Hi everyone,
It's Mike and Donna from Porter, TX and we are glad to be a part of this forum. We started camping 40 or so years ago with our Coleman popup. It was a great way to for us to get to spend some quality time with our kids and to introduce them to nature. Spend alot of time camping in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee with our pop-up. Many great memories. As the kids got older we got in to tent camping which we enjoyed as well. As we have gotten quite a bit older we are now looking for a few more amenities, mainly a comfortable bed and easy access to a restroom in the middle of the night.
We have been looking at quite a few trailers and had settled on the fiberglass eggl type. Was looking hard at the Casita's as they are just a 3 hour drive from us but we don't really care for the carpeted walls and would prefer to have a bit more space. We read many reviews and for the best quality at a price we can afford we have decided to order the 2017 19 ft Escape. Our build date should be around the middle of August 2017.
We are just getting started on the process of completing our build sheet. Hope to be able to make it to one of the rallies so we can check out some of the options our fellow campers have selected. We will definitely be getting the AC option, as we are living in Texas (Houston area). Also considering the frameless thermal windows with upgraded insulation. Solar, storage bin and an outside shower are other options we are considering. Hope everyone has a nice day and once again let me say that we are glad to be a new member in the Escape forum.
You've made a great decision with the 19. We chose it for much the same reason you did. Of course, AC is a given as the first option, but there are so many more to consider. Have fun with your build sheet.
As long time tent campers as you were, I can tell you that camping in the 19 is a world apart. We love the queen bed, the 2 door fridge, the wet bath and so many other features.
Like you we initially considered a Casita 17, but the lack of response from Casita as well as the fewer customization options steered us to Escape and the rest was history.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
You've made a great decision with the 19. We chose it for much the same reason you did. Of course, AC is a given as the first option, but there are so many more to consider. Have fun with your build sheet.
As long time tent campers as you were, I can tell you that camping in the 19 is a world apart. We love the queen bed, the 2 door fridge, the wet bath and so many other features.
Like you we initially considered a Casita 17, but the lack of response from Casita as well as the fewer customization options steered us to Escape and the rest was history.
Hi, neighbor nice to see a fellow Texan on here. We have a while to wait (a whole year) but know the time will go by quickly. Seems the older you get the faster the hands on the clock turn so we just gotta do the best we can with the time we have.
They may not need the AC up there in BC but down here it's not really an option, it's a must have. If you have any recommendations on other options I would be glad to hear them.
Hi, neighbor nice to see a fellow Texan on here. We have a while to wait (a whole year) but know the time will go by quickly. Seems the older you get the faster the hands on the clock turn so we just gotta do the best we can with the time we have.
They may not need the AC up there in BC but down here it's not really an option, it's a must have. If you have any recommendations on other options I would be glad to hear them.
There are quite a few Escapes in Texas now. Within just 20 miles of us I know of 3, and there are several in other parts of Texas as well. Getting more and more popular. At the Bluebonnet Rally last year in Bandera, Reace and Tammy attended along with Tammy's parents. I know of at least 3 Casita owners who purchased an Escape as a result of seeing them at that rally. They kind of sell themselves.
As for options I highly recommend the storage box on the tongue. Very very useful. I also like the Solar setup, as it provides plenty of power when boondocking and it also keeps the batteries in top shape when the trailer is not in use. Along with the solar option, the dual 6v batteries will provide you more amp hours.
To be honest, a stock Escape with just the AC option would be super for most people. The rest is based on YOU. Best advice I've gotten is to make it yours, and make it fit your camping style.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
We picked up our 21 on July 6- which was a deal fell through model. There were a lot of options on it that I probably wouldn't have chosen like: high lift axel, cubbies next to the door, the stereo, the a/c, extra outside storage, u bench seat, surge protector, dual batteries, solar panel and front storage box and the tv antenna. After spending 3 weeks camping on the Olympic Peninsula, I have found that the more stuff you add, the better. Especially if you plan on selling down the road.The only option that I would do without is the tv antenna.
jerry
Welcome! You will probably know what you want from your extensive experience, so that helps a lot with the build sheet. Bathroom for the middle of the night was definitely one of our biggies. We just spent months in Texas and the A/C was used for much of the time. We had almost never used it previously but really needed it this time!
