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Old 11-12-2011, 08:25 PM   #1
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How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Is there anyone who had never towed a trailer who went up to Chilliwack and towed an Escape back home more than 2,000 miles? Just wondering.
Oh, did you make it?

Of those who had towed before (or not) did anyone go through the Bozeman to Coeur d'Alene area and how bad was the mountain towing/height?
Thank you.
Cathy
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Old 11-12-2011, 10:18 PM   #2
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

We did 1000+ getting back home to NorCal. Wasn't too hard on us. Best advice I have: don't rush, 400-500 mi./day max, with days of rest mixed in.
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Old 11-12-2011, 10:26 PM   #3
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Texscapees did it and made a fun blog to read if anyone has the link to share.

Forgot to mention they can also ship the trailer to you. They will send you a quote if you need that option.
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Old 11-13-2011, 08:20 AM   #4
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Not crazy at all. Although I have some experience with utility trailers, my first tow with the Escape 17 was a 18,700 mile 111 day trip.
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Old 11-13-2011, 09:34 AM   #5
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Seems normal to me. We went from Chilliwack to Virginia by way of Vancouver and Rhode Island. It was a very enjoyable trip.

Dick
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Old 11-13-2011, 09:30 PM   #6
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Once you've spent your first day/night in your Escape....you'll want to extend your trip another 2,000 miles! It's really not a big deal to tow a trailer. Ask for a pull through the 1st couple of nights if you want, but after a few "back in's" (just do it in the daytime...only qualification), you'll be going everywhere. Go for it and enjoy the journey
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Old 11-13-2011, 10:45 PM   #7
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Hello All,
We just drove to Chilliwack from Brewton, Alabama, to pick up our new Escape 19' on October 24th. On the way back home we pulled the trailer south through Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and other southern states to home. We had to avoid the snow storm that had closed the route we were planning to take. We pulled a total of 3,325 miles in 9 days with two dogs and one cat in tow. Glad to be a member of the Escape team. We have been Airstreamers for the past ten years, and have now changed to Escape. Love the trailer, and had absolutely no problems.
Robin and Jo
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Old 11-14-2011, 10:09 AM   #8
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

We went SF Bay Area -> Chilliwack & then took our time coming back.. well over 2k.. It was perfect..
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Old 11-14-2011, 03:29 PM   #9
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?


















We picked up our trailer in April, and towed back to Whitehorse, Yukon.

Temps were in the minus 10 range and we were comfortable.

Right now it is minus 10 and going down, lots of snow and I will be going out for one more trip this season.
Doug









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Old 11-14-2011, 03:49 PM   #10
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Go Doug! Do you winterize the trailer (water wise), and just carry water/antifreeze for flushing the toilet, and water to drink?
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Old 12-09-2011, 08:28 PM   #11
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Silly me! I thought that because I had towed horse trailer a decade prior to getting my Escape that towing it would be a breeze (after all - I wouldn't have live animals throwing their weight around in the back). And, it actually wasn't too bad - only a few white knuckle moments in heavy traffic and only got into one really tight spot (took almost 1/2 hour to get the trailer turned around on a narrow little dirt road).
But, I traveled over 2,000 miles from Chilliwack over the mountains to Banff, then to Calgary and then down into Idaho and back to Portland OR. It was September so I had glorious weather the whole way.
Just take it slow and enjoy!!
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Old 12-10-2011, 10:57 PM   #12
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Yes we towed dry, no water, no anti-freeze, used way stations, and restaurants The trip was only two days.

Our next trip was to Fairbanks Alaska, then back to the Island, back home to Whitehorse, then back to Point Roberts.

All told we put on about 25,000 KM this summer, my last trip by myself was up the North Canol to hunt moose.
Got a 40" bull, and brought the meat home in the trailer.
Took me five hours to drive 130 km (80 miles)

Trailer needs heavier axles, for off highway camping.

We tried the camp grounds, and urban camping (Wal-Mart) and do not like it, but when we go outside it is a necessary evil.

It was on these trips I was glad I had installed scissors jacks

Doug
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Old 12-10-2011, 11:03 PM   #13
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Hi Cathy,

I think the salient point in your question is the part about never having towed before. If it was me, I would feel better if someone in the vehicle had some experience with towing. You know, to give advice or support or whatever. Or, maybe find someone (another buyer?) to convoy with.

You won't have a problem towing through that area if you stay on the interstate. Watch the weather continuously. If bad weather is forecast, find a place to hunker down.

Marv
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Old 12-16-2011, 09:03 AM   #14
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Re: How crazy is 2,000 miles plus for first tow?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yukon Escape

It was on these trips I was glad I had installed scissors jacks
Doug
Why is that?
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