget what the others were. But, once you turn in your build sheet they can't increase your prices, so that's another reason I'm trying to get ours figured out fairly soon, even though it's not due until the end of December.

I'm wondering the same thing about moving up the queue. And I'm also wondering if everyone will get bumped up when they were their new building up and running. Fingers crossed mentally!

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by easytravelman

(snip) Also, seems there are quite a bit of options that need to be added to fill out the unit. When I looked a the options list I think I would probably order almost all of them amounting to almost $9,000. That would bringing the total to about $39k for a 21 foot 5th wheel. Your comments appreciated.

What you should do is look at the build sheets that others have posted. It's a great way to find items that aren't listed on their site as options.

For example, we're getting the stove rotated, which will cost an additional $50 but I think will be worth it.

Additional cabinet on top of the drawer stack (21' trailer) for $350 - yeah, pricey but I really want it - we're not going with the storage cubbies as neither of us like the looks of 'em.

Reinforced walls at $100 each wall (total of 3)

Filler boards for u-shaped dinette - $100 each

Additional door on bed platform - $75

Additional light switches by door - $35 each

None of these are listed as options at their website and yet they're willing to do them for their customers.

[Patandlinda]

Doing some math calculations here Reace raising his prices when the Canadian money is declining , is just trying to keep up . I don't think he is raising his prices by 31% . Patand Linda

[gbaglo]

I expect that all of the systems ( fridge, furnace, stove, water heater, etc. etc. ) are imported from the US and are priced in US dollars.
I don't think ETI would have any choice, but to raise prices to cover increased costs.

[Jim Bennett]

They have to be careful not to out price the Canadian market too.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Doing some math calculations here Reace raising his prices when the Canadian money is declining , is just trying to keep up . I don't think he is raising his prices by 31% . Patand Linda

The drop in the Canadian dollar relative to the American dollar has no impact on labour, materials and services originating in Canada (our dollar is still worth a dollar in Canada). The impact of the weak Canadian dollar relative to ETI's business relates to goods that Reace brings in from USA or other countries to use in building his trailers. Anything bought in the USA is now more expensive and would require either raising his prices accordingly, or switching to a domestic product.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

The drop in the Canadian dollar relative to the American dollar has no impact on labour, materials and services originating in Canada (our dollar is still worth a dollar in Canada). The impact of the weak Canadian dollar relative to ETI's business relates to goods that Reace brings in from USA or other countries to use in building his trailers. Anything bought in the USA is now more expensive and would require either raising his prices accordingly, or switching to a domestic product.

That is what I was trying to say . If Reace doesn't raise his prices to make up for the increase in purchasing goods for his trailer , doesn't he start losing on his side ? All this has to be factored in your price of making your trailers . Right ? Cost of doing business ? We just think this situation is going to come around and effect us too eventually . Pat