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03-31-2017, 05:37 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Seattle, Washington
Trailer: 17b - 2017 model
Posts: 334
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Some things I learned at my orientation
Some things I learned at my orientation. All of these notes apply to the 17b, and perhaps other trailers too:
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- for a 17b, if using the Tekonsha brake controllers, a good starting point is setting it to 6.5 with no boost.
- you can use the step without retracting it without worrying about breaking it. This could be useful when stopping for just a few minutes.
- don't pull out the front rock guard window by the knobs. Use the knobs to release the window, then put your fingers behind the seam and pull it out
- the propane cover should have the knobs in the back so that the top cover doesn't flip open while driving
- on flat paved ground, it was easy to move a 17b or turn it with just the hitch wheel. I wouldn't want to push it up any hill though. That felt sketchy beyond a 1 degree slope. I understand that dual axle trailers are more difficult.
Also, in case anyone wants to know how far away from the ground various things are under the trailer, I took advantage of the level ground inside the showroom to measure a few things. I first leveled the trailer by making sure the frame was the same height at the coupler and at the wheels. These numbers are for an empty trailer.
17.25" - the top of the inside of the ball hitch
13.75" - the bottom of the frame in the front section [the rear section behind the wheel is raised]
11" - the axle near the wheels (it seem a tiny bit higher at the center)
10.75" - gray tank at lowest point where it discharges
10.5" - the front stabilizers
10.25" - black tank pipe
10" - the step
7.75" - the sewer discharge valve
The rear frame is about 4" higher, so all the components behind the axle are quite a bit higher than the component forwards of the axle. I think this is unique to the 17b since the dinette area is raised.
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03-31-2017, 06:43 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Van., British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19, sold; 2019 Escape 21, Sept. 2019
Posts: 8,743
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulk
- you can use the step without retracting it without worrying about breaking it. This could be useful when stopping for just a few minutes.
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Absolutely horrified to see this comment. I would never move the trailer with the step deployed. If you turn and catch something like a curb it will do damage.
Ron
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03-31-2017, 06:44 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Bellingham and Glacier, Washington
Trailer: 2013 Escape 15A
Posts: 2,051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulk
...the propane cover should have the knobs in the back so that the top cover doesn't flip open while driving...
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I oriented my cover that way from the get-go as it was the only way it made sense to me. Nonetheless, I lost my top cover--the "lid"--somewhere along the way. At the suggestion of someone on this forum, I drilled holes in the cover and fastened the top cover with zip ties.
__________________
Karen Hulford
2013 Escape 15A, "Egbert"
'93 Ford 150 XLT or
'22 GMC Acadia Denali
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03-31-2017, 06:53 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Travis County, Texas
Trailer: 2015 Esc 21. Formerly, Casita LD (16 & 17)
Posts: 801
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulk
- don't pull out the front rock guard window by the knobs. Use the knobs to release the window, then put your fingers behind the seam and pull it out
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Be careful with those knobs, period.
Our rock shield held water. (Weep holes in the wrong place? - I cut new ones and it does better.) The latches corroded and we broke a knob just trying to turn it to release it (my hub swears he didn't exert any pressure - so we're thinking the plastic just crumbled).
We're planning to whittle a new knob out of wood, figuring a new plastic one would meet the same fate, eventually...
__________________
Mary F Onward, through the fog!
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03-31-2017, 06:58 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2012 15A
Posts: 398
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron in BC
Absolutely horrified to see this comment. I would never move the trailer with the step deployed. If you turn and catch something like a curb it will do damage.
Ron
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I read paulk's statement to mean that you do not have to pull the step out but can step on the edge of it when it is still in the stored position - without having to pull it out for quick access into the trailer, like when stopping for groceries or other??
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03-31-2017, 07:30 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: North of Danbury, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2018 Escape 21C
Posts: 3,033
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KarenH
I oriented my cover that way from the get-go as it was the only way it made sense to me. Nonetheless, I lost my top cover--the "lid"--somewhere along the way. At the suggestion of someone on this forum, I drilled holes in the cover and fastened the top cover with zip ties.
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I did something similar after losing my propane access covery
I drilled holes and then used metal key rings in place of tyraps.
It's been 3 years and haven't lost the access door YET.
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03-31-2017, 08:00 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnB
I read paulk's statement to mean that you do not have to pull the step out but can step on the edge of it when it is still in the stored position - without having to pull it out for quick access into the trailer, like when stopping for groceries or other??
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Ron that is what I also understood . We do that also , when it is a quick stop . Pat
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03-31-2017, 09:39 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: North Van., British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19, sold; 2019 Escape 21, Sept. 2019
Posts: 8,743
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In that case it's semantics. To me, "without retracting it" means it's extended.
I often use it in the retracted position but sometimes, especially stepping down, I've almost had a little incident and end up telling myself not to be lazy. If you're using the step, use it properly.
