15' Escape Update

[GerriJ]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

We have used ice but figured the ice could all collect at the valve and crack it. Maybe it cannot collect there.

Not likely. Ice only does its damage during the freezing process. Conversion from liquid to solid causes the the ice to expand, thereby cracking pipes, valves etc. The ice you put in your tank will be melting and therefore shrinking.

[Brian B-P]

Just spotted in a discussion on FiberglassRV:

On another note, it's kind of funny that one of the first pics you see on Escape's website is a bright yellow Jeep Wrangler.... which can now officially tow none of the vehicles in Escape's lineup since the 15 has been discontinued.

Unfortunately true: the short-wheelbase Wrangler shown (which appears to be a TJ) has a maximum trailer towing rating of 2000 pounds - not enough for Escape model which can currently be ordered (although it looks like the one in the photo is towing a 17-foot). It looks like ETI's home page image strip needs an update... maybe replacing this one with a 5.0TA.

[KarenH]

Then the pic of Ladybug would have to go, too, as well as the fifth one (which I think is gabeck's?)! And it always makes me smile when I see that it has been rotated 180 degrees.

[float5]

Originally Posted by GerriJ

Not likely. Ice only does its damage during the freezing process. Conversion from liquid to solid causes the the ice to expand, thereby cracking pipes, valves etc. The ice you put in your tank will be melting and therefore shrinking.

Yes, it is likeliest that it is melting in most cases. I have seen clumps of ice sit for hours, however. If it gets colder and windier, ice may be re-freezing. I was wondering about the exact location of the valve as I have not really looked at that to see if ice would be likely to collect there, including when the trailer is moving.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Just spotted in a discussion on FiberglassRV:


Unfortunately true: the short-wheelbase Wrangler shown (which appears to be a TJ) has a maximum trailer towing rating of 2000 pounds - not enough for Escape model which can currently be ordered (although it looks like the one in the photo is towing a 17-foot). It looks like ETI's home page image strip needs an update... maybe replacing this one with a 5.0TA.

I don't see any harm in Escape showing pictures of their 13' and 15' models somewhere on their site, even if they are no longer in production (they were manufactured by Escape). However, on the home page, I agree that it would best serve their interests to show only the models that are currently in production (the 17, 19, 21, and 5.0TA). Again if I was Escape, I would not even attempt to try to confirm that all of the tow vehicles matched with the trailers on their site pics were compatible in terms of tow ratings. It is hard enough to confirm that the match is compatible if you are the owner and have access to the info on the door frame and the manual.

[gabeck]

Originally Posted by KarenH

Then the pic of Ladybug would have to go, too, as well as the fifth one (which I think is gabeck's?)! And it always makes me smile when I see that it has been rotated 180 degrees.

Not us that one ......we have red graphics and tow with an 02 Jeep Liberty ( also red ) . Only place we've been is last years calendar on the beach by a float plane base taken on our big trip to the east coast .

[KarenH]

Oops...I think it's JohnB.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

I don't see any harm in Escape showing pictures of their 13' and 15' models somewhere on their site, even if they are no longer in production (they were manufactured by Escape). However, on the home page, I agree that it would best serve their interests to show only the models that are currently in production (the 17, 19, 21, and 5.0TA).

I agree completely.

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

Again if I was Escape, I would not even attempt to try to confirm that all of the tow vehicles matched with the trailers on their site pics were compatible in terms of tow ratings. It is hard enough to confirm that the match is compatible if you are the owner and have access to the info on the door frame and the manual.

I have a different view of this. I think that particular image shows the tug (TJ/Wrangler 2-door) and only part of the trailer (perhaps a 17-foot) - it's not even obvious what model the trailer might be. It certainly appears to be there to say "you can tow with this", and since the towing capacity of this particular vehicle - if it is the short one - is very clearly and unambiguously provided by the manufacturer (as up to 2000 pounds), I think it would be entirely reasonable to check that is it appropriate. Remember, even the short version of this vehicle was appropriate for the 13-foot or 15-foot, but the trailer is not visible to give context so the photo could now be (unintentionally) misleading.

