New Escape Owner! Won the Lottery!

[tsdanforth]

We just got word last night that our name was pulled for the Escape 19! Moves us up almost a year on delivery! Pretty excited.

Was trying to find a comprehensive list of items need to purchase before picking up and hitting the road for the 1st time. I am assuming the ET folks will provide a list, but was sure I saw something on the Escape Forum somewhere... Looking for list of "Must Have" and "Nice to Have". Driving from Maine to Sumas to p-up.

Thanks in advance. The adventure begins!

Ted

[Oldtimer]

Congrats it will be sweet to be camping a yr early now the adventures begin

David

[pstyer]

Start with a good packing list and adjust it to fit your camping style.
I'm attaching our list as a starting point. Trim it to take only what you expect to use and what space you have available.
Hope this helps.

[tsdanforth]

Perfect! Thank you!

[GregColdewey]

Originally Posted by tsdanforth

We just got word last night that our name was pulled for the Escape 19! Moves us up almost a year on delivery! Pretty excited.

Was trying to find a comprehensive list of items need to purchase before picking up and hitting the road for the 1st time. I am assuming the ET folks will provide a list, but was sure I saw something on the Escape Forum somewhere... Looking for list of "Must Have" and "Nice to Have". Driving from Maine to Sumas to p-up.

Thanks in advance. The adventure begins!

Ted

When we picked our trailer up in April I saw advice on this forum to purchase a new sewer hose and attachments because the one that comes with it is complete "crap". I didn't take that advice, but should have. There was a small hole in the hose after the first use. You are going to want a better hose and clear attachments so you can see what's going through so just go ahead and do it from the beginning.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by GregColdewey

When we picked our trailer up in April I saw advice on this forum to purchase a new sewer hose and attachments because the one that comes with it is complete "crap". I didn't take that advice, but should have. There was a small hole in the hose after the first use.

Some advice on the forum might be crappy but definitely not replacement of the stock sewer hose.

[PM15283]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Some advice on the forum might be crappy but definitely not replacement of the stock sewer hose.

Our ETI hose exited the tube somewhere along the West coast in the first few hours of travel! Hope no traffic accidents trying to avoid it on the highway.

[MicheleNCali]

Congrats!!!!!

[CADreamin]

Torque wrench for tightening those lug nuts.

[Jane P.]

Originally Posted by unwieldy

We just got word last night that our name was pulled for the Escape 19! Moves us up almost a year on delivery! Pretty excited.

Was trying to find a comprehensive list of items need to purchase before picking up and hitting the road for the 1st time. I am assuming the ET folks will provide a list, but was sure I saw something on the Escape Forum somewhere... Looking for list of "Must Have" and "Nice to Have". Driving from Maine to Sumas to p-up.

Thanks in advance. The adventure begins!

Ted

Lucky, Lucky Man! Congrats

The shopping begins!

I've provided links to Amazon and Durasafe (please seriously consider getting their coupler connect product before leaving town).

But, if you want to purchase some on these item en route to Escape, most of these items can be found at ACE Hardware, Walmart, Camping World, Cabalas, etc.

I do recommend you purchase the break controller before leaving town. You will definitely need it installed before picking up your trailer.

You'll also need a WDH. This is something you need to research. You'll need to discuss specific products that will hopefully meet your needs with Escape.

Must Have

1. Coupler Connect Plus
https://durasafelocks.com/collection...r-connect-plus

This is a 2 part product that makes hooking up easy peasy. It also prevents the hitch coupler from jumping off the ball, and will give you peace of mind on the road. I've been using it for almost 20 years.

Check them out on YouTube, then call them and place an order. This is a must have product.

Durasafe is a small company and they are very responsive and stand behind their products. If you move fast, they'll probably be able to ship it to you before you leave town.

There's a receiver that goes under the hitch ball. Escape can help you install it.

2. Locks
Durasafe also sells trailer locks. I suggest you get hole sizes from Escape for your trailer tongue area. If possible, order locks for your coupler tongue and your TV's hitch - that have the same lock. That way you only need one key. Which makes life easier.

3. Electric Break Controller
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...4b841a4e681221

Another must have item. Have your mechanic or your TV's dealership repair service center install it in your TV. They know what they are doing.

3. Fresh water hoses
You will have no idea where the water hook up will be located till you park at your space. I suggest you purchase a combination of sizes: two 25'; two 10'. This should allow you to reach almost anything.

