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09-22-2015, 10:17 AM
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#21
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,572
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One of the biggest challenges with a trailer roof tilt mount would be accessing it. It would require bringing along a bulky ladder of some sort.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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09-22-2015, 10:27 AM
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#22
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Trailer: 2015 Escape 19 "Seventy Degrees"
Posts: 3,495
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Just back the truck alongside and stand in the bed. I'll bet the location they mount the panel in on the 19 it could be reached standing on the bumper.
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09-22-2015, 10:37 AM
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#23
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
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I had a hard time reaching my solar when using a 8' step ladder, I doubt a truck bumper would work. Maybe the new ones mounted on rear are more accessible, but anyplace else, forgetaboutit.....
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
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09-22-2015, 10:41 AM
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#24
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,572
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Plus, most people seem to use SUV's, so not a good option. As well, with many sites it would not be possible to drive alongside the trailer anyway.
I do like the idea of being able to aim it though. I like Ron's solution, but unless I did something like that on the rear of the 5.0, it would be a no go.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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09-22-2015, 11:04 AM
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#25
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: ESCAPE #3 COMING - 19 FT
Posts: 277
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
One of the biggest challenges with a trailer roof tilt mount would be accessing it. It would require bringing along a bulky ladder of some sort.
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On the 5.0 ta the panels are already at a pretty good tilt due to the roof shape.
ken
__________________
ESCAPE #3, 19FT ON ORDER
TV - NOT YET, THINKING RIDGELINE OR F150
KEN AND DIANA, CALGARY
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09-22-2015, 11:15 AM
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#26
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Trailer: 2015 Escape 19 "Seventy Degrees"
Posts: 3,495
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Currently I don't have a 19 to look at to see the options, but tilt mounts are commonly used on rv roof mounted solar panels, so folks that do use them must have accessibility figured out. Might be more doable on different Escapes than others.
Mainly was curious if anyone out there had been able to rig a tilt mount system to the factory setup on an Escape?
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09-22-2015, 11:21 AM
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#27
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,572
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kvermeulen
On the 5.0 ta the panels are already at a pretty good tilt due to the roof shape.
ken
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So then, if I reposition the trailer a few times a day, I will achieve maximum gain?
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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09-22-2015, 12:50 PM
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#28
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,384
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
One of the biggest challenges with a trailer roof tilt mount would be accessing it. It would require bringing along a bulky ladder of some sort.
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I carry one of these in a 5" fence post. They make a 6' version that would fit under a 21' or 5.0TA.
There is also a 7' version, but that may be too long for the width of a 5.0TA..
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09-22-2015, 07:51 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,572
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vermilye
I carry one of these in a 5" fence post. They make a 6' version that would fit under a 21' or 5.0TA.
There is also a 7' version, but that may be too long for the width of a 5.0TA..
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Velly interestink!
Thanks for the link.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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09-27-2015, 11:39 AM
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#30
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Juneau, Alaska
Trailer: 2016 Escape 19
Posts: 555
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I have a question, on the 19 Escape I have seen trailers like "Past Tents" with a solar panel on the rear of the trailer and others with the panel between the AC and the Maxi fan. Where does ETI mount it on a 19? Also, how hard would it be to add a panel and run two 10 gauge wires from a panel to the compartment where the breaker panel is mounted (where I want a controller mounted - close to the batteries)?? I think I really need to buy a plane ticket and go to the factory.
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09-27-2015, 11:46 AM
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#31
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
Trailer: 2015 19 "Past Tents", 2021 F150 Lariat 2.7L EB
Posts: 10,222
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AKCamper
I have a question, on the 19 Escape I have seen trailers like "Past Tents" with a solar panel on the rear of the trailer and others with the panel between the AC and the Maxi fan. Where does ETI mount it on a 19? Also, how hard would it be to add a panel and run two 10 gauge wires from a panel to the compartment where the breaker panel is mounted (where I want a controller mounted - close to the batteries)?? I think I really need to buy a plane ticket and go to the factory.
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Visiting the factory is always a good way to get all your questions answered, take measurements, plan options, and even get a tour.
On Past Tents as well as all 19s with the 160W panel, the panel is installed to the rear. They used to install a 95W panel closer to the middle. The 160W panel is larger and can't fit there like the 95W.
With the new 150W panel installed by Escape, its basically the same size as the 160W, so its installed toward the rear as well.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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09-27-2015, 11:47 AM
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#32
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2014 scamp 13
Posts: 3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
One of the biggest challenges with a trailer roof tilt mount would be accessing it. It would require bringing along a bulky ladder of some sort.
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I chose a bit bigger (100 watt) panel than needed and flat mounted it knowing the sun angle would often be less than ideal. Plenty of energy to keep me topped off each afternoon.
John
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09-27-2015, 12:46 PM
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#33
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
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The newer, larger panels are on the rear, the older, smaller ones are between a/c and vent, amidship.
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
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09-27-2015, 12:50 PM
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#34
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
Trailer: 2015 19 "Past Tents", 2021 F150 Lariat 2.7L EB
Posts: 10,222
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008
The newer, larger panels are on the rear, the older, smaller ones are between a/c and vent, amidship.
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Kinda what I said Jim, although you said it more succinctly.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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09-27-2015, 05:02 PM
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#35
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Trailer: 2015 19' - "Tramper"
Posts: 47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbryan4
Visiting the factory is always a good way to get all your questions answered, take measurements, plan options, and even get a tour.
