I am a fan!

[akoaoka]

Hi!

We have been eying an Escape trailer for about a year now. We are a family of 4 and we have somewhat decided a 17B is the best fit for us. We figure, when kids are young they won't mind sleeping on the gaucho. Then when kids get older they will be sleeping out in a tent. Perfect! Right now we are using a popup trailer. I think my joints will thank me if we do get an Escape.

Besides the $$$ that we are working on, we also have decided to store the unit in our tiny garage in a house that have (almost) no yard and a neighborhood that prohibit trailer on the street or driveway.

So, we measured and measured the garage door is only 7'10" tall, 3 inches shy according to spec! This is probably half of the reason we haven't pull the trigger on the purchase. I dread of seeing the trailer stuck outside of the garage when it arrive! Please tell me I worry too much....

Another thing is that we haven't really seen an Escape in person... We've been inside only 1 other egg camper but didn't like the layout of that. We would love to see one in person and now I learned about the fiberglass RV meet up at the Oregon coast which may be our chance!

[Dave Walter]

Welcome. If you have clearance issues when parking your trailer in your garage, you could try a solution similar to that which "Cozy Rosie" posted in the gallery. Who knows, maybe that would do it for you.

[akoaoka]

Thanks! I am a bit new to the forum and will be checking out how to search for the posts you described.

ETA: Found it! Wheels come off! It won't work for us. Not when we want to use it every weekend anyway. Amazing to see how it fit, though. Wow.

[Jubal]

If you add the AC the height increases by 5” above the standard height.

[dbailey]

Be careful with your options, too. I believe the stated height does not include, for example, the air conditioning unit.

[akoaoka]

That's right! I exchanged some emails with The Escape Trailer and the A/C would add to the height. Think I can get away with not installing A/C by staying above 45 degree north?

[soultrek]

Garage storage for the winter was a major issue for me. My 2008 17B, with 14" tires and standard ground clearance, easily backs into my 7'11" door with the Max Fan removed and slid to the side (off the high center section of the roof). The removal is easy, just 4 screws, and the fan can be moved to the side without disconnecting the wiring. For me, refastening was more challenging, but doable.

[akoaoka]

soultrek, that's good to know the trailer fit under a 7'11" garage door! Did you ever measure the height of the Maxx Fan unit? Or better yet, the height of the trailer at the axle? We think we may be able to get away with tilting the trailer. But that depends on the height of the unit at the point of the axle, the height of the Maxx Fan and the distance of the Maxx Fan to the axle. The grade of my driveway, etc. etc. Wish I can just borrow one and try to fit it through!

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by akoaoka

Wish I can just borrow one and try to fit it through!

Good luck on finding someone willing to loan you theirs to do that!

Welcome to the forum!

[akoaoka]

Don't think he/she will buy that story of we missing the "Low Clearance Bridge Ahead" sign, huh?

[KarenH]

I know I mentioned this before on this forum but I can't help but think of that video on Flixxy which just cracks me up:

World's Toughest Bridge

[soultrek]

The Maxx Fan is 4&1/2" high; but you reduce the trailer height 3&1/2" when removed because of a 1" flange The fan center is about 20" forward of the axle. The holding tank drain pipe is 33" forward of the axle and 8" above ground. The trailer hitch is about 15" high and is 12 ft forward. I thought about trying to lower the front, but decided to remove the fan. Because of my garage issue, I almost ordered a Casita 16 and might have bought a TADA if I could have found one. But we're extremely happy with our choice; and, I believe, Escape has made units with lower clearance height.

[akoaoka]

Ouch!
Wait! No body move! I just dropped my jaw...

[itoddday]

Karen, I would just die if that was my 5.0. Now I'm scared!

Just a thought, one of the things we do with aircraft to gain an inch of clearance or two when we are in a tight spot is let some air out of the aircrafts tires. This may work for you and then air them up when in or out of the garage.

[akoaoka]

soultrek, thanks for all the numbers! Sounds like a tight fit for us if we don't want to remove anything.

itoddday, thanks for the tip! I have no idea how much clearance we will gain by letting the air out. But an inch will help!

[Sandra L]

As you may have learned by now, you can call Escape and find someone near to you to see one. Or you can come to Bullard's Beach in July and see quite a few!

[JimJ]

Akoaoka: If that's Portland, Oregon in your Description, we're also in Portland, Oregon and we'd be pleased to show you our 15B. My email address is jimrj@aol.com.

[LeonardS]

Karen:

That "World's Toughest Bridge" video had me laughing so hard my dog came over to see what was the matter!

[cpaharley2008]

Is it your opening that is restricted or your garage door height, you can raise the door higher on some units by removing it off the opener and pushing up with a stout stick and then perhaps propping it open.

[gocamp]

AC the height increases by 5”
How about the hight lift axle? What increase would that add? Does that option include 15'' tires? Thanks.