Check out the more traditional Camco blue & white fresh water hoses,
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-25ft-Ta...e%2C213&sr=1-6

or Teknor zero gravity hose which is much easier to stow. Sorry, but you'll have to find 25' and 10' versions of this hose.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...2e9dc8c0469709

4. Water pressure regulator
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BZD08U...d_asin_2_title

5. Water purifier

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-TastePU...NX2F8MXQKQ3F7T

6. Surge Protector
Before you plug into the electrical hook up at any trailer park, test the electricity with your portable surge protector. This is a must have item.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=surge+gua...s_ts-doa-p_1_3

7. 30AMP Electric Extension Cord
You never know how far away the electric hookup will be from your trailer. You can take a chance that you won't need this on your trip. But I have needed an extension cord many times.

The Amazon page lists several styles. I suggest you confer with Escape regarding the type of cord you should buy.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=30+amp+rv...s_ts-doa-p_3_6

8. Wheel Cocks and leveling blocks
I do not know if Escape includes wheel cocks and/or leveling blocks with the trailer. If not, they will sell them to you. Wheel cocks is a must have item. They keep your trailer from rolling away. You can probably go with whatever Escape offers for this trip.

I suggest you eventually look into more substantial types of wheel cocks when you return home. I use the one's below and they can be used in addition to the plastic ones. You'll need to see if they fit your trailer. If they don't work, you can send them back to Amazon and order another model.

https://www.amazon.com/X-Chock-Wheel...e%2C229&sr=1-4

9. Black/grey water dumping supplies
You an buy these things at any hardware store.

A. OLD 15'-25' HOSE (from your backyard) with nozzle sprayer - use this to rinse interior of sewage hose after dumping

B. kneeling pad - not mandatory, but saves your knees.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kneeling+..._ts-doa-p_2_12

C. Gloves - Must have as you are dealing with raw sewage. You can buy a package of gloves at Home Depot.

Nice to Have:

10. Coiled Breakaway Cable
The Escape cable looks like it would be unwieldy. If that is the case, you should eventually replace it with this coiled cable. Again will make your hookups easier.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...678ac3213465f6

11. A portable, duel fuel, inverter generator
If you plan to dry camp, you may eventually want a backup Inverter generator. I personally like Champion duel fuel, inverter generators. I suggest you compare a 2000w, 2200w, 2400w, 2500w champion duel fuel inverter generators.

12. Fresh water hose at home. I need a 50' hose to reach my trailer from the backyard water faucet. I prefer to leave that hose at home so that it's always available and I do not have to stow a long, wet hose when I leaving town.

Happy camping

[dfandrews]

Here's photos of water items on the needed and/or highly desired list:
We have 10 ft. and a 25 ft. water hoses. We frequently use only the 10' one, occasionally the 25', and once in a while both.
There's a pressure regulator, an in-line filter, a flex connector to take some strain off of connections, and a must-have 90° ell-that gets screwed on to the trailer intake connection, then the hose to it can hang straight down. Also, there's some stop valves: handy just when you need them to keep from getting wet!

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Jane P.

3. Fresh water hoses
...or Teknor zero gravity hose which is much easier to stow. Sorry, but you'll have to find 25' and 10' versions of this hose.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...2e9dc8c0469709

6. Surge Protector
Before you plug into the electrical hook up at any trailer park, test the electricity with your portable surge protector. This is a must have item.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=surge+gua...s_ts-doa-p_1_3

8. Wheel Cocks and leveling blocks
I do not know if Escape includes wheel cocks and/or leveling blocks with the trailer. If not, they will sell them to you. Wheel cocks is a must have item. They keep your trailer from rolling away. You can probably go with whatever Escape offers for this trip.

I suggest you eventually look into more substantial types of wheel cocks when you return home. I use the one's below and they can be used in addition to the plastic ones. You'll need to see if they fit your trailer. If they don't work, you can send them back to Amazon and order another model.

https://www.amazon.com/X-Chock-Wheel...e%2C229&sr=1-4

Some good suggestions. A few comments if I may...

#3 those retractable hoses styled after the Pocket Hose have very high resistance. My experience is you would be better off with a regular hose. Please let me know your experience with them.

