Which Options Should I Choose for 17B Trailer? Help!

[mdnf]

Hello Escape community! My DH and I are interested in buying an escape trailer 17B sight-unseen. We hear great things about them and want to experience living as nomads. We have never had a trailer before and are very new to this process. We aren't very handy but we are very tech-savvy. When purchasing a new Escape Trailer there is a list of options we need to choose from and it is like reading Greek. Can anyone shed some light on some of the things on the list? Why would they make our lives better and are they worth the price? I've bolded the options I believe we will need.

Also, does anyone have an average of what it costs to maintain on an annual basis?

2 Burner Stainless Steel Stove & Range hood with Stove Cover (as shown in a 19' Escape)$150.00
4 cuft Dometic Fridge (3 - Way)$200.00
Microwave built into cabinet $110.00
External Fridge Fan$175.00
2 - Way Hot Water Tank $200.00
Hot Water Tank with Exterior Shower (Plan A) $600.00
Foot Flush Toilet$60.00
Winterizing T Valve $35.00
Exterior shower(Plan B)$150.00
Exterior 12V Outlet$75.00
12 Volt Interior Outlet ($50.00 each)$50.00
Additional 12V/USB Interior Outlet$75.00
Dual 6V Batteries* (225 amp hrs) $275.00
Inverter 1500W Includes 1 Additional 120V outlet.* This option will require Dual 6V Batteries $650.00
Inverter 1500W Includes Transfer Switch and all outlets
* This option will require Dual 6V Batteries$950.00
160W Solar Panel with Charge Controller $850.00
Surge Protector $350.00
Removable Power Cord$150.00
Additional Exterior LED Light$75.00
Additional Set Rear Upper LED Brake/Signal Lights$150.00
LED Captains Reading Lamps$40.00
LED Awning Light Strip (as shown here in a 19' Escape)$170.00
Air Conditioner with Digital Thermostat (11,000 BTU)$1,100.00
Maxx Fan with Remote 7500K (Upgrade). Smoke.$125.00
Wireless Back - Up Camera Display Monitor wired with 12V Plug $450.00
Stereo/DVD Player with Two Speakers (location shown in a 17'B Escape)
$325.00
TV/Cable Ready with 120V Outlet$125.00 'Jack' TV Antenna (Includes TV Ready with 120V) $375.00
Extra Insulation & Frame-less Thermal Windows (Includes Opening Rear Window, Frt. Window with Rock Shield Non-Thermal). Plan B $1,300.00
Extra Insulation & Frame-less Thermal Windows (Includes Opening Rear Window, Frt. Window with Rock Shield Non-Thermal) - Plan A $1,400.00 Opening Window in Bathroom (Frame-less Thermal) - Plan B $300.00
Opening Window in Kitchen (Frame-less Thermal) as shown with the optional stainless steel stove $350.00
Aluminum Rim Package (Includes 3 on Single Axle Trailer)$285.00
High Lift Axle$150.00 Power Tongue Jack (Front of trailer)
$295.00
Exterior Access Hatch (Rear passenger side, Plan A or B, Front Driver's Side, Plan A)$150.00
Gaucho Bunk$400.00
Shelves in Wardrobe Closet ($75 each).$75.00
Additional Counter Extension$85.00 (Each)
Exterior Propane Quick Connect with 12' Propane Hose and Adapter$160.00
2 - 12V Heat Pads with Spray Foam Insulation$1,000.00
Spray Foam Insulation for Under Trailer$600.00
Storage Box (Front of Trailer)$700.00
Custom Flooring (12' x 9')$100.00 BECAUSE WE HAVE PETS
Custom Formica (Additional $100 for finish other than -58)$200.00
Custom Fabric (Single Fabric $100, Additional Fabrics $50/each) Plan A - 5.3m or 5.8yds, Plan B - 7.4m or 8.2yds, Plan B - W/Mattress 10.5m or 11.5yds * Please note fabrics with a repeating pattern will require the amount to be doubled$100.00
Convert Bench Seat to U Shaped Dinette (Fabric Measurment 8m or 8.8yds. * Please note fabrics with a repeating pattern will require the amount to be doubled.)$400.00
Equalizer Hitch $350.00
Equalizer Hitch with Sway Control Bar $475.00 E2 Integrated Sway Control and Weight Distribution Hitch $625.00
Extendable Wall Mount TV Arm (For 15" - 22" TVs)$95.00
Starter Kit- (Includes 4 Rolls RV Toilet Tissue, 1 Ltr Toilet Chemical, 10 prs of Lg Latex Gloves, 25' Water Hose, City Water Pressure Regulator, 4 Wheel Chocks, Hitch Lock, Propane Tanks Purged and filled)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[gbaglo]

First option I would choose it to make it a 19' instead of 17'.

