I just built a basement model 5.0TA!

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Well, never thought of myself as a non-boondocker. Quite the opposite. Between Alaska and Baja, across the country and extensive travel on BC's Forest Service Roads and I've never had an issue.

There's probably twice as much road clearance there as there is under the axle.
And, tongue goes up, spare goes up. Not an issue at all. The bottom of the tongue jack is closer to the road.

Frees up valuable real estate at the rear, well worth doing.

Ron

Exactly. It’s a non-issue. The one I had done on a 21 for another member still has over 11” clearance under the tire. If the tire becomes a problem you are on the wrong road!!
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post292144

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

The only negative that I can think of is the reduced headroom makes for hotter nights in hot climates. Reduced headroom means reduced air circulation. This is a problem in boats with berths under the cockpit when in hot climates.

Another way to get extra storage room is to have a rear storage box like Jim B's on his 5.0 TA. He carries his bike on top of it. It held up well in Baja.

I was never a fan of rear storage boxes but I changed my mine and made one. So efficient at storing items and easy access. Wish I'd made one sooner.

Ron

Hi Ron,

Thanks for pointing out the reduced air circulation - a very good point as running the a/c is a last resort for me.

And I do love the idea of a rear storage box, but don't want my bike outside the big rear window. Always tradeoffs.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Exactly. It’s a non-issue. The one I had done on a 21 for another member still has over 11” clearance under the tire. If the tire becomes a problem you are on the wrong road!!
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post292144

Thanks for posting your install. That gives folks an easy alternative is DIY isn't their thing.

Ron

[George Johnson]

Gonna have to check out the clearance matter when I get the chance. Rubicon327 is generally spot on with his experience and knowledge. I was writing from experience with other trailers with ground clearance issues.


Can't do it tomorrow though--heavy wind rain and cold coming in. Hoping to get that Christmas goose that stayed up north due to the warm and dry conditions we've been experiencing here on the coast. There are priorities.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Lorraine Pittsburgh

Hi Ron,

Thanks for pointing out the reduced air circulation - a very good point as running the a/c is a last resort for me.

Always tradeoffs.

Yes, as the headroom comes down the temperature seems to go up. My boat had more headroom in the aft cabin than a 5.0 TA and a 2'x2' hatch over it. It was stifling in hot climates. Laying there I'd find myself wondering, "why isn't the hot air just going up and out?" The solution that I found that really punched above its' weight was a simple little computer fan blowing outside air downwards. Forget the up and out bit. The computer fan was very quiet and took almost no battery power. Worked for me.

I still use a computer fan in my Escape. Right beside the window blowing air up the length of the bed. Still works for me.

Tradeoffs, yes, always tradeoffs.

Ron

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

The only negative that I can think of is the reduced headroom makes for hotter nights in hot climates. Reduced headroom means reduced air circulation. This is a problem in boats with berths under the cockpit when in hot climates.

Another way to get extra storage room is to have a rear storage box like Jim B's on his 5.0 TA. He carries his bike on top of it. It held up well in Baja.

I was never a fan of rear storage boxes but I changed my mine and made one. So efficient at storing items and easy access. Wish I'd made one sooner.

Ron

Since it's my trailer and I'm the one using it, I can tell you first hand that reduced air circulation is NOT an issue. If anything, it improves because my head is that much closer to the big vent right above the bed. That vent is always open, even when it rains. Even if that means open just a crack. With the MaxxFan and passive roof vent at the rear, there seems to be enough cross ventilation.

Then again, it's only me sleeping in the loft and no pets in bed either!

The cot and the mattress only measure about 12 inches. Not all that much more than the stock mattress. I realize not everyone would want to sleep on such a thin mattress however.


If you wish to discuss Jim's rear box, I'd rather you discussed it in his thread. Thanks.

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Since it's my trailer and I'm the one using it, I can tell you first hand that reduced air circulation is NOT an issue. If anything, it improves because my head is that much closer to the big vent right above the bed. That vent is always open, even when it rains. Even if that means open just a crack. With the MaxxFan and passive roof vent at the rear, there seems to be enough cross ventilation.

Then again, it's only me sleeping in the loft and no pets in bed either!

The cot and the mattress only measure about 12 inches. Not all that much more than the stock mattress. I realize not everyone would want to sleep on such a thin mattress however.

Hi Donna,

Nothing like firsthand experience on such things, & my situation will be similar to yours (solo, no pets), so thanks so much for your thoughts. I'm curious to know what kind of mattress you use, as something fairly thin makes sense if it provides enough comfort & support.

And thanks also for your moderating this forum - it's been so valuable to me already, long before I've even done my build sheet!

Best, Lorraine

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Lorraine Pittsburgh

I'm curious to know what kind of mattress you use, as something fairly thin makes sense if it provides enough comfort & support.

Lorraine, all I can tell you is I bought it at Ikea. That was more than seven years ago! I didn't keep the paperwork. I'm about 5 miles from an Ikea store and they had several to choose from. I'd strongly suggest trying out a mattress before buying, especially one this thin. What makes this work, is the cot is a slat bed. It might not work as well on a solid surface.

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Lorraine, all I can tell you is I bought it at Ikea. That was more than seven years ago! I didn't keep the paperwork. I'm about 5 miles from an Ikea store and they had several to choose from. I'd strongly suggest trying out a mattress before buying, especially one this thin. What makes this work, is the cot is a slat bed. It might not work as well on a solid surface.

Thanks for the info!