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05-07-2015, 01:26 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Allendale, New Jersey
Trailer: 19' towed by a 4Runner
Posts: 251
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My 19 Build Sheet & Questions
Below is my build sheet feel free to chime in. We (family of 3 sometimes a 4th) plan to use our Escape for several week or two long trips and long weekends every season. Planning to camp during the warmer months. Boondocking 3 days tops.
I wonder what battery package would be best? Will we ever watch live TV? Is the Starter Kit worth the money since it includes propane? Shelves in the wardrobe, useful or in the way? How many? Captains reading lights, anyone like them, if so location? 6.7 Fridge an overkill? Inverter all outlets? Any other ideas or suggestions? Here is my list:
- 2 - Way Hot Water Tank
- 2 Burner Stainless Steel Stove & Range (*rotated 90 degrees)
- 6.7cuft Fridge
- Additional Drawer Under Wardrobe Closet
- Additional Set LED Brake Lights (Vertical)
- Additional OPENING Window over sink
- Air Conditioner
- Digital Thermostat
- Aluminum Rims (x5)
- Bike Rack Ready
- Cabinet Door at end of Bench
- Cot Ready
- Cot
- 12V Battery
- hitch?
- Exterior 12V Outlet (x2 one each side)
- Exterior Propane Quick Connect with 12' Propane Hose and Adapter
- Extra Insulation & Thermal Windows
- Inverter 1500W Includes 1 Outlet
- LED Interior Light Package
- LED Exterior Light (x2 or each side)
- MaxxFann with Remote 7500K (Upgrade) Smoke
- Opening Window in Bathroom
- Power Jack
- Propane Tanks - Filled (x2)
- Removable Power Cord
- Prewire Solar Panel
- Winter T Valve
- Stainless Steel Sink & Chrome Faucet
- Storage Box (Front of Trailer)
- Surge Protector
- TV Ready with 120V Outlet
- Extendable Wall Mount Extendable TV Arm
- Custom Formica (will have choice soon)
- Custom Fabric
- Convert Bench Seat to U Shape Dinette
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05-07-2015, 03:44 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Denison, Texas
Trailer: 2015 21'; 2011 19' sold; 4Runner; ph ninezero3 327-27ninefour
Posts: 5,136
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Hi, GRINGOandTICA,
Some would probably say that the 12v is sufficient. Usually for boondocking, the two six-volts would be the way to go but you have an iffy situation with only up to three days. Guess I would say that you are likely to have more than three days at some later time where you do not expect to now, and you might wish you had two six-volts. We have had people get the 12V only to change later. You can do that, too.
Unfortunately, think you need the transfer switch for the inverter to go to all outlets.
Doubt the refrigerator could be too much for your number of people.
We use the wardrobe for hanging space for jackets and shirts. Would not want to be without it. Others prefer their shelves.
Looks like an excellent list!
__________________
Cathy. Floating Cloud
"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.... "
Emerson
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05-07-2015, 05:00 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Fruitland Park, Florida
Trailer: 2021 Pleasure Way OnTour 2.0
Posts: 77
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About the television option: I wasn't sure we would watch TV but decided on the TV ready. A neighbor gave us a 13" TV that can run on AC or 12 volts and I made an antenna from wire coat hangers. I'm very glad we decided on the TV ready option. On a cold & rainy Sunday afternoon in Charleston we were delighted to be able to watch our hometown NE Patriots play football. In addition, we often watch the evening news and weather while preparing dinner.
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05-07-2015, 05:54 PM
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#4
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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 Mob2014
I'm very glad we decided on the TV ready option. On a cold & rainy Sunday afternoon in Charleston we were delighted to be able to watch our hometown NE Patriots play football.
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Was the picture clear enough for you to be able to tell if the footballs were underinflated? (.....sorry, had to.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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05-07-2015, 06:02 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Fruitland Park, Florida
Trailer: 2021 Pleasure Way OnTour 2.0
Posts: 77
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Ha ha ha, very funny
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05-07-2015, 06:14 PM
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#6
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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 GRINGOandTICA
I wonder what battery package would be best?
