Hello from San Diego

[IanC]

Hi all. My wife and I just placed a deposit on a 17A. Now for the long anxious wait (1 to 2 years). In the meantime, I'll be working my way through the many threads so I'll know exactly what features we will need when the time comes to finalize the order. Having been tent campers for many years, we upgraded to a tent trailer about 10 years ago and love the open feeling of our Coleman Cobalt tent trailer. Because we camp in the desert a lot, the wind is often a problem, so hoping the Escape will be a good work around, not to mention the ease of setting up and breaking down the campsite. We're also looking forward to a refrigerator and not always needing to make ice runs when boondocking. We've chosen the 17A to keep weight down and have a bit more living area, as I will be towing with a 2021 Toyota 4Runner. Still researching ways to stow a Porta-Potti, which suits us well with the tent trailer. We are also looking forward to an ambassador tour in less than two weeks.

This seems like a great community. Thanks for all the helpful tips from the folks that have taken time to post and share their experiences.

Ian

[cpaharley2008]

Welcome Ian,
To our little world. Your Toyota should have no issue pulling an Escape 17, either model. That bathroom would be handy as you age gracefully.......

[IanC]

Thanks. We haven't entirely ruled out the 17B, but the extra space in the 17A is attractive, and I've read so many mixed reviews about how well a 4Runner can tow these, I'm trying to be cautious about how much weight we add.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by IanC

I've read so many mixed reviews about how well a 4Runner can tow these, I'm trying to be cautious about how much weight we add.

I towed my 17B ( classic ) for 12 years with a 2008 RAV4 V6 Sport. I think you'll be fine. Photo: Coquihalla Summit, which is a 17 kilometre climb with grades up to 8%.

[Doug2000]

I would never again buy a trailer without a bathroom. We were looking for a 17A years ago when we had our 1977 Trillium 4500 15'. We found a 17B used close to home but really wanted more room rather than a bathroom. After one season, I was really glad the 17B found us.

Looking forward to today with Covid and such, we didn't use any campground facilities or restrooms on the highway while travelling last season. In 2018 on a cross country trip, we came across some really dirty washrooms at rest stops, but not a problem, we used our trailer.

Change your order, get the 17B and don't forget the outdoor shower option. (few actually shower outside with it).

[bookerb]

Like Doug, we just moved from a Trillium 4500 to an Escape with a bathroom. My wife and I have both agreed we will never 'glamp' again without a bathroom. Highly recommend you consider getting the 17B.

[Small but Sweet]

Bathroom... that's what porta potties are for, and the 17A has a cupboard designed to slide a potty in and out. Wash hands in the sink. It's very nice having a permanent bed plus a dining booth in the 17A.

[IanC]

Thanks for all the great input! This forum is already giving me excellent info on my first post. Great to see that RAV4 pulling a 17B, and it appears to be at altitude which is one of my concerns. And yes, we've adjusted to using a porta-potti in our tent trailer, but it sounds like there are some definite pluses to the 17B. I have at least a year to decide, so will continue to research and weigh-in.

Ian

[Greg A]

It’s sure nice when on stretches like in west TX to know a bathroom is following you! Can’t tell you the number of times that has saved our bacon.

[Allan Bornestig]

Had the 17 B for eleven years.Could not live without the bathroom.Just my humble opinion.Stay safe.
Allan.

[cpaharley2008]

As you age you appreciate the creatures of comfort.........

[jeffrow]

Pop for the bathroom model, your Runner will certainly handle it. As I spend your money....

[gbaglo]

It's a heck of a lot easier to tow the trailer to a sani-dump to empty the tanks than it is to lug a full porta-potti.
Again, as you age, you'll find the porta-potty gets heavier and heavier.

[goalie39]

Welcome. The 4Runner will be a good match for the 17(A or B).
I tow a 2010 19' with my 2015 4Runner. The 2010 19' weighs significantly less than the current 19', due to having a 3" frame and the older (classic?) body style. We've been all over the Sierra's (Yosemite, Tahoe, Mammoth) and the 4Runner's performed like a champ. Not a speed demon of course, but strong and steady.

There are some good threads on here about 4Runners if you haven't read them already. I also highly recommend adding a transmission cooler and Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH).

[dfandrews]

I Must straighten out some misconceptions (imho):
We have a 17A. We have a porta-potty. It actually works for the purpose intended!!! We have camped in trailers with bathrooms.
It is entirely as easy to stop along the road and use your portapotty located in your trailer, as it is to stop along the road and use the potty in your bathroom in your trailer.
It is easier to carry the tank portion of your portapotty (a couple of gallons max., <20lbs.), rather that drag your whole rig to the line of trailers at the dump station, and have to mess with the hoses and such.
Side note: I always have a chuckle when reading through the threads about grey and black tank plumbing, sensor operation, replacement rhino hoses, etc., then have a sigh of relief that I don't have to deal with any of it.
Ian: remind me to discuss it in depth on the 17th. I can go through my whole routine for grey and potty water.

[IanC]

Thanks. Can't wait to see your setup Don and Teresa. Everything you said is what I've been thinking. Of course, this old dog can still learn some new trucks, so I value the input from everyone. This forum is such a great resource.

Ian

[gbaglo]

I had a porta-potti at my cabin. I included it ( full ) in the sale of the property. They got a great deal.

[Eggscape]

With a port a potty in a 17A you have the biggest bathroom of any model. They do have their advantages as well. I think you will enjoy your new trailer a lot.

[IanC]

Never thought about it that way, but so true.

[Dave Walter]

As others mentioned, your 2021 4Runner will be fine for towing the 17' Escape. I tow both our 19' Escape and our 15' Escape with a 5th generation 2020 4Runner and have no issues. Enjoy your travels!