Hello

[Jeff-]

Hi my name is Jeff and would like to give a friendly hello to everyone. I've been researching RV's and think the escape 19 would work for me. I think my 2015 Honda Pilot Touring with ATF cooler and 4500 lbs towing capacity should pull it.

I am very handy and know auto mechanics, plumbing, electrical, carpentry ect, but have no experience with RV'S. Is there a list of backup parts people carry with a escape 19.
I would think a backup water pump, spare tire, floor jack, generator, air compressor, tools, fuses. I really have not a clue and would like to learn.

[occer]

Here is a list someone else had made up and I saved.
Sorry didn’t write down whom to give credit.

[Jeff-]

Thank you that was a very good list, many of the same items i saw on some youtube videos like this one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuvS3zZL81c

I never new how much goes into RVing there is allot to learn!

[C&G in FL]

After 8 years, I just had to pull the toilet because it was leaking on the floor. I had read somewhere that the flush valve was a “weak” link so I had a replacement in my “spare parts compartment.” Repair took about 45 minutes (a 1/2” ratcheting box/open ended wrench simplified the task). After pulling the toilet I set it on a plastic garbage bag on the bench of the picnic table in my campsite to remove and replace the valve.
If it is not a standard item with today’s Escapes, I would strongly suggest you opt for a toilet shut-off (isolation) valve and also order a spare flush valve (@$16 from Amazon). There is a very small O-ring in the moving part of the valve’s lever that is held on by two screws that appeared to be abraded and I think that was the source of the leak. When I return home I may try to replace the O-ring and test it under pressure. If it doesn’t work, I will order another spare.

[HABBERDABBER]

Don't leave home without one.....or 2.....credit cards.
Depending on the age of your rig, an extensive spare parts and tool list is not necessary, but not a bad idea.
The picture earlier provided of gear is a good start, and mostly all that's needed.
Spare water pump. Naw. Generator? Naw, unless you have the other needs for it. Floor jack? Naw, a bottle jack is adequate. A 12V air compressor can be useful.
Spare tire...of course. Fuses, multimeter, hand tools, maybe a torque wrench, duct tape, zip ties, some baling wire...you get the idea.
I do travel with a lot of stuff, and rarely have required much for on-the-road repairs.

[Jeff-]

Thanks for all the great advice1 I am thinking I may rent a Minnie Winnie or something like that for a couple of weeks before I dive in. I get the feeling from watching and listening to so many experienced people that it seems easier with a smaller rig, which I can do since I will be doing it solo. I also get the impression that slowing down and staying longer at sites makes for an easier experienced but that is probably subjective and you need to have the time.

[SageRpod]

Adding to the list of items to take. I take coveralls in case I have to crawl under the trailer or tow vehicle. A pair of work gloves and, given today's distracted drivers, a hi-viz yellow, reflective safety vest in case I have to change a flat or fix something on the side of the highway.

[WillyB]

Good call on the HI-Viz.

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by SageRpod

a hi-viz yellow, reflective safety vest in case I have to change a flat or fix something on the side of the highway.

This reminded me: consider buying three orange rubber traffic cones to go with this. You can get them at a hardware store. Besides help for road hazards, you can use them to "hold your spot" if you have to move your trailer to take it to the dump station, etc., and plan to return.


BTW- don't worry about being a "newby". When I bought my E21 in 2014 I had zero camping experience and the only trailers I had towed in my life were farm wagons. Since then I have put 71,000 miles on my Escape towing it all over the country, and have enjoyed almost every minute of it.

[Jeff-]

I think I could tow a 19 as long as it was dry? What do you think.
Honda Pilot tongue weight is 450 lbs with two people and I would be one.
Capacity is 4500 with two people weighing 150lbs and 15lbs of cargo in back total 30.


Since it would just be me I would have 4630 lbs tow weight.

[brroberts]

I’d say you would be maxing out things. My 19 weighs more than that, and my tongue weight is more than that. You would have to leave options off the trailer and travel light. Possibly you could look at a basic Gen 1 trailer (pre 2017) to get a lighter one.

[Radar1]

Originally Posted by Jeff-

I think I could tow a 19 as long as it was dry? What do you think.
Honda Pilot tongue weight is 450 lbs with two people and I would be one.
Capacity is 4500 with two people weighing 150lbs and 15lbs of cargo in back total 30.


Since it would just be me I would have 4630 lbs tow weight.

I'm guessing you have the 4WD model, since the 2WD is only rated to 3500 lbs. Our empty weight for our 19' was 3609 lbs, so as long as you have the 4WD and load appropriately it should pull it OK. It will work the engine and transmission harder, since the 19 is not only heavier, but also a larger frontal area than the 17.

[YakRV]

Highly recommend having a spare sail switch for the furnace. These things are notorious for failing when you really need that furnace. It’s a pretty easy swap out (except for the older model Escapes that don’t have the exterior hatch).

[Doug2000]

Hello…

On the CAT scales at the truck stop we’re about 3500lbs partially loaded going to storage with our 2020 19. The Escape 19 is heavier than advertised. Some users have said they’re up to 4500lbs loaded. We have a 2020 19 towed with a Tundra 5.7L.

If you pack light, you may be OK at lower elevations but not on mountain climbs and not west of Denver. Either consider a 17B or plan on a bigger tow vehicle.

Welcome to the Forum.

[HABBERDABBER]

Consider an E17. Spacious enough for 2, lighter, smaller, a good place and size to start. If 2 foot-itis hits, then upsize.
Especially as a solo RV'er, that's all, and more, than you really need.
Just my opinion, now.

[Jeff-]

Thank You! I thought I was cutting it close with the 19! I will look at the E17's as I don't want to buy a new tow vehicle. Again thanks for all the great information.

[Doug2000]

I didn’t catch the solo part, I would buy the 17B. The 17B is a lot lighter, one less axle and a lighter frame. How tall are you? The 17B is a little narrower which you’ll notice when laying on the dinette. We upgraded from a 17B to a 19, it cost way more than we planned and the 19 was way heavier. Note, the 17B was a 2007 and our 19 is a 2020, the first generation pre 2017 are lighter but the post 2017 are a better trailer. You can tell the difference by the door. After 2017 they used a standard RV door.

Solo, get the 17B with a permanent bed in the back. Available but you have to ask.

[Jeff-]

Originally Posted by Doug2000

Hello…

On the CAT scales at the truck stop we’re about 3500lbs partially loaded going to storage with our 2020 19. The Escape 19 is heavier than advertised. Some users have said they’re up to 4500lbs loaded. We have a 2020 19 towed with a Tundra 5.7L.

If you pack light, you may be OK at lower elevations but not on mountain climbs and not west of Denver. Either consider a 17B or plan on a bigger tow vehicle.

Welcome to the Forum.

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Consider an E17. Spacious enough for 2, lighter, smaller, a good place and size to start. If 2 foot-itis hits, then upsize.
Especially as a solo RV'er, that's all, and more, than you really need.
Just my opinion, now.

Originally Posted by Doug2000

I didn’t catch the solo part, I would buy the 17B. The 17B is a lot lighter, one less axle and a lighter frame. How tall are you? The 17B is a little narrower which you’ll notice when laying on the dinette. We upgraded from a 17B to a 19, it cost way more than we planned and the 19 was way heavier. Note, the 17B was a 2007 and our 19 is a 2020, the first generation pre 2017 are lighter but the post 2017 are a better trailer. You can tell the difference by the door. After 2017 they used a standard RV door.

Solo, get the 17B with a permanent bed in the back. Available but you have to ask.

Thanks again, I am 5' 10". Thanks for the information on the the years and differences! Allot of information to take in, from water purifiers, noisy air conditioners, batteries, ect ect. I think I would want to modify a 17b with a quiet
air conditioner that I can run if boon docking for a day or two using a quiet generator. Hopefully it can run over night without refueling in case it is very hot out.

[Iowa Dave]

If your generator does not run long enough to get your sleep in, you can buy an auxiliary tank that hooks up to your generator. That way you can run for a couple days straight.
Iowa Dave

[Jeff-]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

If your generator does not run long enough to get your sleep in, you can buy an auxiliary tank that hooks up to your generator. That way you can run for a couple days straight.
Iowa Dave

Thanks that's a good Idea!