NEW MEMBER: 2019 Escape 21

[Riolongo]

After several years of debating the purchase of a trailer we finally decided to take the next step. On June 7 we placed the deposit on a new 2019 Escape 21 trailer, and over the next 5 days completed the "build sheet" to seal the deal.

Many thanks to all forum contributors for providing an abundance of info related to option selections, including opinions on items such as manual or power awning, certainly a hot topic for debate.

We're not sure where, or what type of camping we'll end up doing on a regular basis, but here's a summary of where we ended up in respect to options:

Maple interior: liked the new modern look, not that we wouldn't have been fine with oak.
Two way hot water tank: just made sense.
Foot flush toilet & shut off valve.
Exterior shower: also added a second outside shower on passenger side so that we can setup outdoor kitchen area.
Dual 6V batteries.
1500W Inverter, complete with transfer switch to power all outlets.
170W Solar panel with charge controller: this seemed like a "no brainer" option to us.
Surge protector.
Removable power cord: hopefully we don't lose it, or leave it behind.
Air conditioner: this is the one option we really didn't want, but felt down the road we may feel different, especially when, or if we were to sell the trailer.
Extra insulation and framed windows: we opted for this style of windows as we felt the frameless windows may really restrict airflow in the trailer.
Aluminum rim package: why not.
Manual awning: of all the decisions this one, (well maybe fabric choice), caused us the most concern. We went back on forth on manual vs power, read as many posts as we could, but eventually decided on the manual. Why? Because we live in the Pacific Northwest, and given the variable weather it made sense to us to have the ability for several awning positions to block the wind, rain and sun. I've also read that it may be more difficult to inspect the power awing for debris when storing, including cleaning when necessary. I don't have an opinion on this, just trying to make the best decision based on the information in front of me.
Power tongue jack: one less thing to crank.
Added one exterior hatch under dinette: seemed like the right thing to do for possible storage of our outside kitchen items, really don't know at this point.
Exterior propane quick connect.
Storage box: general opinion on the forum seems to be that this box is very useful, can't disagree.
Converted the bench seat to "U" shaped dinette.
Zamp Solar port: you never know.
Custom fabric.

Well, that's about it, waiting game now as our completion date is not until early September. Lot's to do in the meantime, such as ready my tow vehicle for towing, really just a brake check. We kayak, so that's the reason we stuck with a pull behind as opposed to a 5th wheel as that would limit our options. Also, still need to decide on best choices for accessories such as wheel chocks, sewer hoses, etc.

See you all out on the road!

Mike & Nancy

[Jack L]

Congratulations on your new trailer. Hopefully, I'll be following the same path soon. I hope to order a 19 in the next few months.

[sclifrickson]

Congratulations, and welcome to a world of new possibilities!

You’ve obviously done the research and selected a very nicely appointed setup that will serve you well in a broad range of circumstances. Happy trails!

[Jim Bennett]

Enjoy your new camping accommodation. It will provide you with great services while you head off to enjoy yourselves.

[Allan Bornestig]

Hello Riolongo.
Just went trough your buildsheet.It does make a lot of sense and is very similar to what we ordered.Surprised that you can get your trailer so soon.ETI have really stepped up the production.You are going to love the 21.We have been Escape owners since 2005.
Happy trails.

[sallemann]

Congratulations! We're very close to pulling the trigger on a 21 too. Currently have a 2016 19 (also had a 2005 17), but we just got a puppy... and he's going to be bigger than expected! Time to upgrade... ain't that a darned shame.

Our biggest dilemmas have been framed vs frameless windows, oven or not, and power vs manual awning. Have decided on frameless because they greatly reduce condensation, yes to oven, and jury's still out on power vs manual awning (leaning toward manual).

Good luck and happy trails!

[Riolongo]

We did not opt for an oven or microwave as we plan on doing most of our cooking outside. With a BBQ outside, and most likely a Coleman stove I don't see us using the inside burners much, but you never know. Also, without an oven and microwave we have considerably more storage for items we may actually use.

