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10-17-2021, 03:37 PM
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#61
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Janesville, WI, Wisconsin
Trailer: Escape 19 (sold) Escape 21 2014
Posts: 1,883
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Nice description. That front hole for the jack was an issue on mine as well. I think the welder could have gotten a socket in the spot but instead called me to ask if he could weld that portion of the jack. I was OK with that. Another difference the welder encountered is he had to weld in spacers between the new hitch and the frame. He did a nice job with that.
Quote:
I took this opportunity to install shiny new G70 chains and hooks, and G80 hammer-locks.
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This is something on my list: Some questions
How did you get the old chains off?
Why hammer-locks on the forged hooks with clip that fasten to the tow vehicle?
What size of chain and hooks? 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8
__________________
Paul and Janet Braun
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 now 2012 Toyota Sequoia V8
Escape 19' 2010 now 2014 Escape 21'
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10-17-2021, 06:29 PM
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#62
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Redmond, Washington
Trailer: 2015 E19'
Posts: 311
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fudge_brownie
This is something on my list: Some questions
How did you get the old chains off?
Why hammer-locks on the forged hooks with clip that fasten to the tow vehicle?
What size of chain and hooks? 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8
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I used an angle grinder and cut apart the rear-most loose links (not the ones welded to the 1/2" cross-bar) on each chain and removed the chains, leaving the welded-on links alone. I didn't like the way that the chain was attached to the cross-bar, specifically the way that the welded-on links hung down so that if the hitch failed and the chains were suddenly towing the trailer, there would be a rotational force placed on the cross-bar that would tend to twist it off where it was welded to the frame. The hammer-locks are installed on the original cross-bar, and I had the welder tack a piece of bar stock along the top of the cross-bar to keep the hammer-locks separated so they wouldn't be able to slide together toward the middle of the cross-bar. I used a padlock and small chain with one of the leftover original welded-on links to secure the propane tank cover to at least make someone work for it it they wanted to grab the tanks - they would have to cut the chain or padlock or hack the cover to pieces to get to the tanks. Plus it'll never fly off while driving.
The big fat hooks on the new chain were too big to fit through the chain hook loops on the factory hitch, so I installed hammer-locks that just stay on the tow vehicle all the time and the new hooks go through the hammer-locks.
I got the 5/16" G70 chain and hooks from Mr. Bezos:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and likewise the G80 hammer-locks:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
One big motivation was to finally get rid of the "quick links" that I had "temporarily" used in the hook loops on the tow vehicle. Even the big 3/8" G30 links were only rated for a WWL of 1,980 lbs (per Grainger).
__________________
Critical Thinking and Moderation - The Other National Deficit
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10-26-2021, 11:04 AM
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#63
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Clancy, Montana
Trailer: 2021 Escape 19'
Posts: 10
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rbryan,
When you installed the Ram coupler did you have to make any other adjustment to get the propane tank cover to fit. I recently had the same coupler installed on my 2021 19' and now the cover will not fit between the jack and the storage box.
__________________
Dave,
If you never slow down, you never grow old.
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01-14-2022, 02:46 PM
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#64
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Albany, New York
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 13
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Bulldog hitch coupler
The standard hitch coupler installed by Escape Trailers has been a continuous problem for me regarding hitching up and disengaging the coupler to the hitch ball. After reading about replacing the Escape Trailer standard coupler with the Bulldog coupler, I decided to go ahead with the change. Although I have only used the new set up once (picking the trailer up after the Bulldog installation), hitching up and disengagement was so much easier than with the old coupler.
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01-14-2022, 03:27 PM
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#65
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Commercial Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21 - "Felicity"
Posts: 2,945
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Also EASILY releases/engages when your trailer and tow are on slightly different slopes or you have to raise one side of the trailer a lot to make it level.
__________________
Charlie Y
Need custom storage to your design? Don't drill holes!
www.RVWidgetWorks.com
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01-14-2022, 03:36 PM
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#66
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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 jth523
The standard hitch coupler installed by Escape Trailers has been a continuous problem for me regarding hitching up and disengaging the coupler to the hitch ball. After reading about replacing the Escape Trailer standard coupler with the Bulldog coupler, I decided to go ahead with the change. Although I have only used the new set up once (picking the trailer up after the Bulldog installation), hitching up and disengagement was so much easier than with the old coupler.
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Interested in your locking for your bulldog? Pat
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01-14-2022, 04:30 PM
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#67
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Trailer: 19 - 2021
Posts: 168
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I can see some supports in the background for weight distribution bars. When I looked at doing this in the past the Bulldog moved the coupler forward a couple of inches and had the potential to throw the dimensions for that out of spec. Is there any issues with this and a weight distribution system? Also, any issues with the jack? In case you can't tell I have both a jack and w.d. system. Thanks.
