Need advice on 5.0 shopping

[breeves2245]

After many hours of research and seeing a few of the top contenders (Escape, Northwoods Mfg, Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro, etc) in person, I'm about settled on the 5.0.

Owner of two previous travel trailers, so that experience really helps deciding on the best trailer and related compromises to be made.

Then of course the new vs used question. Since I'm buying a fiberglass travel trailer, I'm not as concerned about structural issues as I would other wise buying used.

Question - I realize power systems, refrigerators and HVAC systems change over the years. Definitely want the two axel version.
Are there any model years I should avoid or does anyone know any significant changes from say 2017 forward?

[splitting_lanes]

Around 2017/18 they switched the fiberglass mold on the 5.0 so the door is flat — they did this to allow newer refrigerators to fit through the doorway.

So, that’s a difference you should know about in case it affects your purchase.

I think the tandem axel version came with leaf springs for a year or two (2013?-?).

They are all pretty awesome trailers though….

[zzlay]

Another consideration are the trailer's axles. Sometime in the 20-teens, I understand Escape switched from a leaf spring suspension to torsion axles. Karl mentioned them in 5.0 Showcase video and said they are very satisfied with these axles. Our 5.0 rides beautifully on the newer axles.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by zzlay

Another consideration are the trailer's axles. Sometime in the 20-teens, I understand Escape switched from a leaf spring suspension to torsion axles. Karl mentioned them in 5.0 Showcase video and said they are very satisfied with these axles. Our 5.0 rides beautifully on the newer axles.

The switch was made toward the end of the 2015 model year. My early 2015 has leaf springs and I have no problem with them. My trailer rides beautifully on them also. The only difference is the point where you jack them up. The leaf spring models are jacked up on the axle as close to the frame as possible, but you NEVER use a jack on a torsion axle. In either case, it is a good practice to chock the opposite side’s wheels if the trailer is not attached to the tow vehicle to prevent movement and to use a block of wood between the jack and to put a block of wood between the jack and the contact point.