Build sheet advice

[JaimeA]

Hi All!

We're new to the group and happily expecting our Escape 19' this coming November. We have some time to play with our options, and we would love to hear what options you veteran Escapees would put on your list of "must haves" and "don't bothers." We know personal preferences typically influence individual selections, but we'd still love to hear any advice from the pros!

Thanks!

[nealmccarter]

Welcome. We just picked up our 19' and love it already.

[yardsale]

Hi JA,
I would suggest you first spend some time poking around on the forum looking at relevant threads as specific variations on this question is asked and answered frequently. You might search on "build sheet" or "options" for a start.

[Jrn56]

Welcome! One thing to keep in mind is that because Escape offers so much customization there are lot of options not listed on their web site. You just need to ask. Another reason to read all you can on this forum. Have fun!

[padlin]

Hi Jamie, That's a very subjective question, everyone has their own wants. We have found we do not use our stove hood, oven, or the outside shower, so we are not getting them. Most others would not leave home without them. It's all up to you so read back in the forum and see what's available. Ask questions about specific items for the most relevant responses.

Good Luck.

[tractors1]

I average 2 hours a day reading through all the old posts researching ideas and finally made a dedicated folder for unlisted options I want. We have to freeze our build sheet June 15th; phenomenal amount of great ideas on this forum!

[Klem]

Been working on our 19' build sheet and finding good info on this forum.

Noticed the previous message with:
"Escape offers so much customization there are lot of options not listed on their web site."

Anyone have a list of options .... Not listed!

[Jrn56]

Originally Posted by Klem

Been working on our 19' build sheet and finding good info on this forum.

Noticed the previous message with:
"Escape offers so much customization there are lot of options not listed on their web site."

Anyone have a list of options .... Not listed!

I dont have a list but one option you might be interested in is the Dometic digital thermostat. If you have ETI install this you can operate the AC and Furnace from the same thermostat.

[padlin]

Here's a good post to start with.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f4...week-3030.html

[Bruce Wray]

Jaime- I think many of your options choices will be best based on your intended uses for your 19 - how, where, and when you plan to use it (Examples -- on or off grid, 2 or 3 season, complex or simple cooking, etc.). Further, realize that your uses may change over time. My basic principle when I ordered mine was: If I thought I may ever need it, I got it built in. I'm happy with my choices, even though some are rarely used. As others have said, do lots of reading, try to see other 19s and talk with their owners.

Bruce

[JaneM.]

We purchased our 2012 Escape 19 used, but it had most of the options we wanted and some we wouldn't have ordered. It really depends on the type of camping you plan on doing - for us the extra insulation, thermal windows, solar, dual 6 volt batteries, and all LED's were a must because 99% of what we do is dry camping. That may not be your style though.

[MarksAlot]

What I focused on in my build sheet for my 19 was options that needed to be done at the factory, like the U shaped dinette. Options like solar and rims I can add afterwards. The LED option I ordered as the entire light fixture was different (1" thinner) from the incandescent ones.

Doing some modifications (mods) and personalizing your RV after you get it is also a lot of fun. So many things you want to do and you should pace yourself.

[Donna D.]

I used MarksAlot's theory when I worked my way through the build sheet for my 5er. I'm not asking ETI to do anything I can do myself or purchase at a later date. I needed to put the brakes on the build sheet somewhere and made choices based on what needed to be done at the factory.

[bolerfan]

The post on the Umbra coat hooks demonstrates why it is better to do research first and have ETI install during construct or orientation. We didn't know about Umbra until bringing our trailer home (17B) and then I installed two myself, but always had doubts as to where the reinforcements are and what was behind those walls (wiring). Would have been way easier at the factory. Saves buying wrong sizes, hanging in wrong places etc. And I see several posts that many have done just that (have ETI do the instal on add-ons). Same for little creature comforts in the head. But then some may find it a lot of fun to be searching for that little gizmo to hang on the walls rather than have it done for you.

[WestEnder]

If you are considering hanging stuff on the walls later, think about getting the wall in question reinforced. They aren't all built to support anything substantial.

[LarryandLiz]

Originally Posted by WestEnder

If you are considering hanging stuff on the walls later, think about getting the wall in question reinforced. They aren't all built to support anything substantial.

We have one week before our build-sheet sign-off and wondered about reinforced walls also.

We are building a 17b. We had the opportunity to spend about an hour with Tammy at ETI a few weeks ago and spoke to her about the need to reinforce walls. Liz and I both recall Tammy dissuading us from reinforcing walls stating something like "doing so won't be necessary given our end-use". Of course it was a busy hour we spent with Tammy, lots of details. The upshot for us is that since we aren't putting in a t.v. or heavy chandeliers the walls ETI install are strong enough for hooks. Of course this doesn't speak to any wiring lurking behind the walls.

So I differ with Westender's post. I'd contact ETI directly for info re strength of walls and location of wiring.

On the subject of hooks, I recall seeing posts with pictures about hooks attached using suction cups. The hooks looked quite substantial I remember one came from Lee Valley. I like the idea of using the trailer first and then deciding on hook placement based on our real life use.

Finalizing build sheet decisions is stressful. Have fun.

Larry

[gbaglo]

I use suction hooks for temporary placement on the outside.
But, I'm still a big fan of the 3M Command products. Brushed nickel.

[cpaharley2008]

One can install hooks just about any where inside an Escape, there is always a stud on a corner or in the wall someplace, most wires are run thru the cabinets. Before reinforcing the walls that was the way it was done. Unless you have plans for something heavy and big, you should have no problems.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by WestEnder

If you are considering hanging stuff on the walls later, think about getting the wall in question reinforced. They aren't all built to support anything substantial.

I never had any 'reinforced' walls put in my trailer, it wasn't even a question then, but I have hung lots of heavy stuff on the walls, particularly a couple magazine racks on either side of the fridge/bath walls. I found at least one stud in each wall to used. A few years now, and everything is holding fine.

[WestEnder]

OK, I'm happy to be proved wrong on that. I've seen it mentioned so many times I'd assumed I needed to put on on my "things to consider" list. Thanks for the info.