Lessons learned

[Cam A]

I made a list of 5-7 Bigfoot 5th wheels for sale, jumped into the truck, and headed west. What I have found is: water damage, owner modified, rusty tires (!), a price with which I could buy a new Escape 17, beat soft, and owners who do not repond to the contact info. At least I missed the Alberta weather on the way across, and got to briefly hang out on the coast. I guess I start saving for a new escape.

[Joy A]

Yeap but you'd never have know if you didn't go out lookiing. Hey, you very well could have found the absolutely perfect trailer. I think it's always worth the time, effort and gas money, so then there are no regrets about having not persued it. And, always wondering.

[Roy in TO]

Plus now that you have seen the "worst" you will have a better idea of where the problems start. You will know where to look for problems when you think you have found the right trailer.

[Lizbeth]

At least you had that many to look at!

Here in the states it took us 6 months to find one! It had water damage but we bought it anyway and we love it. We are still in the market for a reasonably priced dual axle.

We can dream anyway!

[Ian-Vicki]

This any help?
http://victoria.en.craigslist.ca/rvs/1718754799.html
cheers
Ian

[Lizbeth]

Ian, nice trailer but not a reasonably priced 5th wheel!

[Penney H. & Mike E.]

If an Escape is your dream and you don't want to buy new don't give up on the idea of finding a previously owned one. Maybe 5th wheelers are harder to find, but we bought a used Escape trailer and there was another one at the factory we looked at and one in CA, three that I know of on the market at the same time. Of course even older Escapes are new enough to still be of value, but also new enough to still be in good shape, with a slightly less price sticker. You might let Reese and Tammy know you are looking in case they know of anything that comes up, they stay in touch with a lot of past customers. As much as owners love their Escapes, lives change and things go up for sale.

[Cam A]

With a little time to think on it; You can't always get what you want - the run was a bust for a 5th wheel, but I did see a few, and I do have a better idea of what I'm looking at...But you get what you need - I did get a trip to the coast with my daughter, in between University and summer research, and time with your kids is always precious. We had some fun.

[Roy in TO]

As much as owners love their Escapes, lives change and things go up for sale.

Agreed, that is how Alf got his.
I'm surprised he has not piped in on this thread.

[Alf S.]

Hi: All...Roy, Alfs busy working!!! It partially pays for my "Fiberglass Fever". The lesson I learned is "Never say never". Just when you think there isn't a hopes chance... There It Is!!!
Time spent with family is always... well spent; specially in Fiberglass.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Nita F.]

Cam,

We can relate! We wanted a Bigfoot 5th wheel but the only ones for sale were in the northwest US and Canada. Fortunately we found Deb and Chuck in Washington and purchased their 1988 Deluxe. Wonderful folks! It was a challenge to check it out, transfer funds, and get it to the south US, but it was all worth it. So don't give up, be patient, and ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Best of luck in your search.
Nita

[Ron Stewart]

I made a list of 5-7 Bigfoot 5th wheels for sale, jumped into the truck, and headed west. What I have found is: water damage, owner modified, rusty tires (!), a price with which I could buy a new Escape 17, beat soft, and owners who do not repond to the contact info. At least I missed the Alberta weather on the way across, and got to briefly hang out on the coast. I guess I start saving for a new escape.

What does "beat soft" mean?

[Raya]

Oh good, someone else asked

(And I can empathize - it can be very frustrating to travel long distances and then only find stuff in bad condition. It's like "but I have the money, I'm puttting in the effort, I know what I want.... where IS my trailer!!")

[Cam A]

What does "beat soft" mean?

Local (Metis?) slang term - more fully expressed, take a stick and beat something until it is soft - meaning "used and abused", far back on the maintenance curve, to the point of not worth fixing.....

[Ron Stewart]

"used and abused"

Gotcha. Thanks. I'm gonna use that. You never hear it on the coast.