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01-14-2022, 04:40 PM
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#68
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
Trailer: 2015 19 "Past Tents", 2021 F150 Lariat 2.7L EB
Posts: 10,222
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alanerickson
I can see some supports in the background for weight distribution bars. When I looked at doing this in the past the Bulldog moved the coupler forward a couple of inches and had the potential to throw the dimensions for that out of spec. Is there any issues with this and a weight distribution system? Also, any issues with the jack? In case you can't tell I have both a jack and w.d. system. Thanks.
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It's possible you'd have to relocate the mounts for the spring bars. That's because this type of coupler extends about 2 to 3 inches further forward once it's welded to the A frame than the yoke style original does. But it wouldn't be 'out of spec' - just moving the brackets forward a bit.
As for the jack, it depends on the coupler brand and where the hole is cut. The jack hole may not line up exactly with the hole on the plate that's welded to the underside of the frame. In such a case it's pretty simple to either enlarge that hole or cut off and re-weld the plate. This would be a potential issue for any jack, power or not.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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01-14-2022, 05:08 PM
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#69
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Albany, New York
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 13
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The lock seems pretty heavy duty and easy to install. Got it with the coupler from Etrailer.
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01-14-2022, 05:10 PM
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#70
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Trailer: 2022 21C Escape
Posts: 71
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jth523
The standard hitch coupler installed by Escape Trailers has been a continuous problem for me regarding hitching up and disengaging the coupler to the hitch ball. After reading about replacing the Escape Trailer standard coupler with the Bulldog coupler, I decided to go ahead with the change. Although I have only used the new set up once (picking the trailer up after the Bulldog installation), hitching up and disengagement was so much easier than with the old coupler.
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I am hoping to do this also when I receive my trailer. What lock are you using?
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01-14-2022, 06:45 PM
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#71
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Albany, New York
Trailer: 2020 Escape 19
Posts: 13
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EZ Lock Trailer Coupler Lock for 1-7/8", 2", 2-5/16" Bulldog Collar-Lok Couplers
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01-21-2022, 05:02 PM
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#72
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Near Asheville, North Carolina
Trailer: 2013 E19
Posts: 471
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Great Eggstrications
So we went to pick up the tra
They said they’ll pay for the old coupler to get ground off and a new one welded on. And they're Damn Right They Will!
The wayward fork lift driver is no longer with the company, so maybe this little misadventure got his sorry butt fired. Planning to order a Bulldog 7,000 lb coupler from E-Trailer.
Anyhow, this looks like a grand opportunity to upgrade to a Bulldog Hitch. We'll definitely not miss the occasional struggle unhitching the original crappy coupler.
So...
I have seen lots of good things regarding the Bulldog hitches, and am seeking any input from any of you Bulldoggers out there, both good and bad. Any cautions or regrets or general hitch switch concerns or whatever else to share?
Thanks...
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All horse trailers have bulldog couplers...Thankfully. I was towing F150 & 2 horses in Trailer. Some NUTCASE passing 2 bikes TOTALLY in my lane! I moved over as far as I dared(standing on the brakes........ with Controller) as to NOT roll over into ditch or jackknife. Hit 1/4 to 1/4 head on. Bulldog was STILL on the ball even though the 5/8" ball mount was curled up about 75%!!!! Truck totaled & 1st Trailer wheel toar off & both axles bent. Horses OK, I had a broken leg.
1st thing I do to my Escape, is put a bulldog on it.
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01-21-2022, 05:23 PM
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#73
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Trailer: 2022 21C Escape
Posts: 71
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chasing Trials
All horse trailers have bulldog couplers...Thankfully. I was towing F150 & 2 horses in Trailer. Some NUTCASE passing 2 bikes TOTALLY in my lane! I moved over as far as I dared(standing on the brakes........ with Controller) as to NOT roll over into ditch or jackknife. Hit 1/4 to 1/4 head on. Bulldog was STILL on the ball even though the 5/8" ball mount was curled up about 75%!!!! Truck totaled & 1st Trailer wheel toar off & both axles bent.
1st thing I do to my Escape, is put a bulldog on it.
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Thanks for the safety reminder!! I always put safety over everything else.
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04-04-2022, 04:25 PM
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#74
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Mike in Puget Sound, Washington
Trailer: Escape 21 & Jeep GC 5.7 (Previous 2012 Casita FD17 & 2010 Audi Q5)
Posts: 236
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg A
I’m sure you will be much happier with the new coupler. Like you, I’ve never had a worse experience with a trailer coupler than the one on the Escape. Love my Bulldog, now.
