Build Photos

CADreamin · 12-20-2013, 04:19 PM

I'm afraid I've been negligent about posting our weekly pics.

They're not necessarily in order; however, we just received our Week 3 photos. (Apologize if the photos are large ... trying to get the hang of resizing and posting.)

Jan

CADreamin · 12-20-2013, 04:23 PM

Here are a couple more with one of the outside ... for those that might have wondered what a satellite antenna would look like. Because of the restrictions about placing the antenna next to other electronics, it had to be mounted on the front and Reace had to reinforce the roof. Maybe I'll paint it red ...

cpaharley2008 · 12-20-2013, 07:10 PM

looks like a tank turret, is that a "KingDome" bend? I like the "U" shaped dinette.

CADreamin · 12-20-2013, 09:07 PM

I hate to say it, but I agree. I'm hoping that once the A/C and the fan are installed, it won't be quite so ... apparent. (Unfortunately, this was a non-negotiable option for my DH so we'll see how it goes.) It's the Winegard MiniMax antenna which is supposed to be the smallest around. One good thing -- because we already have DISH, we were able to add on the trailer's receiver for $7/month and then we only pay for the months we use the service.

We went back and forth about the U-shaped dinette; however, I'm glad we went with it. Our build list looks like most of the others:

3 burner stainless cooktop and cover (don't use my home oven all that much so figured I wouldn't use the trailer oven either)
Stainless steel sink (Cleaning preference)
6.7 cft refrigerator (we don't use the microwave at home and would prefer the ability to store more food)
Opening window over sink (ventilation)
Aluminum rims (esthetics)
Bike rack ready (just in case .... )
Cot (just in case .... )
Dual 6V batteries
Anderson hitch (based on reviews)
Extra insulation and thermal windows (warmth/cool down)
LED brake lights (because of the bikes)
LED light packages (efficiency)
Window in bathroom (ventilation)
Removable power cord (based on reviews)
Storage box (for those odds and ends)
Surge protector (no brainer)
Solar (with power to all outlets)
Maxx fan upgrade
Spray foam insulation (warmth)
Dark brown trim (Kim suggested it and I do like the way it looks)
2 way hot water tank (just in case ... )
Digital thermostat (again, based on reviews and information on this site)
Reinforced walls

Our delivery is in January; however, we've opted not to pick it up until the March/April time frame.

Jan

ADKzookeeper · 12-20-2013, 10:00 PM

Solar (with power to all outlets)

What do you mean exactly by power to all outlets?

Thanks for sharing your list.
Howard

CADreamin · 12-21-2013, 01:03 AM

Rather than have one or two outlets run through the inverter, Reace wired it so that all outlets are tied into the inverter. On our build sheet, it states "wire in all outlets with transfer switch". Although, I believe that only one half of each outlet is dedicated to the inverter (someone jump in here if I'm wrong).
Jan

jamman · 12-21-2013, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CADreamin

Rather than have one or two outlets run through the inverter, Reace wired it so that all outlets are tied into the inverter. On our build sheet, it states "wire in all outlets with transfer switch". Although, I believe that only one half of each outlet is dedicated to the inverter (someone jump in here if I'm wrong).
Jan

Not correct.

The transfer switch moves the entire outlet (both plugs) between inverter and mains power.

CADreamin · 12-21-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamman

Not correct.

The transfer switch moves the entire outlet (both plugs) between inverter and mains power.

Thanks for correcting my misinformation. Having a transfer switch for the entire outlet makes a lot more sense.
Jan

Brian B-P · 12-21-2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CADreamin

Having a transfer switch for the entire outlet makes a lot more sense.

Splitting an outlet between two power sources has safety implications which must be handled properly (as previously discussed in another topic); however, I think it does make sense because that way one could choose - at any outlet location - whether to allow the appliance you're plugging in to use the very limited inverter power and battery energy available.

That is presumably part of the reason that the default is to wire only some outlets through the transfer switch: so that stuff such as heaters plugged into the other outlets are never accidentally run on battery power.

Of course the other option - chosen by Jan - is to make battery/inverter power available everywhere, and just be careful to turn on only what's appropriate when using the inverter.

santacruzer · 12-21-2013, 11:43 AM

Jan,

Very nice looking build! I notice you passed on an air conditioner; are you having it wired "just in case" down the road?

I'm looking forward to coming to Felton to see it!

Bob

CADreamin · 12-22-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santacruzer

Jan,

Very nice looking build! I notice you passed on an air conditioner; are you having it wired "just in case" down the road?

I'm looking forward to coming to Felton to see it!

Bob

Oops, forgot to include it in my list ... we are definitely getting the A/C. And I want you to know that you were instrumental in our decision to purchase an Escape. Going through your trailer and having you explain everything really clinched it for us. So a big THANK YOU!! Can't wait for you guys to come over and see our Escape ... we'll christen it with a bottle of wine (in our stomachs, not over the trailer). ;-)

cpaharley2008 · 12-22-2013, 10:36 AM

Be sure and let Escape know about the referral, both of you will be happier.

CADreamin · 12-23-2013, 12:02 AM

That was the first thing we did. Bob was a great representative for Escape.

PAB4 · 01-03-2014, 06:43 PM

Looking for experienced folks to help with this decision. There will almost always be just two of us traveling. The longest we ever anticipate being on the road consecutively is 1 month. The average times will be long weekends to a week @ a time. I like the idea of the big fridge but, will we keep it full enough for optimal efficiency and what about losing the space with the movement of the micro? Would like to hear your comments and recommendations

gbaglo · 01-03-2014, 06:48 PM

Not sure what sizes you are considering.
We've got a 5 cu.ft. in our 17. No microwave ( even the one at home is in the attic ). We easily fill it, but for us it's enough.

PAB4 · 01-03-2014, 06:56 PM

We have a 19 in the oven. I believe the 5 cu is standard and option is the 6

cpaharley2008 · 01-03-2014, 07:07 PM

I agree, the microwave takes up a lot of prime storage in our Escapes, I grew up without one and would rather do without one.

santacruzer · 01-03-2014, 07:10 PM

We've got the standard 3.0 cubic foot 3-way, and and for our longest trip of two weeks last summer it was just fine. We depart with it quite full, and buy supplies along the way as needed. We do also tote along an ice chest, it's better for beer and wine, and we use more ice than the 3.0 freezer can produce anyway.

cpaharley2008 · 01-03-2014, 07:16 PM

Yes, that ice maker in the 6.0 is really nice!

CADreamin · 01-03-2014, 08:12 PM

I know how much build photos helped us, so I thought I would post some from today. Our Escape is scheduled for completion next week and we made our final payment yesterday. Set up our orientation for the end of March and also made reservations at a B&B in Chilliwack (Escape's recommendation). Now we're hoping that the weather cooperates during our pickup week ...

You may also like: