Considering an Escape...

[outdoorman]

Just settled on 'total' loss with my insurance for the 1998 Casita 16 ft LD that I owned for 5 yrs. It was damaged by rain after a large oak tree dropped some branches onto it.
I'm actually glad to be rid of it as it had other issues and I'm ready to move onto something better.
I am considering an Escape and the factory was kind enough to give me some owners within 2 hrs of me so I can see a trailer up close.

[Red Dog]

Hi Ellis!

As a former Casita owner, I can tell you that you won’t go wrong with an Escape trailer. Plus, you will have more options available to you when you order one.

Wishing you best of luck from Texas!

Fred M.

[EscapeBoulder]

Yes. As a former Scamp 16'er owner (35,000 miles, 500 nights, 47 states traveled) we LOVE our 2018 Escape 19'er. It feels like the Taj Mahal compared to the 16'er. I'd say "go for it", you won't regret it.

[newbnvan]

2018 Highlander engine specs please? Considering 19ft. but concerned TV engine is not gutsy enough. Thanks, newbnvan. How does it tow over continental divide? Speed, gear, mpg.

[EscapeBoulder]

2018 Highlander Limited. 295 hp. V6. 8 speed tranny. (Not the hybrid, but the "normal" engine.) 5,000 lbs towing capacity.

Our 2018 Escape 19'er weights a surprising heavy 4,400 lbs, "on the road" & fully loaded including a full fresh water tank. I'm surprised how well the Highlander tows the 19'er using the Fastway E2 weight distribution hitch sold by, and installed by ETI.

I generally tow @ 60 mph on the highways, two-lane road @ the speed limit or 5 mph less than speed limit. 14 - 15 mpg. I'm a conservative driver... "conservative enough" that I sometimes drive my wife, who's a lead foot, "nuts". I keep an eye on the rearview mirror and pull over frequently to let the folks in a hurry pass.

We just picked up the 19'er in December and I only have 14 days on it so far. 1,000 miles. So I'm still dialing in how to set the tranny, and Power Mode in the Highlander. I run "Power Mode" on - which I guess moves the shift pattern of the tranny a bit. I also will probably run in the transmission's "S" mode capping the tranny at gear 6, instead of the full 8. We'll see.

I haven't driven over the Rockies yet. But coming over the coastal hills / mountains in northern California on my way down from Chilliwack, the total rig seemed to handle fine. Comfortable power for me anyway.

[h2owmn]

Towing a 17a w highlander limited platinum (I wanted ALL the safety features) and a e2 hitch. In all but the steepest climbs 16-19 mpg. This is my 3rd highlander foe towing; I’ve loved them all.