Picking up 21, finally

[thumper-tx]

Well, our 21 has been sitting on the Escape lot for about three months now and we are finally going to break free and go pick it up. It is sort of a two birds with one stone trip as we will deliver our Casita to the new owners in Colorado along the way.

Finally, being an Escape owner is starting to feel real. Thanks to all on this forum for the information we have picked up here over the last year and a half.

[Mary Strasser]

Believe us, it will seem surreal. To finally get what we had been talking about for over a year was overwhelming. You've had a trailer before, so maybe the newness of it all is a bit much. We are hoping things will become routine and we will stop second guessing what we've forgotten to close, turn off, turn on, empty, or fill. it's quite an experience.
Congratulations!

[Iowa Dave]

I have one word or maybe two not sure, when it comes to getting all the steps down. Check list. Or checklist
Dave

[Marry]

Awesome! Have a good trip!

[gbaglo]

I copied the checklist from the manual into Word, then added items I wanted, reduced the size, printed it out and had it laminated. Hangs on a hook by the door.

To save time, you can copy and paste this list into a word document, adapt it and make your own.

Drive Away Checklist

Inside Checks:

Loose Items Stored
Windows Closed
Blinds secure
Tank levels
Battery level
Thermostat OFF
Water Heater OFF
Water Pump OFF
Shower / Sink Drains CLOSED
Stove Cover DOWN
Screen Door FASTENED
Fridge OFF
Fridge Door Shelves LIGHT
Fan OFF
Roof Vents ( Bathroom / Fan ) CLOSED
TP and Paper Towels SECURED
Salt & Pepper Grinders SECURED
Door LOCKED
Step STORED / SECURE

Outside Checks:

Tire Pressure 40-45 (Min 30 / Max 50 )
Note: Lower Pressure = Lower Load
Gas OFF
Range Hood Vent LOCKED
Power DISCONNECT
Water DISCONNECT
Rock Shield DOWN AND LOCKED
Awning LOCKED
Stabilizer Jacks UP & TIGHT
Wheel Blocks STORED
Equalizer Bars LEVEL & SECURE
Chains IN PLACE
Hitch LOCKED
Brake / Signal Lights OK
Step STORED / SECURE

[thoer]

We had a similar sale experience with our Scamp. We had sold it to someone in Bozeman, MT and delivered it there to her on our way out to pick up our 17. And the bonus was that an old college friend lives in Bozeman, so we got to spend a couple days visiting him and exploring Bozeman.

Enjoy your new Escape!

[sjnuss]

Hey Viron,
Been a long wait I'm sure. Enjoy the new trailer. We will have to catch up down here-sorry we were not able to meet up along the way somewhere.

Steve

[Patandlinda]

Great idea Glenn . Will copy this . Thankyou . Pat

[rbryan4]

Good to hear Viron. Hope to see you guys out there camping - maybe at Matagorda Madness in December?

[jennykatz]

It's amazing how we can forget the simplest things or leaving behind things at the campsite . A checklist is a Great way to go . Whether your Flying ,Boating or RVing a checklist is invaluable .Jim

[thumper-tx]

Well, we picked the 21 up this past Monday, hung out in Canada for three days to see if we had any issues to get taken care of at the factory, then crossed down into Cascade National park. The whole pickup was naturally easy and the border crossing (twice each way) was easier than expected. Canada did not ask for any papers on our dogs (which we had) and crossings every time we're under five minutes.

Thanks again to all on the forum for a years worth of information.

Yahoooo... We have out trailer.

[dmetz]

Congratulations!!

[Lv4toys]

Originally Posted by thumper-tx

The whole pickup was naturally easy and the border crossing (twice each way) was easier than expected. Canada did not ask for any papers on our dogs (which we had) and crossings every time we're under five minutes.

What paperwork did you have regarding your dogs? We have been told we needed a complete list of shots and a letter from the vet stating the dogs are in good health.

Congrats on the 21.

[rbryan4]

Congrats Viron!

Hope to see you out there someday.


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[Marry]

Congratulations!! Enjoy!!

[thumper-tx]

Originally Posted by Lv4toys

What paperwork did you have regarding your dogs? We have been told we needed a complete list of shots and a letter from the vet stating the dogs are in good health.

Congrats on the 21.

We had forms from vet that indicated the dogs were healthy , I think they were marked interstate travel forms. The forms listed the rabies vaccination date, serial number of the serum as well as maker and how long it was effective. I believe Canada's website says the rabies info is all you have to have. However some have posted that they were asked for proof of other shots. A lot may depend on the border guard, and his/her mood.

If you cross at sumas, it seems the guards on both sides are familiar with Escape Trailers and understand what you are doing.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by thumper-tx

If you cross at sumas, it seems the guards on both sides are familiar with Escape Trailers and understand what you are doing.

Yep, and getting more familiar with seeing Escapes every day. At this rate, they may have to put in an "Escape Trailers Only" lane.




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[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Yep, and getting more familiar with seeing Escapes every day. At this rate, they may have to put in an "Escape Trailers Only" lane.

When I cross over to do a quick visit to ETI the border guards have, for the most part, known what I was talking about. If you get Officer Troutman when going into Canada, he's super knowledgeable and very gung-ho on the trailers. He really likes the 15' and would love to have one himself.

Last time I went up, coming back home, the officer asked how long I was there (he could see when I crossed over and was just double checking my story, I'm sure). I had already told him I was going up to check something out in their new trailer. When I told him I was there 20 mins, he just laughed. Probably the shortest visit made by anyone going up there!

Course, now that I've said all this, I'll probably get searched and all that the next time I go up.

I know the OP has already picked up their trailer, but for those that haven't done so, if you're taking anything up to ETI for your trailer, Officer Troutman told me I need to bring the receipts with me, as well as the ordering information (ie: your build sheet with prices) from ETI. That way they'll know that what you're bringing up will be installed in the trailer and will be coming back across the border to stay. And it's not something that you're bringing into Canada that will stay there.

Fingers crossed he'll be "my guy" when I take stuff to ETI for the trailer, but no such luck last week. If so, it'll be a piece of cake!

[Iowa Dave]

When we crossed at Sumas in May, the Canadian guard asked us 15 questions. 14 were about the Escape
and how we liked it. The single other question " what's your name and where are you from? That's it. Other crossings were pretty painless the last few years. We have an SUV and they have all instructed us to roll down the rear seat drivers side window so they can see in the back. Next question: Hunting dog eh?
Dave

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

When we crossed at Sumas in May, the Canadian guard asked us 15 questions. 14 were about the Escape
and how we liked it.

I wonder if you got Officer Troutman! That sounds like exactly what he and I chatted about when I crossed over.