[tdf-texas]

The 19' is nice until they see the 21' (two foot itis)

Seriously, you might want to contact Escape and ask if there are Escapes in your area that are available to see. Look at the different models and talk to the owners. Once you order the model that meets your needs, you will have plenty of time to work out the options.

[skyfree]

Originally Posted by mdnf

Hello Escape community! My DH and I are interested in buying an escape trailer 17B sight-unseen. We hear great things about them and want to experience living as nomads. We have never had a trailer before and are very new to this process. We aren't very handy but we are very tech-savvy. When purchasing a new Escape Trailer there is a list of options we need to choose from and it is like reading Greek. Can anyone shed some light on some of the things on the list? Why would they make our lives better and are they worth the price? I've bolded the options I believe we will need.

Also, does anyone have an average of what it costs to maintain on an annual basis?

2 Burner Stainless Steel Stove & Range hood with Stove Cover (as shown in a 19' Escape)$150.00
4 cuft Dometic Fridge (3 - Way)$200.00
Microwave built into cabinet $110.00
External Fridge Fan$175.00
2 - Way Hot Water Tank $200.00
Hot Water Tank with Exterior Shower (Plan A) $600.00
Foot Flush Toilet$60.00
Winterizing T Valve $35.00
Exterior shower(Plan B)$150.00
Exterior 12V Outlet$75.00
12 Volt Interior Outlet ($50.00 each)$50.00
Additional 12V/USB Interior Outlet$75.00
Dual 6V Batteries* (225 amp hrs) $275.00
Inverter 1500W Includes 1 Additional 120V outlet.* This option will require Dual 6V Batteries $650.00
Inverter 1500W Includes Transfer Switch and all outlets
* This option will require Dual 6V Batteries$950.00
160W Solar Panel with Charge Controller $850.00
Surge Protector $350.00
Removable Power Cord$150.00
Additional Exterior LED Light$75.00
Additional Set Rear Upper LED Brake/Signal Lights$150.00
LED Captains Reading Lamps$40.00
LED Awning Light Strip (as shown here in a 19' Escape)$170.00
Air Conditioner with Digital Thermostat (11,000 BTU)$1,100.00
Maxx Fan with Remote 7500K (Upgrade). Smoke.$125.00
Wireless Back - Up Camera Display Monitor wired with 12V Plug $450.00
Stereo/DVD Player with Two Speakers (location shown in a 17'B Escape)
$325.00
TV/Cable Ready with 120V Outlet$125.00 'Jack' TV Antenna (Includes TV Ready with 120V) $375.00
Extra Insulation & Frame-less Thermal Windows (Includes Opening Rear Window, Frt. Window with Rock Shield Non-Thermal). Plan B $1,300.00
Extra Insulation & Frame-less Thermal Windows (Includes Opening Rear Window, Frt. Window with Rock Shield Non-Thermal) - Plan A $1,400.00
Opening Window in Bathroom (Frame-less Thermal) - Plan B $300.00
Opening Window in Kitchen (Frame-less Thermal) as shown with the optional stainless steel stove $350.00
Aluminum Rim Package (Includes 3 on Single Axle Trailer)$285.00
High Lift Axle$150.00 Power Tongue Jack (Front of trailer)
$295.00
Exterior Access Hatch (Rear passenger side, Plan A or B, Front Driver's Side, Plan A)$150.00
Gaucho Bunk$400.00
Shelves in Wardrobe Closet ($75 each).$75.00
Additional Counter Extension$85.00 (Each)
Exterior Propane Quick Connect with 12' Propane Hose and Adapter$160.00
2 - 12V Heat Pads with Spray Foam Insulation$1,000.00
Spray Foam Insulation for Under Trailer$600.00
Storage Box (Front of Trailer)$700.00
Custom Flooring (12' x 9')$100.00 BECAUSE WE HAVE PETS
Custom Formica (Additional $100 for finish other than -58)$200.00
Custom Fabric (Single Fabric $100, Additional Fabrics $50/each) Plan A - 5.3m or 5.8yds, Plan B - 7.4m or 8.2yds, Plan B - W/Mattress 10.5m or 11.5yds * Please note fabrics with a repeating pattern will require the amount to be doubled$100.00
Convert Bench Seat to U Shaped Dinette (Fabric Measurment 8m or 8.8yds. * Please note fabrics with a repeating pattern will require the amount to be doubled.)$400.00
Equalizer Hitch $350.00
Equalizer Hitch with Sway Control Bar $475.00 E2 Integrated Sway Control and Weight Distribution Hitch $625.00
Extendable Wall Mount TV Arm (For 15" - 22" TVs)$95.00
Starter Kit- (Includes 4 Rolls RV Toilet Tissue, 1 Ltr Toilet Chemical, 10 prs of Lg Latex Gloves, 25' Water Hose, City Water Pressure Regulator, 4 Wheel Chocks, Hitch Lock, Propane Tanks Purged and filled)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

