Searching for a 5.0 TA

[Shadious]

We are looking for a trailer that has been well cared for, the year is not as important as the overall condition. We will be doing a mix of boon docking and state/national parks. We are in Florida, but willing to travel for the right trailer. Budget is $30k

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by Shadious

We are looking for a trailer that has been well cared for, the year is not as important as the overall condition. We will be doing a mix of boon docking and state/national parks. We are in Florida, but willing to travel for the right trailer. Budget is $30k

For 30k you most likely are looking at a 2015 build maybe 2016 build year. Numbers built where not a lot. The battery and solar options were not that advanced unless the owner did upgrades after market. Good luck on your search.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

For 30k you most likely are looking at a 2015 build maybe 2016 build year. Numbers built where not a lot. The battery and solar options were not that advanced unless the owner did upgrades after market. Good luck on your search.

Just FYI for the OP, note that ETI transitioned from the Gen 1 5.0TA to the Gen 2 5.0TA during early calendar year 2016.

Both tandem axle of course (TA), same floorplan, but the Gen 1 TA shell has 'curved sides', 'airplane entry door' (curved to match the shell, a bit narrower with a different screen arrangement), and custom curved manual awning arms among other detail differences.

Both are great trailers, Good Luck and Happy Shopping!

[Shadious]

That’s really great information- I actually like the older style screen and door a bit more. As for solar, we are not heavy boondockers, but would definitely like that option , so a solar upgrade might be on the to do list.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

For 30k you most likely are looking at a 2015 build maybe 2016 build year. Numbers built where not a lot. The battery and solar options were not that advanced unless the owner did upgrades after market. Good luck on your search.

I would NOT sell my 2015 5.0TA for $30,000. Given the current price and all the modifications I have made to it, to include adding a 2,000 watt pure sine wave inverter, two 100 AH Battleborn batteries, Victron Smart Shunt, 12 vdc compressor refrigerator among others, and given its like new, well maintained, always stored under-cover appearance, I wouldn’t, at the moment, go any lower than $36,500, a price which would include many desirable accessories such as Andersen levelers, “Lego” blocks, little used nested cookware, Voyager camera and TPMS systems, etc. That does not include all the hours of my time to improve the function of the trailer. But even so, I am not in the market to sell, and even if I no longer wanted to take trips, I would keep it as my bedroom in the event of house guests or an easily air conditionable sanctuary (with Honda EU2000i) in the event of an extended power outage. In reality, I would donate it to charity before I would sell it below its actual value. Anyone looking for a 5.0 can find one constructed just the way they want at ETI.

[emers382]

Originally Posted by Centex

Just FYI for the OP, note that ETI transitioned from the Gen 1 5.0TA to the Gen 2 5.0TA during early calendar year 2016.

Ours is an old style 5.0TA built in September 2016. October was the beginning of the new gen2.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by emers382

Ours is an old style 5.0TA built in September 2016. October was the beginning of the new gen2.

Gotchya, thanks for that correction!

[DanandDaphne]

Here's one in your price range.

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post463535

[Shadious]

Thanks- that’s pretty nice. Just missing a couple options we are looking for.

[CharlesinGA]

Originally Posted by Shadious

Thanks- that’s pretty nice. Just missing a couple options we are looking for.

What options are you looking for? Almost anything can be added to or modified. The price is right on this one, and its decent looking in the pics. Its the leaf spring model, thats the only drawback and that might be an advantage in some situations.

Charles

[Shadious]

I’d prefer the frameless windows and would definitely want a window in the bathroom. A second solar panel would be a bonus, but not required. What year did they start making them with the torsion axles?

[DanandDaphne]

Yes, well I don't think you are going to find a lot of 5.0s for 30K. I don't know when they started the frameless window option but I don't think they were available on the original 5.0TA but maybe in 2015 or the last ones in 2016.

You could add a bathroom window and another solar panel, but frameless windows

We have frameless windows and we're not crazy about them, I think we would like the sliders just as well. They both have their advantages and disadvantages.

[J1973s]

There is a 2015 5.0. listed on the fiberglass rv website for $35,000. Based on my experience, just finding any Escape Trailer for sale is difficult, trying to find one with the options you want and well below market price is quite a task. Good luck.
If you secure a trailer, most options can be added…if you’re handy you can do most of them.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by J1973s

If you secure a trailer, most options can be added…if you’re handy you can do most of them.

Including a bath window…
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post184287

[Shadious]

We have about a year to find the perfect trailer, so I’m in no rush. Worst case scenario I’llhave to adjust my budget or must haves as the deadline approaches. I’m not sure I am comfortable cutting a hole for the window, though��

[brroberts]

Lots of us have cut holes in our Escapes. In fact I cut one before we ever used it.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Lots of us have cut holes in our Escapes.

True but my guess is not many have the cojones to cut in a window.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Shadious

We have about a year to find the perfect trailer, so I’m in no rush. Worst case scenario I’llhave to adjust my budget or must haves as the deadline approaches. I’m not sure I am comfortable cutting a hole for the window, though��

Retro Renos in Jacksonville does warranty work on Escapes. They would be able to cut in a window for you if you find the trailer you want. I do believe you will have to adjust your budget upward, however. Additionally, if you find something “close” to what you want, I would suggest you jump on it right away. Remember, “he who hesitates is lost.”

[Shadious]

I’ve heard about retro Renos, that’s cool they are in our area. I’ll definitely keep them in mind. When we were searching for our Casita years ago, we were in the same boat- low supply, high demand. I definitely agree that you need to be ready to buy when the right one comes along and we certainly are! I enjoy the research, learning and thrill of trying to find “the one.” We are also looking at Bigfoot trailers and I’ve found a few older ones that might have met most of our needs, but the 25’ bumper pull still feels a bit large. I need to see it in person first. Thanks for all the suggestions, I’ve been reading a lot on this site and trulyibg to learn as much as possible!

[SkipperClyde]

Keep in mind the early frameless windows had delimitation issues. Also , I was told all 5.0 TAs had torque flex axels. This is not necessarily true, our early 2016 has traditional spring axels. Makes it easy to raise the trailer if we get a taller TV. All you have to do is over sling the springs.Spring perches are welded on top and bottom of the axels.