Ron
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03-31-2017, 10:19 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Myrnam, Alberta
Trailer: 2005 Aliner, 17B due in April/17
Posts: 372
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Paulk, thanks for the info!! Good coverage of some things that I haven't seen covered before. I pick up my 17B in 12 days. Now I can measure and hopefully make sure I have the right drop/raise on the hitch bar.
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03-31-2017, 10:23 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blhvet
Paulk, thanks for the info!! Good coverage of some things that I haven't seen covered before. I pick up my 17B in 12 days. Now I can measure and hopefully make sure I have the right drop/raise on the hitch bar.
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You can be assured, that ETI won't allow you to leave without being safe and secure to go down the road.
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
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03-31-2017, 10:47 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Spokane, Washington
Trailer: 2017 Escape 17B/2021 F150 w/ 3.5 Ecoboost
Posts: 368
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I also learned in orientation that the propane detector is always on. So if you store your rig turn off the battery switch just to be safe.
Is there a lock on the 4 cu ft fridge to hold the door open slightly for air circulation when the trailer is in storage?
__________________
Rick
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03-31-2017, 10:51 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
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I just stick an oven mitt in the top shelf of the door on my 5 cu. ft. fridge. Keeps it from closing.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
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03-31-2017, 11:23 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Monona, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2023 21NE "Hardley II" 2021 Toyota Tacoma (Diesel Jeep stranded us twice so it had to go)
Posts: 341
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Quote:
Originally Posted by advenas
I also learned in orientation that the propane detector is always on. So if you store your rig turn off the battery switch just to be safe.
Is there a lock on the 4 cu ft fridge to hold the door open slightly for air circulation when the trailer is in storage?
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Nope, I asked at our orientation.
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03-31-2017, 11:39 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Seattle, Washington
Trailer: 17b - 2017 model
Posts: 334
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I was a little less than impressed with Dometic's newest RM2454 fridge in terms of features. I think ETI made the right choice to use it because it has far better insulation than the previous Dometic fridge that had all the cooling issues, but it seems Dometic has taken away some door locking options, and the freezer compartment is no longer removable.
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03-31-2017, 11:58 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Spokane, Washington
Trailer: 2017 Escape 17B/2021 F150 w/ 3.5 Ecoboost
Posts: 368
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Interesting....I think I have my first mod!
__________________
Rick
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04-01-2017, 12:09 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron in BC
In that case it's semantics. To me, "without retracting it" means it's extended.
I often use it in the retracted position but sometimes, especially stepping down, I've almost had a little incident and end up telling myself not to be lazy. If you're using the step, use it properly.
Ron
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Ron I think it helps I had Escape put a extra handle inside the doorframe I always grab before I exit . Only sometimes don't pull it out when it is a quick stop . Probably wouldn't use it that way if not for the extra grab handle though . Pat
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04-01-2017, 12:15 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by advenas
I also learned in orientation that the propane detector is always on. So if you store your rig turn off the battery switch just to be safe.
Is there a lock on the 4 cu ft fridge to hold the door open slightly for air circulation when the trailer is in storage?
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When we had just brought the trailer home didn't know about the battery cut off or that the propane detector in 2 weeks would really bring the 2 6 volt batteries down . Never made that mistake again . For the refrigerator we just hang a small towel in the corner of door to keep it open . Pat
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04-01-2017, 12:32 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Seattle, Washington
Trailer: 17b - 2017 model
Posts: 334
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Disconnecting the batteries while in storage is one of the things they took the time to mention at Orientation. I imagine it could be easily forgotten in a very busy day though.
The propane detector (75mA) is the main draw, but the MaxxFan also uses 12.8mA when idle, and the 12v/USB outlets use 20mA per outlet.
One of the little perks of getting the solar panel is that you probably don't have to worry about this if your trailer is stored outside.
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04-01-2017, 01:08 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulk
Disconnecting the batteries while in storage is one of the things they took the time to mention at Orientation. I imagine it could be easily forgotten in a very busy day though.
The propane detector (75mA) is the main draw, but the MaxxFan also uses 12.8mA when idle, and the 12v/USB outlets use 20mA per outlet.
One of the little perks of getting the solar panel is that you probably don't have to worry about this if your trailer is stored outside.
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Hi Paulk The batteries and cutoff was never mentioned for us on Orientation Day. We also didn't get the 12 v/USB at that time . I have since added it to the trailer . Just happened to check trailer , have a volt meter and found batteries run down . Found out about the cut off switch when Myron made a cover for his , didn't even know it was there . Ours is kind of hidden . You have to get down under the table to get at it . Pat
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04-01-2017, 06:01 AM
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#20
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Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Fruitland Park, Florida
Trailer: 2021 Pleasure Way OnTour 2.0
Posts: 77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulk
- ETI recommends that a 17b is towed slightly nose high, from 0.5" to 1.5" high approximately with 1" being the best. They said that under heavy braking, if the trailer was nose down it might unweight the front wheels and reduce steering ability. Slightly nose high will instead act a little like a weight distribution hitch and weight the front wheels for better steering.
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Thanks for that information. Our 17B tows nose high and I am relieved to know that's the way it is supposed to be.
Maureen
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