#6 Not needed if trailer comes with factory Progressive Industries HW30C EMS option

#8 You correctly stated that X-chocks do not replace actual wheel chocks but compliment them. Plastic chocks have a limited useful life and ours even had an expiration date on them. Much better are rubber chocks like these:
https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-...ock-96479.html

For leveling we have used the Anderson levelers which are nifty. One needs to be trimmed to fit between the wheels on tandem axle trailers.
https://andersenhitches.com/products/camper-leveler

Also we carry a Trailer Aid in case of a flat to quickly change a tire without jacking:
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T...683094889&th=1

[Jane P.]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Some good suggestions. A few comments if I may...

#3 those retractable hoses styled after the Pocket Hose have very high resistance. My experience is you would be better off with a regular hose. Please let me know your experience with them.

#6 Not needed if trailer comes with factory Progressive Industries HW30C EMS option

#8 You correctly stated that X-chocks do not replace actual wheel chocks but compliment them. Plastic chocks have a limited useful life and ours even had an expiration date on them. Much better are rubber chocks like these:
https://www.harborfreight.com/solid-...ock-96479.html

For leveling we have used the Anderson levelers which are nifty. One needs to be trimmed to fit between the wheels on tandem axle trailers.
https://andersenhitches.com/products/camper-leveler

Also we carry a Trailer Aid in case of a flat to quickly change a tire without jacking:
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T...683094889&th=1

Good post.

I have the regular hoses. But wanted to communicate that different type hose is available. Had no idea there are problems with the zero gravity hose.

I was hoping that other posters would present different products for Ted to consider. In the process i’m learning about different things as well.

[tsdanforth]

Thanks for all of the advice. Thought I would have 6 months to accumulate this stuff… Time to use up all of those credit card points!

Ted

[Doug2000]

A 30 amp cord won't do, I carry 3 of them plus the cord out of the trailer. Last summer I had them all stretched out to get power, about 90'.

[tsdanforth]

Also wondering about 30A--> 20A adapters? I understand that the A/C, Fridge, Microwave should be run with 30A, but what if only 15A or 20A is available? Is there a preferred adapter to run on lower amperage circuit?

[Greatboatz3]

Speaking of sewer hoses, I thought I would get by with the ETI hose when I pick up my trailer. When I bought a better hose for my Casita I found it didn't fit in the Casita holder and had to add a long 4.5" x4.5" fence post. Can someone recommend a hose that will fit in the Escape holder. Thanks.
I am ordering the Trailer-Aid lift and the Triflo today.

[richm]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

#3 those retractable hoses styled after the Pocket Hose have very high resistance. My experience is you would be better off with a regular hose.

Would it help if one attached the water pressure regulator at the end of the hose closest to the trailer?



The resistance to flow creates a pressure drop. The regulator near the trailer may negate the effect of the pressure drop on the trailer.



Zero g says their house is"600+ PSI burst rated".

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by tsdanforth

Also wondering about 30A--> 20A adapters? I understand that the A/C, Fridge, Microwave should be run with 30A, but what if only 15A or 20A is available? Is there a preferred adapter to run on lower amperage circuit?

I prefer the dog bone type rather than the cube type. The dog bones hold up longer with less problems such as burned contacts & the loss of ground.

I also carry a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter & usually use it at least once per trip. While campsites with only 50 amp receptacles are rare, they exist. The other reason is often the 30 amp receptacle in a pedestal is in bad shape while the 50 amp is OK. The adapter saves you from having a burned plug on your 30 amp cord.

[DT6]

Some additional comments to these great suggestions. Be careful when cutting the Anderson levelers. You will need to cut one a few inches so it will fit in between the two tires. I highly recommend clamping it down on a work bench before cutting. i cut my with a circular saw while holding it like a 2x4 and that was a big mistake. i got lucky, but could have easily injured myself as the saw kicked back. Clamp it before cutting!

Regarding the pressure regulator - you will need one but we have not been happy with the one that is factory pre-set. Maybe ours is defective, but in any case I'd opt for a few extra $$ and get one that has adjustable pressure settings. Too much pressure can blow out your water lines and it also sprays water from the toilet when flushing.

I have the Harbor Frieght black chalks and they work great and compliment the scissor jacks (which are also a must) - we ALWAYS use both.

Finally - make yourself a hook-up / and set-up / and take-down checklist and follow it religiously until it becomes automatic. I started to drive last week without removing one of my scissor jacks and almost ruined it, as well as almost ruining my day. Was fortunate that someone was nearby to assist getting it removed, and I was able to straighten the handle when I got home. Needless to say I now have my own list!