Newbie to Escape 5.0 - need advice

[breeves2245]

What years would this group suggest I concentrate on for the Escape 5.0 hunt? I do know I want the dual axle, so years 2014+ from what little I've read so far.

Seems the layout is basically the same, so I guess engineering changes from year to year? I'm keen on a 12 V frig but can't think of much else that is of major concern.

[davidmurphy02]

Not sure what year they switched to the second version of the dual axle shell...2017? The first version had more curved sides and the curved door, which was small and not large enough to fit practically any other refrigerator in/out.

If you are wanting a 12v compressor fridge you may be able to find a recent used trailer with one. Otherwise with a used trailer you'll probably need to upgrade to lithium batteries to switch to a 12v fridge, and depending on the age of the trailer that can mean swapping out/upgrading the converter, solar charger, and adding other electrical components necessary with lithium batteries. So your best bet is to watch for a used one to come on the market that already has a 12v fridge.

FWIW, we are very happy with our absorption fridge, no problems at all in five years and really only sips propane. Something to consider if you come across a used 5.0 that has everything you want except a 12v fridge.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by davidmurphy02

Not sure what year they switched to the second version of the dual axle shell...2017?

Yes, early 2017. The new 5.0 mold was delayed compared to the other Gen2 models which debuted in 2016.

[marsman]

I agree with David, our fridge has worked flawlessly for 4 years and does a reasonably good job at keeping things cool. Any post 2017 5.0 trailer would be a great camper; there are so many use ones out there that have at least a solar package and many have even upgraded their batteries to lithium so that you could always install a 12v fridge at a later date.

The options we have come to really appreciate in our trailer include the flip up counter at the door end of the kitchen counter - that extra room is used always!, the reading lights in our bedroom which we use every night, the solar package (with 2 AGM batteries) which allows us to boondock for several days when the sun shines and the two-way hot water tank. These conveniences make trailer life a breeze - as former "tenters" we consider our Escape 5.0 RV lifestyle as glamping.

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by marsman

I agree with David, our fridge has worked flawlessly for 4 years and does a reasonably good job at keeping things cool. Any post 2017 5.0 trailer would be a great camper; there are so many use ones out there that have at least a solar package and many have even upgraded their batteries to lithium so that you could always install a 12v fridge at a later date.

The options we have come to really appreciate in our trailer include the flip up counter at the door end of the kitchen counter - that extra room is used always!, the reading lights in our bedroom which we use every night, the solar package (with 2 AGM batteries) which allows us to boondock for several days when the sun shines and the two-way hot water tank. These conveniences make trailer life a breeze - as former "tenters" we consider our Escape 5.0 RV lifestyle as glamping.

I agree with all the worthwhile options marsman mentions.

Our 5.0TA is older than 2017 but we've had no problems with build quality and, like the guys above, our absorption fridge works fine. I did add internal and fridge vent fans this past summer because we were camping in very hot conditions.

We still use dual 6V batteries with our solar, they serve our purposes well and we feel no need to change.

[DanandDaphne]

There are some advantages to either, the 2016 and older trailers are quite a bit less heavy than the 2017 and newer. The newer are wider and have a bit more room. I think the isle is a bit wider in the newer version. Other than that they are much the same.

I would agree with what the other posters have said about the frig. Unless you are always camping where it's stinking hot the absorption frig works great. And unless you are usually camping in campgrounds where you have hookups you are going to need to buy a trailer with lithium batteries and a significant solar system or you will need to add it at a significant cost, and also a new compressor frig probably because you will only be finding them in pretty new trailers.

I'm not sure when Escape started offering the compressor frig as an option.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by DanandDaphne

... I'm not sure when Escape started offering the compressor frig as an option.

I believe that was in late calendar year 2020. Very limited DC compressor fridge options were mentioned by my ETI configuration contact around that time.

I know that ETI agreed to install an owner-furnished DC compressor fridge as an 'exploratory experiment' around that time, too.

Personally, I went with the then standard 3-way. Though attracted by some compressor fridge features, ultimately, considering refrigeration a 'mission critical' need, I decided I did not want to be dependent on solar exposure to maintain batteries (even lithium) for extended boondocking. I can do without a microwave and other electric appliances as a power-conserving / battery-stretching strategy, but not the refrigeration (or furnace in cold weather).

YMMV, no worries!

[Huntington]

Originally Posted by iamunique127

I agree with all the worthwhile options marsman mentions.

Our 5.0TA is older than 2017 but we've had no problems with build quality and, like the guys above, our absorption fridge works fine. I did add internal and fridge vent fans this past summer because we were camping in very hot conditions.

We still use dual 6V batteries with our solar, they serve our purposes well and we feel no need to change.

What were the internal and fridge vent fans added? What was the placement? How do you characterize the efficiency and practicality?
Jim

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by Huntington

What were the internal and fridge vent fans added? What was the placement? How do you characterize the efficiency and practicality?
Jim

I followed the recommendations of some ppl here on the forum for fridge fans and posted about it here.

There are several different fan options. It's worth searching the forum for other ppls experiences.

We don't usually camp in such hot weather as we did last summer and the fridge was not keeping the contents as cold as we would have liked. After I installed the internal and vent fans we felt the fridge was back to normal operation. We also did our best to park the trailer with the fridge side (driver's side on our 5.0TA) out of the sun as much as possible.

For a modest investment we feel the fans were a worthwhile mod.