It's a 21T2 For Us

[tukwilma]

Hello! My husband and I have been forum voyeurs for the past year or so, but this is our first post. We were pretty sure we wanted an Escape, and were waiting until closer to retirement before diving in and committing. We love scouring the posts for the good and the bad, the tips and the tricks, and all the ingenious mods. We’re camping veterans, but of the tenting and tent trailer variety and are looking forward to not packing everything up for each move.

Last week we took our second trip to Chilliwack, and got to see the new 21’ (LE? T2?) layout. And yes, we’re one of those orders David mentioned. Yipee! It won’t be ready until the spring, but our list of purchases and mods is growing by the day. We wanted the queen size bed, and were planning on getting the 19’ until this new layout appeared. We like the larger dinette, and that it converts to a second (nearly) queen bed. My hubby is trying to figure out how to mount a projector tv so we can lounge on the dinette with a screen near the bed?? I’ll let him work that out. The extra 4 inches in width and 2 feet in length will help accommodate the 2 dogs: an Aussie mix and a Newfie. Our Newfie was with us when we saw the new 21, and since it didn’t have flooring in it, he got to find his spot (right in front of the door).

We’re hoping to make it to the rally at Osoyoos in May. It will be great to meet fellow Escapees.

I’m sure we’ll have a few more questions before we finalize our build sheet – which has to wait until Escape finalizes the new 21 layout details. Right now, we’re wondering about the backup camera. We definitely want a backup camera, but yea or nay on the Escape one? Where do they mount it? Up high or on the bumper? I forgot to ask when we were there. What about other cameras that connect to a smart phone?

[Doug2000]

Congratulations!!!

I love the 21 with the LE layout. We would have ordered it but ordered the 19', cost weight and easier to get into that small site by the lake!

[SamIam]

“Right now, we’re wondering about the backup camera. We definitely want a backup camera, but yea or nay on the Escape one? Where do they mount it? Up high or on the bump”

It’s mounted high; by the clearance lights.

[75thRanger]

Originally Posted by SamIam

“Right now, we’re wondering about the backup camera. We definitely want a backup camera, but yea or nay on the Escape one? Where do they mount it? Up high or on the bump”

It’s mounted high; by the clearance lights.

I have the camera and I sorta like it but rarely use it. My original thinking was to use it in traffic but 'object are closer than they appear' applies and light conditions are a big problem at times.

Backing up? I get out and look things over and at times I will place markers to form sort of a channel if it's a bit tight. I'm alone so have to be more careful.

Made a trip recently early and the sun was up about 45 degrees off the rear at the right. Couldn't see anything behind me with the camera.

I remember years ago learning to trust my mirrows and quit trying to twist my head around to see sides of the trailer. Maybe the same will apply here but I doubt it.

Would I order it again? Probably not. At this point in my life, need rarely affects my buying decisions. If I want something and can find the money to pay for it, I do it!

[buellfire]

Something to consider. The ETI Camera system is the easy button, however you have a large bulky display in your vehicle to view out back. I use a Sony/ Gopro mounted inside the rear window looking out. The Sony has its own wifi network and I am able to view it on my phone though an app. Works great and less stuff in my truck. Best of all as technology changes I can replace without any damage from mounting left behind. This is the same reason I did not get the TV antenna. I had a Casita previously where the bat wing antenna was useless and if removed would have left holes in the fiberglass.

[tukwilma]

Thanks for the feedback. You're saying the things we've been thinking. Light flares making it difficult to see (which already happens sometimes with the car's backup camera display), additional display hardware, rapidly changing technology. We've done some research on separate backup cameras, but hadn't thought of the GoPro. That might kill 2 birds, since Jeff's wanted a new GoPro anyway!