So, what should I do now?

cpaharley2008 · 07-13-2018, 01:27 PM

I am in limbo. I have a build sheet completed with thermal frameless windows and power awning on a 21 Escape to be completed in late December. Escape will honor my build sheet or allow me to change it. There are no frameless single pane windows, just sliders, single or thermal paned. The awning is the manual with straight arms.
If I buy what is on my build sheet it will be the last of the frameless/power awning models. Will I have issues, I have not had any so far. Will it be unique, yes it will.
What would you do? and buying another one in 2 years is not an option.

cpaharley2008 · 07-13-2018, 01:29 PM

Here is a photo of the manual awning...notice the straight arms....

GregandTeresa · 07-13-2018, 01:36 PM

I actually like the manual awning on our Classic 19. But I also love the look of the frameless windows on the new models. So if it were me, I would get manual awning and frameless windows. But, I'm not sure how that helps you decide

cpaharley2008 · 07-13-2018, 01:40 PM

That would not work as the awning arms would block the windows.....

Mtn1203 · 07-13-2018, 01:42 PM

We are in the same boat, but haven't had the opportunity to see many Escapes. We really don't want the electric awning and are glad that we have a choice on that. We are uncertain that we want the frameless windows and are certain that it wouldn't work for us to have the awning arms blocking windows. That would be a deal breaker. However, we would like to have a back window that opens. Guess that we want it all!!!!

GregandTeresa · 07-13-2018, 01:42 PM

Well, there is that...

MikeS · 07-13-2018, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I am in limbo. I have a build sheet completed with thermal frameless windows and power awning on a 21 Escape to be completed in late December. Escape will honor my build sheet or allow me to change it. There are no frameless single pane windows, just sliders, single or thermal paned. The awning is the manual with straight arms.
If I buy what is on my build sheet it will be the last of the frameless/power awning models. Will I have issues, I have not had any so far. Will it be unique, yes it will.
What would you do? and buying another one in 2 years is not an option.

I'm in a similar situation with an October completion date. I can tell you what we are going to do...once we figure it out.

I like the manual awning for a couple of reasons including simplicity, (mechanical/technological not ease of use) what I perceive is a bit heavier duty, and I think the ability to hang an additional shade screen from a side.

The windows, I'm at a bit of a loss but would prefer function over form so if the sliders are more weather tight that is a big plus. I do like a window cracked in the rain though.

Marry · 07-13-2018, 01:47 PM

I don't think it will look bad to have the frameless window on the back and the rest sliders, since they are not placed beside each other. That will give you the option of opening those rear windows by the dinette!
What I would ask Reace first is: can those frameless ones on the back be replaced later down the road by framed ones if necessary?

Patandlinda · 07-13-2018, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marry

I don't think it will look bad to have the frameless window on the back and the rest sliders, since they are not placed beside each other. That will give you the option of opening those rear windows by the dinette!
What I would ask Reace first is: can those frameless ones on the back be replaced later down the road by framed ones if necessary?

Just a thought here but the opening window in the rear we would never want , because our bed is there . The rear of the trailer , camper , motorhome is the dirtiest . Pat

Mike G · 07-13-2018, 02:10 PM

For the person who is torn betwixt and between... get frameless on the driver's side, and framed on the passenger side. Problem solved.

The power awning looks so much more 'finished' and elegant, versus the vertical support arms. Yet for $600 savings I would opt for the less elegant looking ones. YMMV.

Actually I would want to specify "Indiana built" frameless, otherwise I would not want the frameless, after reading some of the comments posted recently. It sounds like the IN ones aren't giving very many problems. Whichever windows you get, since both styles probably fit the same holes in the body, one could switch out later for some $$$ if it came to that.

Chris & Patricia · 07-13-2018, 02:18 PM

We are in the same boat with our 21 due in Mid December. We would prefer the manual awning and the frameless windows. In the 21, the manual awning might only impact one of the windows at the back on the passenger side. And if the awning is out, there's no issue, only if the awning is stowed, then just open any of the other windows if you want airflow or the fan. The frameless windows look so much better.

salmo7000 · 07-13-2018, 02:19 PM

Oh geez, I guess I have the same dilemma! My 19 is about to go into production so I need to decide fast! Question... with thermal frameless windows, does the window in the back of the trailer on a 19 open, or not?? Also, for those who have the electric awning, I understand they don't drain well during rain, but is there a way to prop one end up a bit so it will drain?? I have been a master at "tarpology" on various past rafting trips and am pretty good at setting up tarps so they don't collect water. I've been assuming I can figure out something with this awning, but it would be good to hear thoughts from folks who have experience here, thanks!

