Should I forget about finding a 5.0 single axle?

Amy PN

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Hello,
Due to size and cost, I’ve been looking for either a Single Axle 5.0 or Scamp 19, preferably in the Midwest. There are some Scamps available, but I don’t see many Escape 5.0 SA anywhere. Do you think many were made? Are they still in circulation? Were there major recalls with SA or older TA model 5.0s that should would be a concern?


Thanks in advance for your input.
Amy
 
Do you think many were made? Are they still in circulation? Were there major recalls with SA or older TA model 5.0s that should would be a concern?
Quite a few were made, maybe someone has the stats on the exact number. But very few compared to the TAs. Yes, they're still in circulation, I think one as recently as a couple of weeks ago. Like the good old days when listings were few and far between it's a matter of checking the forum frequently and being ready to act.

I don't recall any recalls specifically affecting the SAs or older TAs.

Ron
 
They do pop up on the forum from time to time. If you are willing to travel a little outside the Midwest, that will increase your chances. There’s one in the for sale section of this forum. The posting is a bit old
 
I personally would avoid the Scamp 19. You really do not want a trailer with rivets/screws through the wall to hold internal components in place. Add that the foam mattress used on the bed compresses and becomes uncomfortable overnight makes for poor sleep (I know, I owned one and it was the worst camping trailer I owned out of 6 over the years). I would be patient and wait as a previous poster suggested.
 
Thank you all very much for the feedback. Glad to hear they are still in circulation and haven’t had major recalls. I‘m open to traveling beyond the Midwest to find this little gem. I now have a truck with a 6.5 foot bed, just a bit intimidated by coordinating the hitch install far from home.

I’m on my second Scamp, so I agree about the rivet angst and definitely needing a topper on the cushions for comfort.

The Scamp has it’s short-comings for sure, but I do admire its simplicity, longevity, and easy access to repair materials.

Do you have any trouble finding repair items for an older Escape 5.0? Also, do I need to concern myself with the frame thickness? I saw something about upgrading from a 3” frame? Maybe that is unrelated to the 5.0 SA.


Thanks again for your generosity in providing this advice.
 
The Scamp has it’s short-comings for sure, but I do admire its simplicity, longevity, and easy access to repair materials.

Do you have any trouble finding repair items for an older Escape 5.0? Also, do I need to concern myself with the frame thickness? I saw something about upgrading from a 3” frame? Maybe that is unrelated to the 5.0 SA.
I loved my Scamp 13. After two Escapes would I go back to Scamps, not likely.

Most repair items are off the rack items, with a limited number of manufacturers a lot of brands use the same parts.

There was an issue with the 3" frames on earlier 17s and 19s. I don't recall that applying to 5.0s.

Ron
 
I now have a truck with a 6.5 foot bed, just a bit intimidated by coordinating the hitch install far from home.
I understand your concern. I had my hitch installed in Chiliwack, Canada, so I drove over a thousand miles hoping it would all work out.

No problems. I’ve come to learn that a fifth wheel hitch sits directly above your axle, no matter the bed length. Longer and shorter beds all have ( roughly ) the same distance between the axle and the tailgate. Additionally, there’s some room for slop, I can turn my Anderson fifth wheel hitch around and get about an 8 inch difference… and it works either way. Those 90 degree turns people worry about never happen, not to me in 10’s of thousands of miles. And I can do u turns that can’t be done with a regular travel trailer.
 
I loved my Scamp 13. After two Escapes would I go back to Scamps, not likely.

Most repair items are off the rack items, with a limited number of manufacturers a lot of brands use the same parts.

There was an issue with the 3" frames on earlier 17s and 19s. I don't recall that applying to 5.0s.

Ron
Thanks for the frame info, Ron. Also, good to know about the shared manufacturers even with Escape being made in Canada.
 
I understand your concern. I had my hitch installed in Chiliwack, Canada, so I drove over a thousand miles hoping it would all work out.

No problems. I’ve come to learn that a fifth wheel hitch sits directly above your axle, no matter the bed length. Longer and shorter beds all have ( roughly ) the same distance between the axle and the tailgate. Additionally, there’s some room for slop, I can turn my Anderson fifth wheel hitch around and get about an 8 inch difference… and it works either way. Those 90 degree turns people worry about never happen, not to me in 10’s of thousands of miles. And I can do u turns that can’t be done with a regular travel trailer.
I’m sure that 1000 miles plus felt like double that, lol.

Your point explains why my local trailer shop mentioned that the fifth wheel placement was truck model specific. Thanks!
 
Hello,
Due to size and cost, I’ve been looking for either a Single Axle 5.0 or Scamp 19, preferably in the Midwest. There are some Scamps available, but I don’t see many Escape 5.0 SA anywhere. Do you think many were made? Are they still in circulation? Were there major recalls with SA or older TA model 5.0s that should would be a concern?


Thanks in advance for your input.
Amy
Hi there, My name is Caey and I have a 5.0 escape that I am looking to sell. please contact me 386-204-1429
 
I saw one advertised yesterday.. I think it was on FB at a RV dealers lot. Melbourne, FL if I recall. It was mislabeled in the ad....very clearly an Escape 5.0
 
Hi there! I was the one who had it advertised on Facebook. I absolutely love them. The one I have is a 5.0. Please contact me if interested 386-204-1429
 
Here are some photos and I can show more of the inside of interested.
 

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