Hello from Central Oregon!

[Oregonian]

Hello from a new member. My wife, two young sons and I take lots of road trips and overnights to bike races. I recently sold our '86 VW West camper which was way too small for us. We are looking at Escapes, either the 19 or 21.

I would love to find a nice 2-3 year old used model, but used prices don't seem that far off of new and we aren't far from the factory so new is definitely an option for us also. Love the site- lots of great advice and good folks!

Jeff

[padlin]

Welcome Jeff. That's one of the beauties of these, they don't lose 40% of the value by driving it away from the factory. BIGGER outlay to start, smaller in the long run.

[Jim Bennett]

Welcome to the site, Jeff.

There are a few that come up of sale, more so the 19's, but you are right that they don't drop in value lots, but still can be a great deal. A trip to the Escape factory would be fun regardless, you will be treated great by some wonderful folks.

[OneOleMan]

Originally Posted by padlin

Welcome Jeff. That's one of the beauties of these, they don't lose 40% of the value by driving it away from the factory. BIGGER outlay to start, smaller in the long run.

When I started looking it was at things like the A-Frame and Teardrop. The T@B Teardrop seemed to start at $22K with side mounted A/C, wet bath and no room to stand up straight. For just over $23K you can get an Escape 17B with A/C and room to roam inside.

[rbryan4]

I would second the recommendation to visit ETI if you can, or at least call them and have a local owner let you tour their trailer. As for new vs used, I think it depends on how personalized you want it. We bought new so that every little thing would be the way we wanted, including upholstery, counters, cabinetry, electrical, etc. But, NICE used ones come up for sale quite regularly, and you could always 'customize' it after the fact.

Be aware also that with each new model year, ETI is improving something, and usually several things. If you want the 'latest greatest' then go with new.

By the way, Michael and Debra are selling 'Bess', and she's a VERY nice 19:

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...html#post73639

[BCnomad]

Welcome.

Looked at rpods before Escaping. Personally a fan of the 181G. Went with fiberglass for the better rain resistance though and just general "solid feel". Highly recommend factory visit with the family. Or one of the many egg rallys.

Good luck in your search.

[Donna D.]

Hi Jeff. I answered up on FiberglassRV yesterday. But, if you'd like to tour a 5.0TA.. you're welcome to come visit mine!

[Loren & Cathy]

Jeff, I would definitely go visit the ETI plant. You are real close and by going there you could compare all of the trailers, have all of your questions answered, and see how they are built. We drove 2000 miles to visit them in September and don't regret one minute of it. Loren

[Donna D.]

ooooh Jeff! This one is COT ready!!! http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...html#post73676

[tractors1]

If you're heading near Portland, shoot me a PM or email through my website. I'm near Hillsboro (20 miles west) with a 21 and you're welcome to visit.

[Donna D.]

See now you have TWO ETI builds to look at in the PDX area. That's really helpful. Not only to see the differences between models, but you can compare Escape quality builds to... those other brands.

[Oregonian]

Thanks all for the great responses. Donna D. and Charlie Y. I may take you up on your offer. I have been in the Portland, Salem, Hillsboro areas almost every weekend for the past couple of months for cyclones races. The season is winding down now but I might be in your areas a time or two soon. Jeff

[Donna D.]

Jeff, just send me a PM when you think you'll be in PDX. I'll make sure Ten Forward is available for a tour. Advanced notice is always appreciated.

[tractors1]

Jeff, my rig is at home, where my business is located, so we're usually around. Email at tractors1@helvetia.us a day or so before hand.

[Dave Whiting]

My wife and I attended the Escape Rally in Osoyoos this year, then placed an order for an Escape 19. The rally was a fantastic way to see a variety of options on the various models.
From Bend, just follow Highway 97 due North!
We are planning to pass through Bend next September. Feel free to personal message me closer to the date if you would like us to swing by.

dave

[Oregonian]

Thanks all, some great suggestions. Sounds like a trip to the factory might be in my future! Dave, we would love to meet you and see your rig when you pass through. We can coordinate as the time approaches.

[flatpick]

If you end up in Long Beach, WA we have a 19 to check out. we found it "used" and saved a few thou over new. The previous owners had it set up real nice and we were lucky as they had hardly used it. I'd say the 21 might suit you better, the 19 is really a couple's trailer. We shopped for a while and the other trailers available were pretty sad once you've seen an Escape!

steve

[Oregonian]

Hey Steve. I think either the 19 or 21 would work for us. We won't spend a lot of time inside and the larger bed of the 19 is kind of nice as I'm 6'3".

Charlie Y. has offered to show us his 21 and I'm going to try and work that out this weekend.

I saw that you bought that nice 19 listed in Seattle a couple of months ago. That looked like a really nice one!

If you get tired of it before summer let me know... LOL

[flatpick]

LOL is RIGHT Bro. we gots big plans for next summer. sorry! ;-) btw- the bed is super nice and plenty long! good luck!

steve

[Oregonian]

Thanks Steve and enjoy your summer travels! Who knows, we might run into you, we want to spend some time in Washington this year. Jeff