Considering an Escape

Dwainkitchens · 05-13-2017, 11:40 AM

My wife and I are new to travel trailers (zero experience) and not quite ready to purchase one, but are thinking we would like to travel when I retire. I like what I am reading on Escapes and interested in the 17-21 length. Has anyone one had problems with leaks? Again, since I am a novice, from what I have read, that's the problem with stickys.

Also, are you please with the materials (cabinets, hardware, appliances etc....). I looked at the Oliver’s also, but very expensive, as I am sure you all know. The Escapes definitely seem to be good value for the money. And since I don't plan on being in extremely cold weather, I don't know why we would need more than the two ply FG that Escape provides, plus want lighter TT.

At this time, I am primarily in research phase, and would like you advice. We plan on going to some FG rally’s, as we have never been to anything like that, and plan renting a TT that is similar in size so we can get a feel of what it will be like. I don't think we will have any problem with small. We live in a small condo in Florida and like its smallness.

Anyway, thanks for any comments or recommendations.

cpaharley2008 · 05-13-2017, 01:59 PM

Welcome Dwain, to our little world. Please contact Escape Trailers and they will put you in touch with someone near you to show you their trailer. Seeing one first hand is quite an experience.

yardsale · 05-13-2017, 02:30 PM

We are also researching Oliver and would suggest that the cost isn't worth it unless you are looking for sub freezing capacity (as we are). Besides, Escapes are "on sale" given the great premium of the USD vs the Canadian Dollar.

Steve Clark · 05-13-2017, 02:35 PM

Dwain, Welcome!

Go back and read some of the threads on this forum for build quality and customer support. There are lots of happy campers here. ETI is a small company with exceptional quality control. Discussions here are solution focused with many creative and skillful folks. Good Luck!

padlin · 05-13-2017, 03:17 PM

Welcome Dwain,
I'm sure there have been a few leaks, but I don't recall them. I've not had one, at least not since I went to fiberglass.

As far as I know, Escapes are 1 layer of fiberglass, Bigfoot and Olivers are 2.

After being camped this weekend between 2 Olivers, they sure looked like you get your money's worth, just more then I would spend when there are others that serve my needs better.

nathanj04011 · 05-13-2017, 05:48 PM

Does that sound better when you say it out loud then when you say it in your head? [emoji23]

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LDRay · 05-13-2017, 06:08 PM

We were also camping newcomers when we decided on an Escape 19. We picked it up in October of 2015 and have been very pleased.
We are newly retired and have been several trips. The small size has not been an issue so far. Our longest trip was 6 weeks. We spend most of our time outside and exploring the area we happen to be in. It sure is nice to have your own bed and kitchen.
Very happy with the quality of the Escape.

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Ray N · 05-13-2017, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Welcome Dwain, to our little world. Please contact Escape Trailers and they will put you in touch with someone near you to show you their trailer. Seeing one first hand is quite an experience.

If you ever get up to the Pensacola area we would be happy to show you our 2014, 21' Escape. And yes, we had one small leak coming from inside the cabinet above the sink. I contacted ETI and Reace was very concerned - he wanted pictures and any additional descriptions I could give. He made a couple of suggestions where I could apply some caulk, which I did, and the leak disappeared.

Dwainkitchens · 05-13-2017, 06:34 PM

I looked at a Ford Escape SUV, and with towing package, it says 3500lbs. Do you think this would be sufficient?
Dwain

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDRay

We were also camping newcomers when we decided on an Escape 19. We picked it up in October of 2015 and have been very pleased.
We are newly retired and have been several trips. The small size has not been an issue so far. Our longest trip was 6 weeks. We spend most of our time outside and exploring the area we happen to be in. It sure is nice to have your own bed and kitchen.
Very happy with the quality of the Escape.

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cpaharley2008 · 05-13-2017, 06:36 PM

That may be fine for an Escape 17, but nothing larger.

Dwainkitchens · 05-13-2017, 06:50 PM

Thanks!

Dwain

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

That may be fine for an Escape 17, but nothing larger.

gocamp · 05-13-2017, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray N

...we had one small leak coming from inside the cabinet above the sink. I contacted ETI and Reace was very concerned - he wanted pictures and any additional descriptions I could give. He made a couple of suggestions where I could apply some caulk, which I did, and the leak disappeared.

Ray, On the exterior what part ended up being the leak area? A vent or window or marker light? Thanks

cpaharley2008 · 05-14-2017, 06:05 AM

The only hole in that area would be around the curbside light? The windows are below the upper cabinets. Perhaps the tank vent or awning attachment area?

Ray N · 05-14-2017, 07:25 AM

I caulked around the vent and along the awning, and one of those did the trick. I actually think the source was the vent, but I had plenty of caulk so I did the awning, just in case.
The light was below the leak so I didn't even consider that. My big fear was that the source was the AC, but Reace told me that that would be very unlikely. The picture shows the location of the leak inside.

Steven M · 05-14-2017, 08:48 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum. I and my wifr are heading to Chilliwack to pick up our new 21. While we have tent camped for some time we are new to trailers also. After looking at various light weight stick builds for several years, we saw a few fiberglass trailers ar campgrounds and became intrigued.

Much internet searching and a look at a 21 downstate and we were sold. Contact ETI, there are probably trailers in your area to see. Good luck. You won't be disappointed.

NCBill · 05-14-2017, 11:10 AM

+10 on Escape as TV. Eliminates a lot of your choices. Look at weights in the real world thread on the fiberglass rv forum. Trailers are heavier than people think and having some capacity in reserve is always good! Shop for trailer first then pick your tow vehicle. Do not base your decision on what the car salesman says as they are about as reliable as a politician.

The "mistake" we made on our first FG trailer was not considering the importance of a seating area. In bad weather you need a place to sit!

Our Casita Liberty had nowhere to sit unless we made up the bed daily. The Escape 19 has a queen bed PLUS 46 inch dinette. Winner! One surprise with the Escape is the hallway is wider. We can now pass each other.

steve dunham · 05-14-2017, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwainkitchens

My wife and I are new to travel trailers (zero experience) and not quite ready to purchase one, but are thinking we would like to travel when I retire. I like what I am reading on Escapes and interested in the 17-21 length. Has anyone one had problems with leaks? Again, since I am a novice, from what I have read, that's the problem with stickys.

Also, are you please with the materials (cabinets, hardware, appliances etc....). I looked at the Oliver’s also, but very expensive, as I am sure you all know. The Escapes definitely seem to be good value for the money. And since I don't plan on being in extremely cold weather, I don't know why we would need more than the two ply FG that Escape provides, plus want lighter TT.

At this time, I am primarily in research phase, and would like you advice. We plan on going to some FG rally’s, as we have never been to anything like that, and plan renting a TT that is similar in size so we can get a feel of what it will be like. I don't think we will have any problem with small. We live in a small condo in Florida and like its smallness.

Anyway, thanks for any comments or recommendations.

Oliver may well be expensive but there is no denying that they are well engineered and well built trailers
Quality seldom comes with a low price tag.