Seeking advice on 21' Escape vs 5.0 Escape

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Chotch

We love our 50 TA! It tows great, besides looking really cool, shorter overall length compared to bumper pull,

I concur. I can put so much stuff in the bed of the truck, I have to watch the payload weight. BUT, the one down side IMHO is weather. Everything in the bed may be subjected to rain. It's the biggest reason I'm working hard to make certain as much as possible is stored inside the trailer... but not on the floor, I hate that too. Not much I can do about the grill, however if I know I'll be camping in the rain, doubtful I'd take the BBQ anyway. (Not everything fits inside a tote.)

[CADreamin]

We were a bit like Jim. Decided to move up to a 5.0 from our 19' so we placed our order and purchased a new truck to go with it (2018 Tundra) . Despite checking the specs before buying the truck, I (again) recalculated weights, etc., and found a 5.0 would be cutting the payload capacity of our truck too close so went back to Tammy and changed to a 21'. We were kind of on the fence anyway between the 21' and 5.0 so this clinched it and we're more than happy with our 21' -- especially with the larger bathroom, not having stairs/steps to maneuver AND we have full use of our truck bed. There are many factors to consider but, bottom line, it's what works for you.

[Jim Bennett]

My truck can carry near 400 lbs of gear in addition to the pin weight and us.

[CADreamin]

What's the pin weight on your 5.0? I read where it's about 15% - 20% of the trailer weight?

[davidmurphy02]

Originally Posted by CADreamin

What's the pin weight on your 5.0? I read where it's about 15% - 20% of the trailer weight?

I haven't had the chance to weigh our 5.0TA yet but the specs for a basic 5.0TA show a 600 pound pin weight. My total dry weight is 4,300 pounds vs. the basic book weight of 3,885 (options like AC and dual batteries add to the weight) so I figure my pin weight is around 700 pounds. Our truck has an 1,800 pound payload, so with a 700 pound pin weight and 100 pound hitch that still leaves 1,000 pounds for me, Mary, and gear in the truck.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by CADreamin

What's the pin weight on your 5.0? I read where it's about 15% - 20% of the trailer weight?

This spring I did some reorganizing and eliminating of weight due to being at the trailer's limit, and weighed the trailer. The pin weight was at 705 lbs, down from 770 last year.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

This spring I did some reorganizing and eliminating of weight due to being at the trailer's limit, and weighed the trailer. The pin weight was at 705 lbs, down from 770 last year.

and how much weight did you have in your rear storage box for this measurement?

[davidmurphy02]

We had a sticky 5th wheel for 15 years before it died of roof leaks and really loved how well it towed and the shorter overall length for fitting into smaller campsites. When it died we despaired of finding another until we discovered Escape last year. The 5.0TA is 3 feet shorter than our old rig, so even more mobile, but feels bigger inside due to the bumped up ceiling.

We like the cozy feel of the loft bedroom, and - so far, at least - don't mind climbing up and down to get there. Our extended cab pickup has a 6'4" bed so I can fit a large toolbox in front of the hitch for storage, and I added a 2x10 divider behind the hitch that makes a protected area in the very back for the power cord and a big storage space all around the hitch for firewood or other stuff. That, plus all the space in the back seat, are plenty of cargo capacity for us.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

This spring I did some reorganizing and eliminating of weight due to being at the trailer's limit, and weighed the trailer. The pin weight was at 705 lbs, down from 770 last year.

You should note that you built a custom interior so others shouldn't expect the same numbers.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

and how much weight did you have in your rear storage box for this measurement?

I never actually weighed the stuff in the box, but did eliminate a lot of weight from there too. I would guess I now have no more than 100lbs in it. Wouldn't hurt to measure some time....... once I am allowed to lift real weights that is.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

You should note that you built a custom interior so others shouldn't expect the same numbers.

I have probably too much in the past. I actually did up a thread on it too.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...0ta-10461.html

[Oldtimer]

Reasoning for 21 over a 5.0 .........momma wants momma gets happy wife happy life n tummy

[gbb]

Originally Posted by Chotch

We love our 50 TA! It tows great, besides looking really cool, shorter overall length compared to bumper pull, queen size bed and plenty of storage that is easily accessible. Granted I don’t have the full pickup bed but there is more available space than most would think, especially if using the Anderson hitch. So far the stairs to the loft are not a problem but then again I’m still young, not quite 70 yet😎
The cover I have has the toolbox option up front and is really handy, the whole thing can be locked when not towing as the truck has a locking tailgate.

Hi,
Would you mind sharing what kind of cover that is? It is really neat looking and very practical with the build in toolbox.
Thanks
Buddy

[MikeS]

Originally Posted by gbb

Hi,
Would you mind sharing what kind of cover that is? It is really neat looking and very practical with the build in toolbox.
Thanks
Buddy

It’s the Fold a Cover & tool caddy from https://www.steffensautomotive.com

I have the same and am happy with it. Not sure if I would do tool caddy again or just add a removable box for the storage. The caddy is more secure though and definitely works well.

[Chotch]

Fold a Cover is correct. It is a good quality and fairly secure hard tonneau cover. I like the toolbox option,it can be locked separately from main compartment and is really water resistant. Keep my toolbox, jumpers, torque wrench etc. In there and still have room leftover. I added steps to make it more accessible.

[Fox hunt]

Arnie , do you have a picture of the storage you built?

[John in Santa Cruz]

I'd love to be able to use a folding tonneau like that, but I need to carry a large telescope thats far too tall to fit, and has to be protected from the weather and dust and such, so I'm stuck with a shell top.

[Jim Bennett]

I have used the Fold-a-Cover tonneau cover with toolbox for 3 1/2 years on am very impressed with it. I keep tools and stuff under it and have never had a rain/snow problem. Previous to me buying it I knew of nobody here with one but did a schwack of online research on it and other before deciding.

[RL Campers]

We love our 21’ as with little storage we can use the truck box for barbecue, chairs and such.

[Chotch]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I concur. I can put so much stuff in the bed of the truck, I have to watch the payload weight. BUT, the one down side IMHO is weather. Everything in the bed may be subjected to rain. It's the biggest reason I'm working hard to make certain as much as possible is stored inside the trailer... but not on the floor, I hate that too. Not much I can do about the grill, however if I know I'll be camping in the rain, doubtful I'd take the BBQ anyway. (Not everything fits inside a tote.)

Not quite, my tool box, built into the tonneau cover is highly water resistant, if not water proof. I also have a good size plastic storage container. Our Q1000 grill fits in front storage compartment.