We are picking our 17B up in a few weeks so recently went through the decision process so here are some comments on your choices FWIW:

Microwave built into cabinet $110.00: We didn't, but that's because we never used the microwaves in our past 2 RV's. Just extra weight to haul around for us.

Exterior shower(Plan B)$150.00: Again, we didn't, but that's because we didn't want another cut in the fiberglass with the possibility of this exterior plumbing freezing in cold weather. We did use it on our previous RV's, but only a couple of times and can live without it.

160W Solar Panel with Charge Controller $850.00: Yes, but you should get the dual 6V batteries if you are going solar. You are wasting solar capability by not having enough storage for it.

Additional Exterior LED Light$75.00: We didn't get any additional lights. We like it dark outside the trailer at night. Having outside lights on makes it like we are back in the city.

Air Conditioner with Digital Thermostat (11,000 BTU)$1,100.00: Yes -- no brainer for most people who stay at places where they can plug in (RV Parks mostly, but some public CG's as well).

Maxx Fan with Remote 7500K (Upgrade). Smoke.$125.00: I never saw the motivation for this, but to each his own. We didn't get that one.

Wireless Back - Up Camera Display Monitor wired with 12V Plug $450.00: No, I like to get out and look, then have my wife help me if necessary (seldom). This type of tech is often prone to failure and not worth the effort (to me!).

Extra Insulation & Frame-less Thermal Windows (Includes Opening Rear Window, Frt. Window with Rock Shield Non-Thermal). Plan B $1,300.00: Yes. Lots of discussion about the frameless on here, but we went with it. Insulation is a no-brainer and impossible to change later.

Opening Window in Bathroom (Frame-less Thermal) - Plan B $300.00: Yes, provides light so you don't have to turn on the light every time you go in there.

Opening Window in Kitchen (Frame-less Thermal): This is a very popular option, but we didn't get it because there is a big window right next to it and there are already so many windows we felt it wasn't needed.

Additional Counter Extension$85.00 (Each): No for us, but this will be dependent on your style of food preparation.

Spray Foam Insulation for Under Trailer$600.00 : Yes. Lots of discussion about this on here. It's one of the major features that led us to Escape.

Storage Box (Front of Trailer)$700.00: Yes. Looks good and provides some storage.

Custom Flooring : No. We like their default choice. It's not worth the extra $ and effort to us, but I can understand why it is for many people.

So for options not on your list, consider:
- Dual 6V batteries (solar storage, longer off-grid)
- 2-way hot water heater (no need to burn propane when you are plugged in)
- Foot flush toilet (cheap and so much easier)
- Winterizing t-valve: (as cheap as doing it yourself, so why not?)