I could be completely off-base because the longer version of the same vehicle (the TJ/Wrangler Unlimited) has a 3500 pound towing limit (as I recall) and could tow a current 17-foot Escape within the tow vehicle manufacturer's limits. Maybe that's an Unlimited? I'm now so accustomed to seeing the JK Wrangler (with four doors on the long version) that I might have fallen for the trap of being misled by an incorrect model ID in the FiberglassRV discussion.

[Brian B-P]

Looking through the ETI site with the discontinuance of the 15-foot in mind, I also noticed this in Points to Ponder:

The frame is constructed with 3/16” thick 1 ½” x 3” T1 steel tubing creating a solid foundation, eliminating any chance of fatigue.

While the entire length of the frame was originally 1 ½” x 3” tubing and the rear section is still that size, the main part is now 2" x 4" tubing on all models, except perhaps the 17-foot.

It is a lot of work to keep a product website current and accurate!

[Washingtonia]

Originally Posted by FMLNM

Does anyone know how many of each model have been manufactured?

I was curious about this too, so I called Tammy* and asked. Currently there have been 53 15As and 43 15Bs released to the wild. By the end of the run (including rigs that were already ordered but have not yet been built), we're looking at 57 15As and 47 15Bs.

Sounds like all the flack Karen gets for not having a bathroom may be somewhat unwarranted, as her floorplan is the more popular one (at least for the 15').

* Yes, she approved these numbers being made public.

[Donna D.]

Love the one you're with!

Who am I to tell anyone they should or shouldn't have a bathroom? It's all about wants/needs and we all know that's different for each one of us.

Frankly (IMHO) I don't care how many 5.0TAs are built. I own number 10 and it's MINE, all MINE

[float5]

Originally Posted by Washingtonia

I was curious about this too, so I called Tammy* and asked. Currently there have been 53 15As and 43 15Bs released to the wild. By the end of the run (including rigs that were already ordered but have not yet been built), we're looking at 57 15As and 47 15Bs.

Sounds like all the flack Karen gets for not having a bathroom may be somewhat unwarranted, as her floorplan is the more popular one (at least for the 15').

* Yes, she approved these numbers being made public.

Glad you asked about this as many with a 15' will want to know for selling. Did you ask about the 13' or does someone know? They are now part of ETI's history.

[KarenH]

Yeah...thank you, Washingtonia! We will be in elite and exclusive company when we say we have one of only 104 made. Good deal. (Except for those who were counting on getting one in the future. )

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Washingtonia

By the end of the run (including rigs that were already ordered but have not yet been built), we're looking at 57 15As and 47 15Bs.

So Karen, that means your new mantra when showing off Egbert will be "You know, less than 60 of these were ever made. Limited edition."

[KarenH]

It appears to me, however, that with eight units still on the books, that it was something more than demand that drove their decision...probably, as others have mentioned, the difficulty in construction and the profit margin.

[Escape While You Can]

Well, shoots, I thought mine was the last they would make. Guess it makes sense there are still some in the pipeline.

But those really aren't high numbers. And I think having a bathroom is a waste of space. Easier to use a portapotty and/or nearby facilities than lose all that space. In a bigger trailer, it makes more sense.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by KarenH

It appears to me, however, that with eight units still on the books, that it was something more than demand that drove their decision...probably, as others have mentioned, the difficulty in construction and the profit margin.

It does seem like an impressive number, but I bet it pales compared to the other models. Even the 17 seems to be less popular now. But yeah, wiith the greater demand for the bigger units, comes a better profit margin for Escape. No matter how nice of people you are, you are in it to make a living.

[Washingtonia]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Frankly (IMHO) I don't care how many 5.0TAs are built. I own number 10 and it's MINE, all MINE

Of course, if the total number ever built was 9, you'd be outta luck.

[Washingtonia]

Originally Posted by Floating Cloud

Glad you asked about this as many with a 15' will want to know for selling. Did you ask about the 13' or does someone know? They are now part of ETI's history.

Nope, I didn't ask about those.

[Washingtonia]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

So Karen, that means your new mantra when showing off Egbert will be "You know, less than 60 of these were ever made. Limited edition."

<-------------------- Hey, you stole my idea!