new 17B build questions

[outwiththedogs]

Hello Escapers,
This forum has been very valuable for answering our questions as we plan the build. A couple of questions for the experienced Escape owners...

We plan to keep the rear dinette in bed mode most of the time, though may occasionally use it as a bigger dinette. What are advantages/disadvantages of the pedestal table vs the standard 2 posts?

Awnings: Since the manual is now standard and the electric an option, anyone have a reason to go for either? I understand that the manual can be tipped/angled for rain shedding. Here in the Rockies we would LOVE to have that problem, but assuming it actually does rain again what do people think?

Thanks in advance for comments,
Catherine

[gbaglo]

We have the two post rear dinette set up as a bed, except for a brief time when wife wanted to try it as a dinette. To use it as a dinette, you have to find somewhere to put the bedding and the topper that you will surely get to supplement the cushions. It's amazing how much room a 2" topper takes up. Since that experiment, it has remained a full time bed.
We have and have had the manual awning since July 2008. It can be tilted for rain. It can support side curtains. It can support the screen room ( which we have set up a couple times ).

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by outwiththedogs

We plan to keep the rear dinette in bed mode most of the time, though may occasionally use it as a bigger dinette. What are advantages/disadvantages of the pedestal table vs the standard 2 posts?

Assuming you will have a standard 17B dinette, the only real advantage is one pole instead of two. In my opinion the 17 is a little too small for the U-Shaped dinette to be practical. In the larger trailers with the U-Shaped dinette option added, the single pole allows you to rotate as well as slide the table. There's also the Lagun mount, which I really like, where nothing is attached to the floor at all. Since you intend to only use the larger dinette occasionally, I'd probably go with the stock setup.

Originally Posted by outwiththedogs

Awnings: Since the manual is now standard and the electric an option, anyone have a reason to go for either? I understand that the manual can be tipped/angled for rain shedding.

We like the simplicity and ruggedness of the manual awning. Opinions differ, as I'm sure you've seen here.

[outwiththedogs]

Nice awning photos! thanks for the quick response and especially the reasons why.
Catherine

[outwiththedogs]

Rbryan4
Good point about not really needing the pedestal version for our uses.
By the way, love your trailer name. I grew up in Texas, have family in New Braunfels--we typically visit in late fall to beat the heat.
thanks,
Catherine

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by outwiththedogs

I grew up in Texas, have family in New Braunfels--we typically visit in late fall to beat the heat.

You're welcome Catherine.

Yes, late fall, winter and spring are the best camping times here for sure. We're building a new home right now on Canyon Lake, not too far from New Braunfels.