Rossue · 07-13-2018, 02:24 PM

One aspect to the manual awning we really like is when you just pull it out 1/3 of the way without extending the support arms any it has quite a downslope to it. If you keep extending it that way eventually you would knock your head, however in many cases we are able to easily extend it enough for good shade from afternoon sun or in a rainy situation it sheds great and there isn't too much sail out there.

MikeS · 07-13-2018, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregandTeresa

I actually like the manual awning on our Classic 19. But I also love the look of the frameless windows on the new models. So if it were me, I would get manual awning and frameless windows. But, I'm not sure how that helps you decide

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

That would not work as the awning arms would block the windows.....

I talked to Tammy and she said we could switch to the manual awning and keep the frameless windows with the understanding that the rear passenger window would not open with the awning in. Seems like an easy trade though since the rear would still open.

Also of note, in the 5.0 the bedroom and bathroom become non thermal in the slider version. I don't know if that is changing in the future. And as already stated the rear window becomes fixed with the framed windows.

sclifrickson · 07-13-2018, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salmo7000

Question... with thermal frameless windows, does the window in the back of the trailer on a 19 open, or not??

Yes, thermal paneless windows are two awning style windows, side by side. IMHO, they’re the bomb.

Quote:

Originally Posted by salmo7000

Also, for those who have the electric awning, I understand they don't drain well during rain, but is there a way to prop one end up a bit so it will drain??

Yes, there’s an easy solution, which is to only extend the awning during rain about 1/3 of the way out. This creates a nice, dry area right next to the trailer and over the door. In this configuration it sheds buckets of water fine without gathering any up in between the arms into dangerous sagging puddles.

**rbryan4** · 07-13-2018, 02:34 PM

I actually like the Fiesta awning on the new body style. They can use dead straight arms instead of the ones that bow at the bottom as with the classic. Makes for a tight look.

salmo7000 · 07-13-2018, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Yes, thermal paneless windows are two awning style windows, side by side. IMHO, they’re the bomb.

Yes, there’s an easy solution, which is to only extend the awning during rain about 1/3 of the way out. This creates a nice, dry area right next to the trailer and over the door. In this configuration it sheds buckets of water fine without gathering any up in between the arms into dangerous sagging puddles.

Excellent, thank you!! That helps with the decision... I'm sticking with the electric. The convenience as well as the streamlined appearance when retracted are big selling points, along with compatibility with the thermal windows I've also ordered. Phew, just when you thought all decisions were made ...

sclifrickson · 07-13-2018, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

What would you do? and buying another one in 2 years is not an option.

Having owned a 17B with manual awning and thermal sliders, and now a 19 with frameless and auto awning, were I in your shoes I would without pause or hesitation get the frameless and auto awning.

We have been fortunate to not have any of the issues with either that some others have. There are pluses and minuses on both sides, like with everything. For the awning, it is so simple and easy to use that we use it almost all the time now vs the manual, which was a much more deliberated choice each time. Getting up in the middle of the night to stow a manual awning when the weather turns is no fun. We do miss the screen shelter option though, but not enough to regret our auto awning in the least.

With the windows, the only thing we sometimes miss is the ability to open one wide and stick your head out. On the other hand, awning windows all around, usable in all weather conditions, and the dual rear openers especially, are the bomb! Also the frameless windows look way way nicer.

I’m very much a function over form guy, but I do appreciate when both coincide.

Were I you, I’d get frameless and auto now, knowing that you have two years of ETI warranty, should it be needed, and knowing that they will always do the right thing and take care of you.

This is a limited time offer. Who knows if these options will ever come back again?

Dave Walter · 07-13-2018, 02:51 PM

I like the awning with the arms on it. Easy to deploy, problem free, and super adjustable. IMHO, the only negative about them is that they catch more bugs while driving than the armless awnings.

Eggscape · 07-13-2018, 02:59 PM

We really like the ventilation that the opening rear windows provide.
It is to bad they can’t mount that rear arm a few inches more to the rear so the window would open.
If your at your trailer when it starts to rain...you can always put up a center pole and cross bar. This makes a peak in the roof like a house. Just get a telescopic painters pole and a pvc tube that slides over for transport.

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