We Really Love our Escape 21 !

Fletch Dobbs · 07-06-2016, 11:41 PM

When we arrived at the River Park RV Park in Grants Pass, the gentleman that greeted us commented that he thought if we rolled off the edge into the river, "... that thing looks like it would float"! I told him I was pretty sure it would, at least until we got to 6th Street. We love that park and we really enjoy or Escape 21. And I wanted to share the scene we encountered after everyone else got there.

We love our 21 more than ever!

Fletch & Pam Dobbs, San Jose, CA

**rbryan4** · 07-07-2016, 12:30 AM

Nice photo among the giants!

One thing though - I notice that the braces aren't locked in the top on your awning. You should slide them all the way up until they lock before raising the sides to your desired height - as in the photo below. They also provide an easy way to add tension to the fabric so the awning doesn't flap in the breeze - by pulling down on the awning end and tightening the knobs.

gbaglo · 07-07-2016, 12:50 AM

I'm guessing he couldn't open the awning all the way without running into the slide-out on the motor home.

I sometimes open my awning part way if there are winds expected, but it's preferable to raise the top arms into lock position.

**rbryan4** · 07-07-2016, 01:02 AM

Yeah, I thought that was a possibility Glenn, but the newer Fiesta awning differs in design from the one in your photo. The brace telescopes and the knob is in the middle of the brace. This allows you to partially deploy the awning and still have the braces locked into the tabs at the top. There's also no curve in the brace near where it joins the trailer. It's straight.

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escape artist · 07-07-2016, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PnFSJCA

When we arrived at the River Park RV Park in Grants Pass, the gentleman that greeted us commented that he thought if we rolled off the edge into the river, "... that thing looks like it would float"! I told him I was pretty sure it would, at least until we got to 6th Street. We love that park and we really enjoy or Escape 21. And I wanted to share the scene we encountered after everyone else got there.

We love our 21 more than ever!

Fletch & Pam Dobbs, San Jose, CA

Hi: PnFSJCA... Rest assured that they are all looking at you and not each other!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

gbaglo · 07-07-2016, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbryan4

The brace telescopes and the knob is in the middle of the brace. This allows you to partially deploy the awning and still have the braces locked into the tabs at the top. There's also no curve in the brace near where it joins the trailer. It's straight.

Other than no curve to the brace, it appears much the same as mine. In my picture, I have the brace locked in, but the awning is not fully extended, nor is the brace. I still use the knob to tension the awning.
If I were only opening the awning a couple feet, I wouldn't be able to open the brace fully and lock it, so the angle of the brace would be less.

Zardoz · 07-07-2016, 01:57 AM

Stayed there a couple of years ago. Wonderful place, huh? If you are so inclined, take the jet boat ride up the river; lots of fun!

**rbryan4** · 07-07-2016, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Other than no curve to the brace, it appears much the same as mine. In my picture, I have the brace locked in, but the awning is not fully extended, nor is the brace. I still use the knob to tension the awning.
If I were only opening the awning a couple feet, I wouldn't be able to open the brace fully and lock it, so the angle of the brace would be less.

Makes sense. Couldn't tell from the photo.

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cpaharley2008 · 07-07-2016, 06:31 AM

Yes, your locking ability in a partially extended awning is the length of the fixed portion of the adjustable brace.

Fletch Dobbs · 07-07-2016, 08:56 AM

Hello rbryan4,

Thanks for the tip about the awning. I have been awning challenged from day 1 and your comment confirms that hasn't changed. I guess its time to read the instructions! Seriously, thanks for pointing this out!

Cheers!
Fletch

**rbryan4** · 07-07-2016, 09:23 AM

You're welcome Fletch.

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**Donna D.** · 07-07-2016, 09:23 AM

For those that want something to print out, with pictures, I captured screen shots of Tammy deploying the awning. See attached.

P&L · 07-07-2016, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna D.

For those that want something to print out, with pictures, I captured screen shots of Tammy deploying the awning. See attached.

Thank you Donna! So often I fumble with the awning

and with your documentation I'll be a happy camper!

Lorna

Iowa Dave · 07-07-2016, 09:35 AM

Fletch, all you really have to do is post a picture each time you set up. Have a caption like "isn't this a good looking setup? You'll get 25 responses pointing out any flaws. I know Alf is right, they're looking at and often envying you. I've had wives comment that maintains the interior in the Escape would be a lot easier than what they have. The guys are mostly too proud of their Tim Tool Man Taylor rig but secretly covet your "unique" rig.
Dave

LeonW · 07-07-2016, 11:45 AM

The interesting thing to me is that although we think of our 21 as a "big" trailer, in almost every campground it is one of the smaller RV units. You don't notice that until the 40' class A pulls in next to you...

CADreamin · 07-07-2016, 12:07 PM

Stayed there prior to the Spring NOG and really enjoyed the park. Nice owners and centrally located for sightseeing .... and wine tasting..

Bill_75 · 07-07-2016, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PnFSJCA

Hello rbryan4,

Thanks for the tip about the awning. I have been awning challenged from day 1 and your comment confirms that hasn't changed. I guess its time to read the instructions! Seriously, thanks for pointing this out!

Cheers!
Fletch

And, coming from someone with 0 experience with the awning(grains of salt appropriate), about 18 minutes into the orientation video :

Orientation Video

He seems to do a great job of explaining how to deploy/adjust the awning

Fox hunt · 07-07-2016, 12:16 PM

i struggled with the awning but i think I've got it now for some reason it was hard for me to figure it out

Klem · 07-07-2016, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Other than no curve to the brace, it appears much the same as mine. In my picture, I have the brace locked in, but the awning is not fully extended, nor is the brace. I still use the knob to tension the awning.
If I were only opening the awning a couple feet, I wouldn't be able to open the brace fully and lock it, so the angle of the brace would be less.

How about a little geometry and common sense ... The awning can be the least open with the telescoping support up the highest. (Geometry). If the telescoping support is down from the top then the angle support will bow in as any weight (from rain pooling in the awning.

Common sense and math -- Keeping the top support closest to the awning will give you the smallest awning distance from the trailer and the strongest overall deployment.

Good eye Robert catching that in the picture! And a good learning moment for all.

gbaglo · 07-07-2016, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klem

How about a little geometry and common sense ... The awning can be the least open with the telescoping support up the highest. (Geometry). If the telescoping support is down from the top then the angle support will bow in as any weight (from rain pooling in the awning.

Actually, I have opened the awning a couple feet to provide a bit of rain shelter for camp chairs leaned against the trailer. Don't need the braces because it's hardly open, and rain doesn't pool because there is little exposed surface.

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