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Old 01-18-2013, 04:16 PM   #1
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buying used, please help

Hi, I am new to this forum and seeking help from experienced owners. I am considering buying a 2006 17B. When I finally look at the trailer in person (it is an 8 hour drive away), are there any common trouble spots I should take a hard look at?? This unit appears (through pictures) to be very well kept, clean, and cared for.

I have been very impressed with the Escape community and the positive comments about the company and owners. The 17B seems perfect for my little family.

Thanks in advance for any advice...
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Old 01-18-2013, 07:10 PM   #2
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is a checklist from FGRV if you haven't seen it. It is generic, but has some good ideas. Basically, you just want to make certain that everything is in good working order, and if the price is right, know you are buying a good product.
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Old 01-18-2013, 07:57 PM   #3
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Ask the person to have the refer running so you can verify it keeps cold, run the furnace and a/c, turn on the lights, both interior and exterior and brake/tail lights. Any smells? Look at the tires for tread and wear. Manuals for the unit and appliances. This is about it.
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Old 01-18-2013, 08:56 PM   #4
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Not sure what happened to the link, I guess I screwed something up, and can no longer edit either. Here it is again. LINK
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Old 01-19-2013, 05:22 PM   #5
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Thanks for the tips! I have found a couple check lists and that's a good idea to have a reference with me for the inspection. As hard as I try, I can't seem to find any major problems with these trailers to watch out for... I'm really worried about water leaks but this trailer's design seems to address this very effectively. I have also been very impressed with Reece and Tammy adding their input to this and other forums.
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Old 01-19-2013, 09:09 PM   #6
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Realy the only place water can leak is any where there is a hole in the exterior, like a window, roof vent and such things. So as long as those items are sealed well and the sealant is good condition there isn't anywhere water can get in. This is one of the reasons many of us have these trailers as most stick built trailers leak.
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Old 01-20-2013, 06:47 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave macrae View Post
Realy the only place water can leak is any where there is a hole in the exterior......
I believe we have a rocket scientist in our midst.


But, you are right. If one pays attention to the maintenance on these items, there should be no leakage. I had to reseal things on the roof of my stick built every few years it seemed. I love having to not worry about it in the worst of storms.
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Old 01-20-2013, 12:05 PM   #8
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my point was that there are not endless seams and joints like conventional stick built trailers.
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Old 01-20-2013, 12:11 PM   #9
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Correct, Dave, compared to conventional units, we have about 90% less places for any water intrusion.
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Old 01-20-2013, 12:33 PM   #10
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I just jest, thus the smiley face.
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Old 01-22-2013, 09:54 AM   #11
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That's just what I was hoping to hear. Less seams and places for water to get in, perfect. I have a handshake deal pending on an '06 Escape 17. Just need to have a look at it and its mine!!
I see some of you are pulling with FJ Cruisers, Honda Pilots etc, did you guys spring for the transmission coolers?? Toyota wants over $1000.00 to replace the whole rad with a bigger one... I'm not so sure that's required to pull 2500 lbs. I've got a 2011 4Runner, 4.0 V6, 5spd auto.
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Old 01-22-2013, 10:49 AM   #12
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Toyota will tell you what your tow limit is.
BTW 2500 lbs is a weight that continues to grow with water, chairs, BBQs, food, beer and so on.
You'll need a break controller in the Toyota too.
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Old 01-22-2013, 11:56 AM   #13
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If you're going to be towing in heat, especially extended uphill, I'd say get at least the tranny cooler. It'll be a whole lot cheaper than a replacement trans and a ruined trip.

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Old 01-22-2013, 09:11 PM   #14
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You may ask about adding a electric thermo fan in the front of the rad if there is room.I switch off A/C when climbing long hills in hot weather it helps a bit.
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Old 01-23-2013, 06:08 AM   #15
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The FJ Cruiser did/does not offer any auxiliary cooling for towing and is rated 500/5000 lbs. Possible may already be installed as most other vehicles designed to tow.
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Old 01-23-2013, 11:25 AM   #16
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Gotta check the specs for your vehicle depending on where it is purchased. When I got my RAV4 in 2008, the extra cooler was standard in Canada, but optional in the U.S.
I wouldn't depend on others' experience the way they change specs from year to year, model to model and by location.
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Old 01-23-2013, 02:06 PM   #17
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You are exactly right. It took me quite a while, but I managed to get some straight answers from Toyota. "We would like to add that Canadian Specification Vans and Trucks come equipped with a towing package. This package includes heavy duty battery, starter, alternator and a transmission cooler. "

I talked to the service manager at the dealership and she confirmed that, too. I spoke to a lot of other Toyota service reps and they all had a different story regarding transmission cooling. One girl was ready to sell me a whole new rad for well over $1000.

It pays to ask around, thanks for everyone's tips on this topic. Now I just have to tow the trailer from BC to Alberta in the middle of February... That should be interesting...
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Old 01-23-2013, 02:10 PM   #18
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Yikes, that could be interesting. I hope you have some where to wash all the road crap off the under side when uoi get back.
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Old 01-23-2013, 02:21 PM   #19
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Lost Croz,
Sounds like you bought the trailer!
Congrats!!!
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Old 01-23-2013, 06:15 PM   #20
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Oops, you caught me. I haven't actually bought it, yet. But I have heard such good things about these trailers, and the sellers have sent a lot of pictures and it looks really good, so I expect we will go through with it. I haven't found a reason not to buy it. We have agreed on a fair price so I just need to get there and look it over. A couple more weeks and it should be official.

Thanks for the "Congrats", I'll take it. I can't see buying any other small trailer now that I have learned so much about the Escape Trailers.
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