5.0 TA specific questions

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

There has to be air space between the loft floor and the bottom of the loft fiberglass. The bottom of the nose is not flat.

I haven't seen a 5.0TA in person, but in the 5.0 the section of the loft over the frame is flat on the bottom, and the fiberglass comes down on each side of the frame, presumably for aesthetics (to hide the frame), or to stiffen the body, or both. That would leave a space between the fiberglass and the plywood just like the areas outboard of the frame in the floor of all Escape models, but (again like the other models and main floor area of the 5.0TA) the plywood would be directly against the fiberglass in the middle (over and between the frame rails) - if there's space, there must be structure, and there's no reason to use up space and add material to do that if not even using it for insulation.

Maybe someone getting a 5.0TA built could request a build photo showing this detail when their trailer gets to stage of adding the loft floor? It would also be possible to measure this on the inside and outside, if the trailer is sitting on a very flat surface and someone want to take the time and to the effort to do this.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by padlin

Pretty much. You raise the front off the hitch, unlock the hitch, open tailgate, pull forward, drop the front to level.

Just for clarity... with a fifth-wheel, "raise the front off the hitch" means extend the jacks just enough to take the load off of the hitch, not lift the trailer right out of the hitch.

Originally Posted by Scuba55

I have the Andersen, the sequence is the same.

With the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection, the trailer is lifted right off of hitch, just like any conventional ball hitch.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

What size furnace is now in the 5.0? The website mentions 12,000 but but that was the old one?

The old furnace used by Escape (Atwood 8012) and the new one used in all the other models (Atwood AFSAD12) are both the 12,000 BTU/hour (input) size... as suggested by the last digits in the model number. Although higher-power versions are available, I haven't seen any suggestion that the 5.0TA gets one; certainly the change in furnace type (from the discontinued 8012 to the new style) didn't require a change in "size".

[cpaharley2008]

Thanks Brian, I knew there was a change, just couldn't remember exactly what changed....

[Scuba55]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Just for clarity... with a fifth-wheel, "raise the front off the hitch" means extend the jacks just enough to take the load off of the hitch, not lift the trailer right out of the hitch.


With the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection, the trailer is lifted right off of hitch, just like any conventional ball hitch.

Correct, I was confirming that the sequence to disconnect is the same.

[reace]

Hi Jim

Had some time tonight...so I though I would chime in!

On the 5.0 TA, the loft area has 1/2" plywood bonded to the shell in the same manor as the floor. We then install 1.5" rigid insulation and cover the entire loft with carpet.

As of 2016, all 5.0 TA's are equipped with torsion axles. Dexter has come out with a lift kit for the torsion axles which is relatively easy to install and will raise the body 2.5"...if required.

Hope that helps clear up some of the unknown!

Reace

[Scuba55]

Originally Posted by reace

Hi Jim

Had some time tonight...so I though I would chime in!

On the 5.0 TA, the loft area has 1/2" plywood bonded to the shell in the same manor as the floor. We then install 1.5" rigid insulation and cover the entire loft with carpet.

As of 2016, all 5.0 TA's are equipped with torsion axles. Dexter has come out with a lift kit for the torsion axles which is relatively easy to install and will raise the body 2.5"...if required.

Hope that helps clear up some of the unknown!

Reace

Reace,

For 2015 5.0 TA models is there a way to raise the trailer a few inches? I don't require it at this time, but may need to in the future. I was under the impression that my 2015 could be raised.

Thanks

[MacMan]

Great questions. I too have a 2015 and, at times, would like it raised. Thoughts, anyone?

[cpaharley2008]

You may want to send your questions direct to Escape as Reace does not always sign on here.

[Scuba55]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You may want to send your questions direct to Escape as Reace does not always sign on here.

Good suggestion!

[Scuba55]

I sent my question to Reace and will post his answer when he replies.

[AK snowbiker]

Originally Posted by Scuba55

I sent my question to Reace and will post his answer when he replies.

Don't know if this helps, but our bed height is 140 cm. Scott

Scott, Lori and beady eyed Fritz
Fat bikes are FUN!

[reace]

The method to raise the 5.0TA with spring axles is to 'flip' the axles. The down side of this is it raises the trailer 5".

Reace

[Scuba55]

Originally Posted by reace

The method to raise the 5.0TA with spring axles is to 'flip' the axles. The down side of this is it raises the trailer 5".

Reace

I think 5" is too much. I'll have to explore other options, if raising ever becomes necessary.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by reace

On the 5.0 TA, the loft area has 1/2" plywood bonded to the shell in the same manor as the floor. We then install 1.5" rigid insulation and cover the entire loft with carpet.

Thanks Reace

So, as expected there is no extra space in the structure, but Escape is already putting in the "on top of the floor" insulation at the factory, so the loft floor is well insulated... not what I expected, but good!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Scuba55

Correct, I was confirming that the sequence to disconnect is the same.

Okay, I get it: you're saying the sequence of steps is the same (except that in most places you must use safety chains with the Andersen because it is a ball hitch, and that adds a step).
But the actual steps are not quite the same - you must lift the trailer's coupler clear of the ball to uncouple the Andersen Ultimate, but you must not lift the pin out of the fifth-wheel (you just relieve the load on the hitch). Some people who don't yet have a fifth-wheel don't realize that.

[Scuba55]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Okay, I get it: you're saying the sequence of steps is the same (except that in most places you must use safety chains with the Andersen because it is a ball hitch, and that adds a step).
But the actual steps are not quite the same - you must lift the trailer's coupler clear of the ball to uncouple the Andersen Ultimate, but you must not lift the pin out of the fifth-wheel (you just relieve the load on the hitch). Some people who don't yet have a fifth-wheel don't realize that.

I've used both the standard 5th wheel hitch and the Andersen. The only real difference is you need to raise the trailer (3" max) more to clear with the Andersen. And yes, those with safety chains need to disconnect them as well.

[cpaharley2008]

Another quick question, can anyone tell me the step size inside width from loft down to kitchen, I have a CW sale flyer for runners that come in 13", 10", 8" or 6" and was wondering... thanks

[MacMan]

Can anyone tell me the height of my 5.0TA? On top I have an antenna, AC and solar. Thanks.

[padlin]

With the JACK antenna at the apex, I measured 10'6".