First Time

[padlin]

First Impressions

Tried out our new 5.0 TA for the last couple days at a not so local no hookup state park (George Washington in RI) to see what we want to change before heading out next month for points west. Nice park by the way.

Obviously just our opinions but if you're interested here they are.

1. The fifth wheel pulled like a dream. After years of a same size conventional bumper pull the complete lack of bounce and jolt was better then I had hoped. It really feels like one unit instead of the 2 that it is.
2. On our admittedly short trip, 100 minutes each way, we averaged 13.5 mpg mixed highway and back roads. Same trip with the old trailer (7.6' wide, 3700 lbs) was 10.5. Again better then expected, I was prepared for no change. F150 Ecoboost TV.
3. Moved all our stuff from the old trailer (same sq') to the Escape, got to be close to double the storage space, never expected this much of a difference.
4. The table and dinette (U) is huge, thinking about finding an inflatable pouf for my feet though.
5. More aisle space, no waiting for DW to move out of the way.
6. DW loves the double sink, the counter extension and sink covers provide ample counter space when needed.
7. Dinky bathroom will take some getting used to, good thing we seldom use our onboard for showers. Pretty much have to stand in the aisle and use the kitchen counter to put down bathroom items. Need to look into some sort of wall mount bins or some such. For what it is we could have done without the bathroom sink.
8. Wish we had had ETI trim down the angled cuts a bit more to access the dinette, if we weighed any more then we do I'd have to get out the Sawsall.
9. Ran a 12v Endless Breeze fan outdoor for about 12 hours. Nice fan for discouraging bugs, about 1ah on low.
10. Screen door will also take getting used to. Mounted handles on it but they need to be 6” or so below the catch which is my calculations are right, it would impede the 36” floor track.
11. Need to hunt down lower wattage bulbs for the captain lights, way too bright for our needs.
12. Bed works out well, no more climbing over each other. The steps to it work out well as a seat to put on your shoes. Need to come up with something for a night light, going from bed to the head is easy, it's finding the bed after blinding yourself with the bathroom light that's the issue. Bought a couple red 12v leds (thanks Jim) to test with.
13. Swapped out the closet rod with one that's 1” so the RV no fall off hangers will work.
14. Need to cover the escape hatch hole with something without impeding the air flow, too bright too early for me.
15. Have to give some thought to the door step.
16. Shorter folks can't reach the ceiling lights.

Had a few folks stop by for the nickle tour while we were there, DW seems to have taken to the tour guide part of this. Overall we're very happy with the trailer and think it'll fit this phase of our lives just fine.