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We visited one too many times and ended up in a 19' when we had decided upon a 17B.
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09-27-2015, 05:11 PM
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#36
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,384
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AKCamper
I have a question, on the 19 Escape I have seen trailers like "Past Tents" with a solar panel on the rear of the trailer and others with the panel between the AC and the Maxi fan. Where does ETI mount it on a 19? Also, how hard would it be to add a panel and run two 10 gauge wires from a panel to the compartment where the breaker panel is mounted (where I want a controller mounted - close to the batteries)?? I think I really need to buy a plane ticket and go to the factory.
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When I added my second panel on my 17 (I have the Escape optional 95 watt panel on the rear & an added 100 watt panel on the front) I used MC4 Branch Connectors to combine both panels on the roof. Some photos at the bottom of my Trailer Modifications Page.
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01-05-2016, 10:23 PM
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#37
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: no fixed address, California
Trailer: 2017-21' Escape (sold) Casita 17' (sold)
Posts: 1,348
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008
or leave the generator at home, get the factory package with dual sixers and have them install a tap for your portable panel. Other than a/c, you would not need a generator.
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This is what I think I will do.
Great idea.
thanks.
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11-16-2016, 09:14 PM
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#38
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Anaheim CA, California
Trailer: SOLD 2016 Classic 21ft - SOLD 2016 Ram 1500 tug - ORDERED Van Replacement
Posts: 516
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Losangeles
a sealed AGM Lifeline GPL-27T battery. Sealed, high performance. Works great!
My question is…. this is a $300 battery (ouch)
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Hello John,
A LifeLine 12v 27T is 20hr rated at 100 AH.
(2) Lifeline 6v 4CT costs $548 delivering 220AH at the Costa Mesa CA dealer I went to today. This is pick up cost.
Today, I bought (2) LifeLine 6v 6CT both for $690 producing 300 AH. I will have these 2 installed some time next week. After its all working, I expect to add (2) LineLine 6v 6CT for a total of 520 AH.
Deka brand is well regarded and sold by Wallmart/Sams. A lot less $ and has good reputation.
As you might know, I now have the classic 21ft. The initial (2) 300AH batteries are going in next week, one under the sink cabinet between the two wheel wells and the other underneath the refrigerator, almost between the wheel wells. When I add two more 6 volts units I can still add one under sink cabinet and other under closet. Alternatively, both smaller 6v units ( 4CT ) under dinette seat on street side as close to the wheel well as possible. Unless you open the cabinet doors you will not know the house batteries are there.
I am with you, zero maintenance, no corrosive fumes and minimal discharge rate when stored unlike wet cells that requires trickle charge. Problem is their initial cost but tempered by their much longer life, they could be cheaper in the long run.
__________________
Santiago
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11-16-2016, 09:34 PM
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#39
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: no fixed address, California
Trailer: 2017-21' Escape (sold) Casita 17' (sold)
Posts: 1,348
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Hey Santiago
thanks so much for the good info. Much appreciated.
Your battery setup will be impressive!
I loved having the sealed AGM battery in the Casita (now sold) .... especially as the Casita's battery nook was a giant pain to get the battery in and out of for maintenance.
The Escape 21' sure does have much easier battery compartment access, and I already own the hydrometer and the safety glasses and goggles.
We decided to put the cash towards a second roof solar panel, installed by ETI.... ans having 2, in good sun, means the fridge can pretty much run on dual solar + tug power, as we tow, in good weather, not in the winter.....
That is my preference.
Whenever the stock dual 6v need to be replaced i'll look seriously at dual 6V AGM at that time.
cheers,
John
Quote:
Originally Posted by Santiago
Hello John,
A LifeLine 12v 27T is 20hr rated at 100 AH.
(2) Lifeline 6v 4CT costs $548 delivering 220AH at the Costa Mesa CA dealer I went to today. This is pick up cost.
Today, I bought (2) LifeLine 6v 6CT both for $690 producing 300 AH. I will have these 2 installed some time next week. After its all working, I expect to add (2) LineLine 6v 6CT for a total of 520 AH.
Deka brand is well regarded and sold by Wallmart/Sams. A lot less $ and has good reputation.
As you might know, I now have the classic 21ft. The initial (2) 300AH batteries are going in next week, one under the sink cabinet between the two wheel wells and the other underneath the refrigerator, almost between the wheel wells. When I add two more 6 volts units I can still add one under sink cabinet and other under closet. Alternatively, both smaller 6v units ( 4CT ) under dinette seat on street side as close to the wheel well as possible. Unless you open the cabinet doors you will not know the house batteries are there.
I am with you, zero maintenance, no corrosive fumes and minimal discharge rate when stored unlike wet cells that requires trickle charge. Problem is their initial cost but tempered by their much longer life, they could be cheaper in the long run.
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11-16-2016, 09:38 PM
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#40
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Anaheim CA, California
Trailer: SOLD 2016 Classic 21ft - SOLD 2016 Ram 1500 tug - ORDERED Van Replacement
Posts: 516
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Losangeles
We decided to put the cash towards a second roof solar panel, installed by ETI.... ans having 2, in good sun, means the fridge can pretty much run on dual solar + tug power, as we tow, in good weather, not in the winter.....
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John,
Good choices, solar setup weighs way less than bigger battery.
__________________
Santiago
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