Can't answer your question about maintenance as I always do my own, so for me it's $0. There isn't much maintenance required on a Travel Trailer. Seems like the biggest job for these is waxing it if you want to. Things like batteries, tires, and brakes wear out, but that will be many years down the road and it's a pretty trivial cost compared to the original purchase price.

[Marry]

Welcome to the forum!!
Every person, and how they camp, is different. In order to build a build sheet that suits your needs, you first have to ponder how you see yourself camping. That will determine what is needed in your Escape.
Yes, the ordering, all the options and their choices, can be overwhelming. We all went through the same process. And we all managed to become very happy Escape campers. So there is hope.
Just ask yourself and imagine yourself camping. This will help you to build your trailer.
Are you going to mostly camp with shore power, or are you going to camp off the grid?

[Donna D.]

I think on a relatively new trailer, maintenance costs are more sweat equity. Wax on, wax off... good wash soap. Then you get into replacing tires when it's time. Annual brake checks and grease... plus seals. Can you do that? Do you have to pay for storage? What about insurance on the trailer? Eventually there's propane tanks to replace because they are now dated. How's the upholstery? Stain/worn? Maybe it's time to change the mattress. THESE are subjective!

[rbryan4]

If it is at ALL possible, try to call Escape and have them refer you to owners in your area. Look at the 17 to be sure, but also look at some larger ones. We were dead set on a 17 until we toured a 19. There's no substitute for seeing them in person, and in our case, it saved us from regretting that we didn't go with the slightly larger one. You may find that the 17 is perfect, but you really ought to see it first.

[cpaharley2008]

There will be an Escape Rally in September in Niagara Falls, On where there will be several Escapes models, including the 17. See here for details http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...17-a-9017.html

[mdnf]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

First option I would choose it to make it a 19' instead of 17'.

Hi gbaglo,

I would love to but I have a 2012 Santa Fe V6 and I think that would be pushing it. The max weight I can tow is 3500 lbs.

[gbaglo]

Yup. My buddy towed his 19' with a Santa Fe. He now has a Highlander. That's why I don't have a 19'. I don't want to buy a new vehicle and a new trailer.

[mdnf]

Originally Posted by skyfree

We are picking our 17B up in a few weeks so recently went through the decision process so here are some comments on your choices FWIW:

Microwave built into cabinet $110.00: We didn't, but that's because we never used the microwaves in our past 2 RV's. Just extra weight to haul around for us.

Exterior shower(Plan B)$150.00: Again, we didn't, but that's because we didn't want another cut in the fiberglass with the possibility of this exterior plumbing freezing in cold weather. We did use it on our previous RV's, but only a couple of times and can live without it.

160W Solar Panel with Charge Controller $850.00: Yes, but you should get the dual 6V batteries if you are going solar. You are wasting solar capability by not having enough storage for it.

Additional Exterior LED Light$75.00: We didn't get any additional lights. We like it dark outside the trailer at night. Having outside lights on makes it like we are back in the city.

Air Conditioner with Digital Thermostat (11,000 BTU)$1,100.00: Yes -- no brainer for most people who stay at places where they can plug in (RV Parks mostly, but some public CG's as well).

Maxx Fan with Remote 7500K (Upgrade). Smoke.$125.00: I never saw the motivation for this, but to each his own. We didn't get that one.

Wireless Back - Up Camera Display Monitor wired with 12V Plug $450.00: No, I like to get out and look, then have my wife help me if necessary (seldom). This type of tech is often prone to failure and not worth the effort (to me!).

Extra Insulation & Frame-less Thermal Windows (Includes Opening Rear Window, Frt. Window with Rock Shield Non-Thermal). Plan B $1,300.00: Yes. Lots of discussion about the frameless on here, but we went with it. Insulation is a no-brainer and impossible to change later.

Opening Window in Bathroom (Frame-less Thermal) - Plan B $300.00: Yes, provides light so you don't have to turn on the light every time you go in there.

Opening Window in Kitchen (Frame-less Thermal): This is a very popular option, but we didn't get it because there is a big window right next to it and there are already so many windows we felt it wasn't needed.

Additional Counter Extension$85.00 (Each): No for us, but this will be dependent on your style of food preparation.

Spray Foam Insulation for Under Trailer$600.00 : Yes. Lots of discussion about this on here. It's one of the major features that led us to Escape.