The puzzler is why ETI continues to push out $40k trailers with a piece of junk coupler.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo
Maybe because it's not a problem for most of their customers?
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Glenn,
I recently ran across a thread where you had posted a picture of your coupler. As it's not the Ram yoke-style, I hereby use the authority granted me by my own hubris to banish you from ever commenting again on the grief associated with the newer Ram yoke-style couplers.
If you would like to resume commenting on the Ram yoke-style, I'll soon have one available which you can have shipped north and installed at your expense, and I won't charge you so much as a nickel!
__________________
“You must learn from other people’s mistakes. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.” - Sam Levenson
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04-04-2022, 05:00 PM
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#75
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dolores, Colorado
Trailer: 2017 5.0 TA, pulled w/ 2003 Dodge 3500 Cummins 4x4 SRW LWB
Posts: 113
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Civilguy
Glenn,
I recently ran across a thread where you had posted a picture of your coupler. As it's not the Ram yoke-style, I hereby use the authority granted me by my own hubris to banish you from ever commenting again on the grief associated with the newer Ram yoke-style couplers.
Attachment 61920
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Here, here.
Like commenting in this forum that water heater bypass valves cannot be installed incorrectly (indicating no experience installing them), or that using air bags is the same as welding suspension springs solid (likely same explanation).
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04-04-2022, 05:07 PM
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#76
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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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[QUOTE=SWCO;416372]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Civilguy
Glenn,
I recently ran across a thread where you had posted a picture of your coupler. As it's not the Ram yoke-style, I hereby use the authority granted me by my own hubris to banish you from ever commenting again on the grief associated with the newer Ram yoke-style couplers.
Attachment 61920
Here, here.
Like commenting in this forum that water heater bypass valves cannot be installed incorrectly (indicating no experience installing them), or that using air bags is the same as welding suspension springs solid (likely same explanation).
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I believe I said that I didn't have problems with my coupler. I don't recall ever specifying the brand, just saying it's what came with the trailer. I also did not comment on the installation of water heater bypass valves. Don't know why I would since I have never installed them. ETI installed them.
As for air bags, explain to me how they transfer weight forward to the front axle and back to the trailer axle, like a WDH.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
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04-04-2022, 06:19 PM
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#77
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Mike in Puget Sound, Washington
Trailer: Escape 21 & Jeep GC 5.7 (Previous 2012 Casita FD17 & 2010 Audi Q5)
Posts: 236
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo
I believe I said that I didn't have problems with my coupler.
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Yes, but, we can fix that!
I'll let you know when the Ram yoke-style is available!!
__________________
“You must learn from other people’s mistakes. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.” - Sam Levenson
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04-04-2022, 06:27 PM
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#78
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Redmond, Washington
Trailer: 2015 E19'
Posts: 311
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Civilguy
I'll soon have one available which you can have shipped north and installed at your expense, and I won't charge you so much as a nickel!
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Sounds like a wiener. My old coupler is currently hanging on the garage wall along with various other trophies of vehicular mistakes, mishaps, and dead ends. I'll certainly consider shipping it for free to anyone, anywhere. Tired of looking at it. Hitched hard and put away rusty...
__________________
Critical Thinking and Moderation - The Other National Deficit
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04-04-2022, 06:28 PM
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#79
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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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Quote:
Originally Posted by Civilguy
I'll let you know when the Ram yoke-style is available!!
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My trailer is unlikely to move, so I could probably just have the coupler cut off and leave it at that.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
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04-05-2022, 09:46 AM
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#80
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dolores, Colorado
Trailer: 2017 5.0 TA, pulled w/ 2003 Dodge 3500 Cummins 4x4 SRW LWB
Posts: 113
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Opining on Issues/Products One Has No Experience With
[QUOTE=gbaglo;416373]
Quote:
Originally Posted by SWCO
I believe I said that I didn't have problems with my coupler. I don't recall ever specifying the brand, just saying it's what came with the trailer. I also did not comment on the installation of water heater bypass valves. Don't know why I would since I have never installed them [I do not know either, but you do]. ETI installed them.
As for air bags, explain to me how they transfer weight forward to the front axle and back to the trailer axle, like a WDH.
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Post #19 from this 9-30-2018 thread: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...aps-13971.html
"I don't think there is a way to install the valve wrong. It's basically a hole that runs in the same direction as the lever. Orientation would make no difference.
Pipes are attached either side of the lever and if the lever runs in the same direction as the pipes, the hole is open. If the lever is at right angles to the pipes, the hole is closed.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht"
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