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We like the dual 6V batteries. Lots of amp hours, and they're out of the way in the storage box.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRINGOandTICA
Will we ever watch live TV?
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We didn't think we would, but by the 4th rainy night, I was busy installing the TV. Consider a roof mounted antenna from Escape. Much easier than installing one yourself, and many campgrounds don't offer a cable connection.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRINGOandTICA
Is the Starter Kit worth the money since it includes propane?
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We didn't bother with the starter kit. Just ordered what we needed from Amazon, and had Escape purge and fill the propane tanks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRINGOandTICA
Shelves in the wardrobe, useful or in the way? How many?
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Yes, we love the shelves. It converted a closet (we don't hang clothes when we are camping) into a very useful pantry. We ordered two shelves, evenly spaced and would not change it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRINGOandTICA
Captains reading lights, anyone like them, if so location?
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Love them! Best change of mind I had on our build sheet. We had them mounted at the head of the bed on each side. Also, you can turn them in toward the wall for some nice soft light at the bed in the evening. You may want to consider having the LEDs for them changed out to a warm white.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRINGOandTICA
6.7 Fridge an overkill?
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Absolutely love the extra space of the 6.7CF fridge. Also, the two door 6.7CF performs better than the 4.3 single door in hotter weather, at least from what I've experienced, as well as testimonials from many forum members who have the smaller one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRINGOandTICA
Inverter all outlets?
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Only if you plan to use more than one AC appliance/device at a time when you're not hooked up. We do, and we like it. If you have only 12V stuff, no need. We have solar too, but we do boondock (or at least plan to) alot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GRINGOandTICA
Any other ideas or suggestions?
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We like the Andersen hitch. Very solid feel and absolutely no sway when towing. Depending on your tow vehicle, you may need weight distribution. If you do, we recommend the Andersen. Also consider some flip up tables mounted on the bed side. Very handy for a cup of coffee or tea when lounging in the bed. We had a narrow one placed at the head and foot of the bed (wall between bed and stovetop, and wall between bed and fridge). The one at our feet stays out at night, and gives us a handy place for a phone, wallet, eyeglasses, or God forbid, an alarm clock. We also like the porch lights on both the driver and passenger side, controlled by two switches we had mounted on the end of the overhead cabinet over the sink.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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05-07-2015, 06:50 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
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Have you checked to see which dinette style seats 4 better?
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
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05-07-2015, 08:04 PM
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#8
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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 padlin
Have you checked to see which dinette style seats 4 better?
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That's a good question for a 19. We changed to a u-shaped dinette and we do like it, but I'm not convinced it's the best choice if you want to seat 4 adults. I think the u-shape works much better on a 21 or a 5.0TA. You also lose some table space with the u-shape, so it's not a cut and dried decision. I'm modifying our table to use a telescoping pedestal, and changing the direction of the slide to front and back -- that is, if I can find enough time at home to go do it. The parts are sitting and waiting. I guess with my being on vacation for 5+ weeks, my employer is making up for lost time by sending me everywhere.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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05-07-2015, 08:33 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Allendale, New Jersey
Trailer: 19' towed by a 4Runner
Posts: 251
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Quote:
Originally Posted by padlin
Have you checked to see which dinette style seats 4 better?
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I have not checked, but a 4th would be a guest. My guess is the standard seats four better, but the U-shape fits three better.
Lots of great feedback from everyone so far. Thanks, already considering your input, sheet is due at the end of the month.
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05-07-2015, 08:44 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,050
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My mother is a retired interior decorator.. many years in the business. She told me years ago, never buy a home or anything else with guests in mind. You're cleaning and paying the property tax, paying the heating/cooling bills 365 days a year. And that's why they build motels... I think the same rules apply to a trailer. Build your trailer for YOU, guests will figure it out for those few days a year. YMMV
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
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05-07-2015, 09:16 PM
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#11
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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 Donna D.