Storage Box (Front of Trailer)$700.00: Yes. Looks good and provides some storage.

Custom Flooring : No. We like their default choice. It's not worth the extra $ and effort to us, but I can understand why it is for many people.

So for options not on your list, consider:
- Dual 6V batteries (solar storage, longer off-grid)
- 2-way hot water heater (no need to burn propane when you are plugged in)
- Foot flush toilet (cheap and so much easier)
- Winterizing t-valve: (as cheap as doing it yourself, so why not?)

Can't answer your question about maintenance as I always do my own, so for me it's $0. There isn't much maintenance required on a Travel Trailer. Seems like the biggest job for these is waxing it if you want to. Things like batteries, tires, and brakes wear out, but that will be many years down the road and it's a pretty trivial cost compared to the original purchase price.

Thank you skyfree. You bring up some great points for us to think about.

[mdnf]

Originally Posted by Marry

Welcome to the forum!!
Every person, and how they camp, is different. In order to build a build sheet that suits your needs, you first have to ponder how you see yourself camping. That will determine what is needed in your Escape.
Yes, the ordering, all the options and their choices, can be overwhelming. We all went through the same process. And we all managed to become very happy Escape campers. So there is hope.
Just ask yourself and imagine yourself camping. This will help you to build your trailer.
Are you going to mostly camp with shore power, or are you going to camp off the grid?

Hi Marry,

We have never had or known anyone who has had an RV so it is difficult to say. I imagine we will be on shore power some of the time.

[mdnf]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

There will be an Escape Rally in September in Niagara Falls, On where there will be several Escapes models, including the 17. See here for details http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...17-a-9017.html

We are out of the country at the moment. If we were home though, everyone's trailers would be in storage. There is a very long wait time for the Escape so we wanted some advice before ordering.

[Zardoz]

We spent most of the day at ETI today. We're moving up from a 19 to a 5.0 and while I was there, I took a look at the 17. There's no doubt that it's a great unit, but IMHO, life in a 17 would be more like "camping" whereas a 19 has more room for longer-term "living." Permanent queen bed vs a converted dinette using seat cushions vs a real mattress. Also, more on for preparing meals, storing groceries, and clothes storage. Look at both before pulling the trigger is my advice.

[Steve Clark]

Originally Posted by mdnf

We are out of the country at the moment. If we were home though, everyone's trailers would be in storage. There is a very long wait time for the Escape so we wanted some advice before ordering.

Hi mdnf, and Welcome! Just to clarify, when you place an order for your trailer, you do not need to include your options. Your deposit will hold your order, and you will receive a tentative completion date. The completion date is usually 8-12 months after the order date. Your option selections (Build Sheet) is not due until about 10 weeks prior to your trailer completion date. You will have several months to read, research, and ask questions about specific options. Good Luck!

[Loren & Cathy]

Look at every model that Escape has to offer. Then you can be sure that you got what is going to work for you. We were sure it was a 19 until we saw the 21. The fifth wheel was eliminated because I wanted the box for storage. Loren

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

We spent most of the day at ETI today.

Missed you by four days, Rich. I guess it will have to wait 'til the rally to meet in person.

[Marry]

Originally Posted by mdnf

We are out of the country at the moment. If we were home though, everyone's trailers would be in storage. There is a very long wait time for the Escape so we wanted some advice before ordering.

suggestion: give ETI a call and ask for a few Escape owners phone numbers in your area, keeping your options open about what size trailer. Even though in storage, escape owners can already answer many questions you have, maybe some of them able to show you their trailer. You might be surprised how many Escapes are just parked in people's yard.
During summer many trailers will be on the road and at rallies.
(If you were closer you could come see our 19, simply parked outside beside the house)

[float5]

We looked at a 17' and wanted one. Then looked at a 19' after a while, just to look. And wanted one. Got that one, eight months old, private sale. 21' not being made yet. Then after using our 19' a lot, ordered a 21' with everything we knew we wanted and/or would use.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Missed you by four days, Rich. I guess it will have to wait 'til the rally to meet in person.

Yea, wondered if we'd bump into you, but looks like we'll have to get together in Oosoyos. Looking forward to it!