2017 17b ordered

[Mucram]

Hi all!
Have been consumed by reading all your excellent posts. Am upgrading from a 1989 16' scamp to 17b. The scamp was my 1st trailer & tow experience. She's a beaut! But hope to be fully self contained w/the new purchase. Any essential options you recommend for someone who likes boondocking? Would like to hear about camping in cold, not extreme weather. Am so excited. Am looking forward to pics of the 2017 17b pics. Thanks everyone. Julie in Boise

[Marry]

It's like you are skipping a generation.... What exciting to go to a brand new trailer. And all the option you can choose.... There are many members here being an expert on boondocking. You will get many helpful responses. Congratulations and all the best designing your new home away from home!

[rbryan4]

Welcome Julie and congrats on your order!

Solar and a couple of 6v batteries are always good options for boondockers. Making your own power and having more amp hours available means you can stay out longer.

When we boondock we are a little more sparing with our electrical use, although with the solar and dual 6s it's never been a problem. Our limitations are basically food and water.


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[Linda G]

Congrats again Julie. Looking forward to seeing your 17B "around town".
Linda (in Boise)

[Dave & Penny Smith]

Julie:
You'll really enjoy your Escape! We picked up our 17B last Aug. and are looking forward to a trip using it in early May. I would strongly second rbryan4's comments on the value of solar panels and dual 6V batteries for "boondocking". Our experience so far indicates that we can probably go almost indefinitely (at least in spring through fall) and that the solar panel (150 watt) will keep the batteries charged. Also recommend thermo-pane windows and extra insulation--it helps keep the trailer both cooler in hot weather and warmer in cool weather.
Dave

[float5]

Great for you, Julie. You will have a good time putting the options together from all of your experience.

You may want the spray foam. Also inverter with transfer switch.

[gocamp]

The pair of GC2 batteries weigh 128.2 pounds, more than twice the weight of the single Group 29 at 59.7 pounds. So the dual 6 volts go on the back bumper. Easier to steal in an RV storage area is another thought. Reace mentioned the insulation is 2 times better than the old material so that and Thermal windows might help out in cold camping. Also the toilet water shut off valve is only 25 bucks. Cheap insurance for a future headache as others have posted in this forum when the plastic toilet part breaks.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gocamp

The pair of GC2 batteries weigh 128.2 pounds, more than twice the weight of the single Group 29 at 59.7 pounds. So the dual 6 volts go on the back bumper.

True, but even the single 12 volt battery (Group 27 standard, Group 29 optional) goes on the back bumper as well. The proportions of the 17 Foot model make the back a more suitable location than the front. Other models use other locations.

[Mucram]

I wondered about the batteries, if they would go in optional storage box or what. Haven't seen pic of rear with battery. I guess no issues with rear weight vs tongue weight with rear batteries? Will need to educate myself on "inverter with transfer switch." Was just going with converter. Don't plan on solar. Figure I can add portable later if it becomes a need.

[Mucram]

Ok, I've edumacated myself on inverters. Don't need one. Don't use those types of appliances when off the grid. Not installing air conditioning or microwave. Am old school camper girl!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Mucram

I wondered about the batteries, if they would go in optional storage box or what. Haven't seen pic of rear with battery. I guess no issues with rear weight vs tongue weight with rear batteries?

No, the battery or batteries of a 17 Foot were never in the front, even with the optional storage box. The left photo (attached below) of the "product slide" image that runs across most pages of the Escape Trailer Industries web site shows the stock installation of a battery in a box left of the spare on the rear bumper.

The battery location is at the rear because of tongue weight; with even one battery in the front, the tongue weight would be undesirably high. Increasing from one to two batteries back there will reduce the tongue weight, but only by roughly 25 pounds.

[Mucram]

Thanks Brian. Since my current scamp battery is on front, thought this was too. Appreciate the pic.

[gbaglo]

I don't have air or microwave. I have a couple inexpensive inverters that I don't need now that I've got a 12V charger for the MacBook.
I have a Honda 1000 generator that I prefer to leave at home and two 40 watt portable solar panels. Would much rather have a 160 watt panel on the roof ( don't have to worry about theft ) and a couple 6V batteries.
Everything I need for boondocking runs on 12V or on propane.

[Mucram]

So do the dual 6 volts have coverings/boxes standard?

[gbaglo]

My 12V battery is on the right side.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Mucram

So do the dual 6 volts have coverings/boxes standard?

The ones I've seen are in two separate boxes, just like the single box.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My 12V battery is on the right side.

baglo - always has to be different.

[gocamp]

The 19 or 21 has dual 6 volts in the front box, 128 lbs in that box. Anyone know if the current 17 footer can have one battery inside the front storage box? Surely it can hold the 59 pounds? Maybe things have changed since 2009 with the single battery and optional storage box?

[gbaglo]

I think on the 17, the dual 6V were mounted either side of the spare and that dual 6V had to be specified on the build sheet.

[float5]

Our 21' has the six-volts in the back on passenger side with U dinette.

The 19' had them in the front box.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gocamp

The 19 or 21 has dual 6 volts in the front box, 128 lbs in that box. Anyone know if the current 17 footer can have one battery inside the front storage box? Surely it can hold the 59 pounds? Maybe things have changed since 2009 with the single battery and optional storage box?

The box can handle the weight of a pair of batteries - that's not the issue. The trailer should have this weight in the right place for the proportions of the particular design

5.0TA - inside, behind the axles
21' - inside, behind the axles
19' - outside at front
17' - outside at rear

Putting two batteries at the front of the 17' would result in excessive tongue weight. Putting one at each end would cause wiring issues. With just one battery placing it in the front storage instead of at the rear would make the tongue weight roughly 75 pounds heavier than having that same battery at the rear; for some tow vehicles that would be fine, but for many it would not be desirable. In any of these cases the wiring would be non-standard.