Build your trailer for YOU, guests will figure it out for those few days a year. YMMV
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Unless it's my Dad, Donna.
We picked him up halfway through our trip home from Chilliwack. Gripe, moan, bitch and complain for the next several days.
Never again.
You're right. Build it for YOU. I would only add 'Then live in it YOURSELF.'
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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05-07-2015, 10:22 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Denison, Texas
Trailer: 2015 21'; 2011 19' sold; 4Runner; ph ninezero3 327-27ninefour
Posts: 5,136
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D.
My mother is a retired interior decorator.. many years in the business. She told me years ago, never buy a home or anything else with guests in mind. You're cleaning and paying the property tax, paying the heating/cooling bills 365 days a year. And that's why they build motels... I think the same rules apply to a trailer. Build your trailer for YOU, guests will figure it out for those few days a year. YMMV
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We are building for us, not for guests, but also some for the next owners. Then again, we can't know if we might decide to use those things ourselves! But we are not including some items that other owners would likely want also. There is a limit to including such things.
__________________
Cathy. Floating Cloud
"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.... "
Emerson
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05-08-2015, 06:01 AM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Randolph Center, Vermont
Trailer: 2016 Escape 19 "Sunny" , tow - Highlander XLE
Posts: 33
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I don't believe the 6.7cf fridge has two outer doors. All of the pix I've seen show just one door.
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05-08-2015, 07:40 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
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New style is 2 door.
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
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05-08-2015, 08:56 AM
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#15
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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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My 19 Build Sheet & Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cozy Rosie
I don't believe the 6.7cf fridge has two outer doors. All of the pix I've seen show just one door.
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Two different models, Rosie. Escape went to the RMD8555 two door. They used to use the RML8555 single door. The "D" in the model number indicates a 2 door unit. The 2 door has a slightly different cooling unit apparently, although Dometic won't give particulars. I can tell you that in Reace's testing of the 2 door unit, it cools much better than the single door. We have the 2 door as well, and it cools well in warmer temperatures -- so far. Tons of threads on here discuss the changeover. They started putting the 2 door in new trailers starting about December of 2014. Because of some Herculean efforts on the part of Reace, they've also agreed to swap out the single door units for 2 door, for those Escape customers who have the single door and want to switch. That's a tacit admission on the part of Dometic that the single door unit doesn't work properly. Here's a picture of ours..
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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05-11-2015, 07:58 AM
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#16
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Randolph Center, Vermont
Trailer: 2016 Escape 19 "Sunny" , tow - Highlander XLE
Posts: 33
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Thanks so much for informing me about the fridges. Had no idea Dometic made two-door models. We don't visit the forum nearly enough to stay up on things. Great looking 19 you have there.
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05-12-2015, 07:36 PM
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#17
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1
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We're looking at shelves similar - do they get in the way when you flip the mattress?
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05-12-2015, 08:13 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Allendale, New Jersey
Trailer: 19' towed by a 4Runner
Posts: 251
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The lást two things I need to decided on is the exterior shower and rotating the range top.
Not sure if we would use the exterior shower much?
I understand you gain some space rotating the range top, but it doesn't look proper and the larger burner further away then I would like. Also seems to close to the rear of the counter. If I was going to use this TT for months at a time, I would just pick the stove hands down. Anyone happy or unhappy with their choice?
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05-12-2015, 08:21 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,050
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I rotated the stove, use the burners as I cook in my trailer and am 100% happy. Glad I gained back some counterspace as I also had a larger sink put in.
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
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05-12-2015, 08:40 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19
Posts: 895
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We left the burners in the "normal" orientation and are quite satisfied with it. (Also, coming from many years as a tent camper using just a 1 burner back pack stove, having two burners in any orientation is a luxury!
__________________
Kevin
Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything - Charles Kuralt
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