Info on 2006 Escalade

[bodacious]

Found a 2006 Escalade CK I'm thinking about trading my 2005 Cougar for. The Escalade is very much an upgrade with 2 AC's, bigger tanks, bigger water heater, more insulation, double pane windows, bigger fridge, auto awning, sattelite system, and many more toys. This unit was lived in full time but looks great and is very clean. I understand the roof was replaced by the factory early on. This does concern me. Does anyone out there have any info on a factory recall or build problems regarding the roof on these models?

Also any other technical info or reviews you could pass along with regards to these campers (Escalade by KZ) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Memphisdoug]

LOL - When I read the title of this post I was sure it was going to be someone asking if they could tow a fifth wheel trailer with their Cadillac Esclade!

[PA12DRVR]

I had an Escalade before we got out of camping...either an '05 or an '06, used it through late 2009.

Great unit. Never had a bit of a problem with it other than with the Norcold fridge/freezer...spent a few weeks trying to get Norcold to address that issue, then called KZ for help. KZ promised to get back to me (and did) but the next thing, I knew was that a local repair shop was calling and offering appointment times to swap out a complete new fridge.

Our Escalade was 36' per model number...about 40' all told from the front of the cap to the rear. Big- A** unit. We switched from a Cougar TT (about a 30' model) to the Escalade....if you're making a similar switch, you'll be a bit more limited in the places you can stay. Keep in mind that Escalade's are heavy. We typically operated near the 16,000 range (for the Escalade) when loaded for use....of course, with all the room in it, we threw everything we could think of in the Escalade.

Pulled it with an F350 6.0 with Tow Boss.

[PA12DRVR]

I had an Escalade before we got out of camping...either an '05 or an '06, used it through late 2009.

Great unit. Never had a bit of a problem with it other than with the Norcold fridge/freezer...spent a few weeks trying to get Norcold to address that issue, then called KZ for help. KZ promised to get back to me (and did) but the next thing, I knew was that a local repair shop was calling and offering appointment times to swap out a complete new fridge.

Our Escalade was 36' per model number...about 40' all told from the front of the cap to the rear. Big- A** unit. We switched from a Cougar TT (about a 30' model) to the Escalade....if you're making a similar switch, you'll be a bit more limited in the places you can stay. Keep in mind that Escalade's are heavy. We typically operated near the 16,000 range (for the Escalade) when loaded for use....of course, with all the room in it, we threw everything we could think of in the Escalade.

Pulled it with an F350 6.0 with Tow Boss.

[jsr21]

Escalades are notorious for poor sealing between the rubber membrane and the front and rear caps. A lot of owners don't roof inspect at all and they wind up leaking water. I've done roof repairs on about 7 or 8 Escalades that I've had ranging from piecing in new wood in the soft corners to replacing entire 4x8 sheets of plywood. That's probably why yours has had roof work. Check carefully for inside water damage in the corners inside your front closet and rear cupboards. Other than that they are a beautiful quality rig. KZ doesn't build anything like them anymore.

[BiggestRon]

When we looked at the Escalade in 2008, we couldn't afford the $120,000 for one so we bought a Montego Bay which is one step down from the Escalade. We have had minimal problems. KZ makes (made) a great 5er.

Like others have said CHECK everything.....Twice.

[donn0128]

8 year old RV is all about leaks at this stage of its life. Even the worst built RV will have had most things fixed by now or they would be glaringly obvious. No leaks, and a solid undamaged roof it might be a good pick at the right price. Remember, tires unless new will need replacing along with a good chassis inspection.