[sallemann]

Originally Posted by Riolongo

We did not opt for an oven or microwave as we plan on doing most of our cooking outside. With a BBQ outside, and most likely a Coleman stove I don't see us using the inside burners much, but you never know. Also, without an oven and microwave we have considerably more storage for items we may actually use.

Yes, exactly the points that caused our dilemma regarding the stove/oven. (No microwave for us either, BTW.)

Here's what decided it for us in the end: we spend at least 4 months a year (Jan to May - ish) in the Escape, meandering around the southwest... and we cook outside a lot. This year was COLD and we found we didn't spend as much time outside as we normally do. Plus the oven can store some stuff, albeit not the same as a cabinet.

We'll see how it works out... I hope it doesn't turn out to be a very expensive breadbox!!

[cpaharley2008]

You do realize the oven is not self lighting, you have to turn on a pilot light and light it to operate the oven. The stove top, 3 burner is self lighting. I never used the oven in 2 years because of the pilot light which has to be redone every trip if you want to use the oven.

[sallemann]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You do realize the oven is not self lighting, you have to turn on a pilot light and light it to operate the oven. The stove top, 3 burner is self lighting. I never used the oven in 2 years because of the pilot light which has to be redone every trip if you want to use the oven.

WHAT?! Really? What a PITA!! Can't you light the oven directly with a propane lighter without having to light the pilot light? If not, is the pilot a pain to light?

THANK YOU for pointing this out!

[Jack L]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You do realize the oven is not self lighting, you have to turn on a pilot light and light it to operate the oven. The stove top, 3 burner is self lighting. I never used the oven in

And-- In all the stoves I've had in the past,the heat from the stove vents out of the top rear of the stove so if you close the burner cover, just the pilot light generates considerable heat. I have seen two stove covers that were burned because someone forgot to turn the pilot off and wait for a while for a cool down before closing. Also, every RV stove oven I have ever used was very hot in the bottom so the pizza with perfectly melted cheese had a charcoal crust, No stove for me unless I buy a used trailer.

[Vermilye]

I have no problem lighting the pilot light when ever I use the oven. I shut it off when done rather than leaving it on...

[Oldtimer]

It only takes a sec to light the oven

[Vermilye]

[QUOTE=Jack L;294210]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

You do realize the oven is not self lighting, you have to turn on a pilot light and light it to operate the oven. The stove top, 3 burner is self lighting. I never used the oven in

And-- In all the stoves I've had in the past,the heat from the stove vents out of the top rear of the stove so if you close the burner cover, just the pilot light generates considerable heat. I have seen two stove covers that were burned because someone forgot to turn the pilot off and wait for a while for a cool down before closing. Also, every RV stove oven I have ever used was very hot in the bottom so the pizza with perfectly melted cheese had a charcoal crust, No stove for me unless I buy a used trailer.

If you add a stone to the bottom of the oven (this is the one I use) it will even out the heat. I have no problem with pizzas (or blueberry pies).

As to the stove cover, I replaced mine with a cutting board from Camco. It gives you an addition couple of square feet of counter space. I've had no problem with it burning when leaving it in place using the oven. I do run the range vent when bringing the oven up to temperature to keep it from setting off my CO detector), and all the time if it is hot out.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Oldtimer

It only takes a sec to light the oven

With an electric starter ours takes less.

Cost a lot more than an RV range though.

[Fox hunt]

yup we enjoy the oven although i wish i had Jim's fancy oven !!!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

yup we enjoy the oven although i wish i had Jim's fancy oven !!!

Come camping with us Kate, and we will let you cook us dinner in our oven.

[Fox hunt]

great !!! in Mexico!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

great !!! in Mexico!

Deal!

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

I have no problem lighting the pilot light when ever I use the oven. I shut it off when done rather than leaving it on...

Just make sure you’re actually done with the oven before shutting off the pilot. Relighting one while the oven is still hot reminds me of that old board game Operation. But with burn scars instead of a cute buzzer and light bulb nose effect.