Gaucho with 17A

[davedru]

Its in the build sheet right now, but I've only seen them in the front dinette on a 17B. Anyone have any idea where this would go on a 17A? I've also got a custom sized table going into the dinette (shorter and removable to take outside), so I'm totally unsure where the gaucho would or should go. Got a 2 and 4 year old-

I'm talking to Escape later today, but always appreciate your great input!

Thanks,

Dave

[dfandrews]

That's a puzzle, Dave.
I'm trying to envision a gaucho in our 17A, but don't get far. We wouldn't want it in the front over the big bed, because it would inhibit the one sleeping nearer the front, on the big bed, from being able to get up in the middle of the night, if necessary.
So, one over the rear dinette may be possible, but you've got those full width windows on each side.
Let us know what ETI says; they've been doing this a long time.

[davedru]

Thanks Don - trying to keep it pretty minimalist so starting to think that the gaucho might not be a good addition. Interested to hear what they say though

[paulk]

Originally Posted by davedru

Its in the build sheet right now, but I've only seen them in the front dinette on a 17B. Anyone have any idea where this would go on a 17A? I've also got a custom sized table going into the dinette (shorter and removable to take outside), so I'm totally unsure where the gaucho would or should go. Got a 2 and 4 year old-

I'm talking to Escape later today, but always appreciate your great input!

Thanks,

Dave

The 17A can sleep 4 without the gaucho, so you shouldn't need the gaucho unless you expect to bring a 5th person. I suspect ETI made a mistake regarding the gaucho on a 17A. The 17B has steel beams that hold the upper bunk up from the front wall to the bathroom wall and from the front wall to the wardrobe. In the 17B there isn't a point to hold it up on the passenger side, and the driver side span would be too great.

Having 2 kids myself, I would gently try to steer you towards the 17B. Although obviously not necessary, we use the bathroom and shower a lot more in ours than I originally expected. Middle of the night "emergencies" are much easier on us and the kids since we have the bathroom right there instead of having to wake up, get 2 people fully dressed, and make a trip to the bathroom. Also, rest stops along the road are much easier since our kids often give us just minutes of warning about needing to go potty. The gaucho isn't as convenient as having 2 flat beds, but the gaucho 17B still sleeps 4 people, just like the 17A.

My earlier offer of showing you our 17B still stands. We have the gaucho.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by paulk

..get 2 people fully dressed, and make a trip to the bathroom...

I must camp in "low places" as I've seen many folks (including myself) make night trips to the restrooms wearing just jammies. People with more class (not including myself) have even donned robes for this gala event.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by paulk

The 17B has steel beams that hold the upper bunk up from the front wall to the bathroom wall and from the front wall to the wardrobe. In the 17A there isn't a point to hold it up on the passenger side, and the driver side span would be too great.

I wonder if ETI would offer to furnish a cot option across the converted rear dinette bed in a 17A? This would be similar to the offering in the front of the 19 which we love when camping with our kids. I don't see any showstoppers unless the newer style windows are too low for the necessary attachment points on the sides.

[Bobbie54]

Originally Posted by KarenH

I must camp in "low places" as I've seen many folks (including myself) make night trips to the restrooms wearing just jammies. People with more class (not including myself) have even donned robes for this gala event.

Yep, me, too. Although since my jammies are knit pants or shorts and t-shirts its hard to tell.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by paulk

.........

Having 2 kids myself, I would gently try to steer you towards the 17B. Although obviously not necessary, we use the bathroom and shower a lot more in ours than I originally expected. Middle of the night "emergencies" are much easier on us and the kids since we have the bathroom right there instead of having to wake up, get 2 people fully dressed, and make a trip to the bathroom.......

In our 17A, we have a compartment under the passenger side of the permanent bed for our porta-potty. We have it out, and in front of the door, at night, so the longest night "trip" we take is about 15 inches!!!
During the day, it of course resides in its compartment. It sits on a plywood base (actually, a cutting board left over from a kitchen remodel) that has furniture glides under it, so it's ultra-easy to slide out of its compartment, when the need arises.
Edit: link to build photos: right side under bed.
Escape Trailer Owners Community - dfandrews's Album: 17A build photos - Picture

Escape Trailer Owners Community - dfandrews's Album: 17A Final Build Photos - Picture

[davedru]

Thanks everyone- as it turns out neither a gaucho or cot is an option on a 17A.... looks like I will have to fabricate something myself if I feel like I really need it.