Hello All, Questions and Excitement!

[TwoPlusLu]

Hi Everyone,

We are full time RVers, moving up in the world from a four wheel camper pop up truck camper to an escape 5.0 (single axle). We spent many hours and some dollars getting our last rig exactly how we wanted it, capable of going anywhere and boondocking away from outlets with just good ol' sun. However, we were unable to escape (I love the name of these trailers) the fact that we work remotely, and it was apparent that we needed a more dedicated inside space to get work done when weather wasn't ideal.

Enter an escape 5.0, single axle. We are so excited to become part of the community and to get our hands on what appears to be a very well built and admired brand of travel trailers and 5th wheels. We are on the way to pick it up soon.

We currently have a 2003 Toyota tundra, 3.4 v6, 5 speed manual, 4wd. We love this truck, but may be upgrading since our home has grown in size.

So, big question for you all, if you had an escape 5.0 (or do have) and were buying a new truck, what would it be? $$ within reason, that is 35K is about the budget. Those with personal experience with the 5.0 single axle and clearance issues with its height I am particularly aiming this towards. For reference, the 5.0 in question has the axle lift.

Criteria:
at least a 6-6.5 foot bed.
room for kiddos to be added down the road
good power, I don't want to struggle towing it
4wd (we like to go off payment, not anything crazy, just not usual campgrounds)

Main ones on my list so far are:
GM Colorado/canyon durmax, crew cab long bed
Toyota tundra sr 4wd double cab (this may be too tall, help??)

Your help is greatly appreciated, and again, thrilled to be a part of your wonderful community (we've been following for some time as non members).

Cheers,

Clay and Cait

[escape artist]

Hi: TwoPlusLu... Check out my post on Diesel GMC Canyon Towing Escape 21 thread. Not that they aren't a nice truck but... Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[TwoPlusLu]

Thanks for the reply and reference.

I had another look at the canyon and Colorado, and due to the price of the duramax and an overall lack of, woooh I like that truck, probably not going that direction.

I really do like the base Toyota tundra, 4wd, sr. pretty much a work truck, but well outfitted. Will this be too big for the 5.0. Anyone using a new tundra with the old 5.0? I am happy with having too much power, but concerned more about the height of the bed rails and clearance.

[arniesea]

Originally Posted by TwoPlusLu

Hi Everyone,


We currently have a 2003 Toyota tundra, 3.4 v6, 5 speed manual, 4wd. We love this truck, but may be upgrading since our home has grown in size.

So, big question for you all, if you had an escape 5.0 (or do have) and were buying a new truck, what would it be?

Cheers,

Clay and Cait

Here are two threads that discuss Tundra's with 5.0 trailers.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...ndra-6015.html

(this is a 5.0 TA but similar to the 5.0)

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...ndra-8408.html

Good Luck and welcome to the world of Escape!

[TwoPlusLu]

Thank you for the references, much appreciated.

[padlin]

You might be able to call or drop Reace an email with the question about the height of the Tundra's bed in relation to 5.0 single axle. Knowing one of the reasons for the TA was to allow it to be pulled by the taller full size trucks may indicate that it will NOT work.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by TwoPlusLu

Thank you for the references, much appreciated.

Hi: TwoPlusLu... On our pickup trip to ETI we delivered our 5.0 to its new home then carried all our stuff to put in our new 5.0TA. The only adjustment needed to reach a level tow was to drop the hitch plate one set of bolt holes. Tammy's Dad did that in a few minutes.
Keep in mind the 5.0 was designed to be towed by a mid sized pickup. Reace and Tammy used a Crew Cab Nissan 4X4 Long Bed too!!! The only change to our truck was I added aftermarket trailer tow mirrors. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[CoolCampingKid]

Originally Posted by TwoPlusLu

Thanks for the reply and reference.

I had another look at the canyon and Colorado, and due to the price of the duramax and an overall lack of, woooh I like that truck, probably not going that direction.

I really do like the base Toyota tundra, 4wd, sr. pretty much a work truck, but well outfitted. Will this be too big for the 5.0. Anyone using a new tundra with the old 5.0? I am happy with having too much power, but concerned more about the height of the bed rails and clearance.

I too am shopping for an Escape 5th wheel. I found the dimensions of the unit and compared it to my 1st generation Tundra and the clearance was just fine (I isedan the 5.0ta for this). I would find the dimension from the ground to the hitch and the underside of the 5.0 (maybe someome can meausre it for you)when the unit is level and then measure your truck or potential truck and see. I currently tow a light weight Lance 5th wheel with no isses of clearance or power.

[TwoPlusLu]

Hi All,

Thank you for your input so far!

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by TwoPlusLu

Hi All,

Thank you for your input so far!

Hi: TwoPlusLu... Our Nissan Frontier measured at the rear axle was 49" from the ground to the top of the box sides. Our previous truck a GMC 2 wheel drive short box was 52". The full sized truck was more problematic to hitch as the tailgate needed to be raised right after backing under the pin box. The Nissan gate can be left down till hitching is done. My wife uses the electric switches to raise and lower the trailer while I back under/ drive out. It's easy... and I do easy well!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[TwoPlusLu]

escape artist,

thanks for the notes. Quick question.

are the heights you measured with or without the 5th wheel attached and ready to go? That is, how much did it sink down after attaching. or, are we talking about measurements before loading any weight in the back.

The tundra I am interested in measures about 54-55 inch range unloaded.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by TwoPlusLu

escape artist,

thanks for the notes. Quick question.

are the heights you measured with or without the 5th wheel attached and ready to go? That is, how much did it sink down after attaching. or, are we talking about measurements before loading any weight in the back.

The tundra I am interested in measures about 54-55 inch range unloaded.

Hi: TwoPlusLu... All measurements were unloaded. The truck squats about 1" when hooked up. I like the Nissan as it's rated as high as the Toyota but for thou$and$ less. I keep em till they'r junk so resale isn't an issue.
Here's a pic of our trip up the Natchez Trace. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[TwoPlusLu]

hi again,
thanks for the info. very helpful. the tundra in question stands at about 55", I am not too concerned about things being a little problematic hooking them up, but how do you think 3" addition would make the whole situation?
thanks again!

[TwoPlusLu]

and I as well will be buying this thing to run until the wheels fall off....more or less, not sure the frontier is what I really want at this time, but you have placed it on my radar

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by TwoPlusLu

and I as well will be buying this thing to run until the wheels fall off....more or less, not sure the frontier is what I really want at this time, but you have placed it on my radar

Hi: TwoPlusLu... Consider that the 5.0 trailer you're looking at has a lift applied so the extra truck height should not be a problem. When towing our 5.0 with the GMC only once did I panic that the truck box was nearing the fiberglass shell of the trailer. The truck dipped down in front leaving a campsite, and for every action there is a reaction which in this case was the rear headed up!!!
One thing is certain... you will need a very competent hitch installer to fit and balance the rig. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[TwoPlusLu]

ok, that is good news! I didn't realize that you did not have the lift on your former 5.0 rig, so with the 3" lift, it seems to add up that a bed height of 55" should work.

I will certainly be looking for a professional install on the new truck, not some type of sunday garage project that I want to take on.

thanks again for all your help. getting excited for the new rig.

[rubicon327]

TwoPlusLu: did you score the 2013 5.0 from Newnan, Georgia?

[TwoPlusLu]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

TwoPlusLu: did you score the 2013 5.0 from Newnan, Georgia?

We did! Just picked it up last week and we're in love!