Plenty of people here to answer questions. Have fun picking the options.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike & Donna
Hi everyone,
It's Mike and Donna from Porter, TX and we are glad to be a part of this forum. We started camping 40 or so years ago with our Coleman popup. It was a great way to for us to get to spend some quality time with our kids and to introduce them to nature. Spend alot of time camping in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee with our pop-up. Many great memories. As the kids got older we got in to tent camping which we enjoyed as well. As we have gotten quite a bit older we are now looking for a few more amenities, mainly a comfortable bed and easy access to a restroom in the middle of the night.
We have been looking at quite a few trailers and had settled on the fiberglass eggl type. Was looking hard at the Casita's as they are just a 3 hour drive from us but we don't really care for the carpeted walls and would prefer to have a bit more space. We read many reviews and for the best quality at a price we can afford we have decided to order the 2017 19 ft Escape. Our build date should be around the middle of August 2017.
We are just getting started on the process of completing our build sheet. Hope to be able to make it to one of the rallies so we can check out some of the options our fellow campers have selected. We will definitely be getting the AC option, as we are living in Texas (Houston area). Also considering the frameless thermal windows with upgraded insulation. Solar, storage bin and an outside shower are other options we are considering. Hope everyone has a nice day and once again let me say that we are glad to be a new member in the Escape forum.
Mike & Donna
__________________
Cathy. Floating Cloud
"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.... "
Emerson
Bathroom for the middle of the night was definitely one of our biggies. We just spent months in Texas and the A/C was used for much of the time. We had almost never used it previously but really needed it this time!
I think this statement is a BIGGIE. Don't plan your future based on your past. Think about what/where you want your future to be/or experience! I'm hoping to never go backward, but forward. YMMV
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,259
Onward ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D.
I think this statement is a BIGGIE. Don't plan your future based on your past. Think about what/where you want your future to be/or experience! I'm hoping to never go backward, but forward. YMMV
I'd like to go back to dollar pitchers and $.35 shots.
Dave
I'd like to go back to dollar pitchers and $.35 shots.
Dave
hahhahha, I'm old enough to remember those prices. $5 on Mondays (NFL on broadcast) and you could get $hit-faced. Those 35 cent shots were for outtta the well... luv getting older, those memories are PRICELESS!
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Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
I think this statement is a BIGGIE. Don't plan your future based on your past. Think about what/where you want your future to be/or experience! I'm hoping to never go backward, but forward. YMMV
Yes, that is one of your favorite statements and it is one of the most difficult for buyers to figure out. Canadians often omit the A/C. They may not realize that, if they venture into the U.S. in summer, it is likely to be hot as heck almost anywhere they go. The whole mid-Atlantic becomes very hot and humid, and I can remember it being awful even on Cape Cod time and again in September. We did not get the A/C for Texas but for Iowa because, even far north, there will be plenty of hot days. Go down south and it becomes ridiculous.
Quite a few Canadian buyers have ended up on trips to southern Arizona or Texas or Florida or even California where they would do well to have A/C. If you are just barely able to get yourself an Escape money-wise, you can have it wired and it will be A/C-ready for later as I know you have done, Donna. Escapes were not A/C-ready early on, as they all are now, so that is a real advantage.
The other item that many buyers want is extra insulation for the same reason. It helps to keep out heat in summer and cold in winter.
__________________
Cathy. Floating Cloud
"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.... "
Emerson
Trying to figure out the future is AWFUL or at least difficult Cathy. When I worked on my build sheet for Ten Forward, I tried to figure out my future. At the time, I thought "shoot, I'm working and vacation is tough and my long term camping trips will be limited." THEN I remembered that ALL appliances have a "limited" warranty." In the case of the air conditioner... a year. For ME, the chances of using the A/C and give it a real work out... really limited.
I'm fortunate, I live about 6-7 hours from ETI. So during my build, I thought... put the wiring IN now. When the time comes, I'll drive up to ETI and tell R&T... put the A/C on now! Then the warranty starts. I didn't/don't want an appliance as expensive an air conditioner to sit and not be used. YMMV
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Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
You might otta get the Texas Fridge fan option too
We were told that it was no longer needed and not available when we ordered. They have since gone back to it, I take it. Our two-door worked just fine in 95-100F with no changes to the refrigerator.
__________________
Cathy. Floating Cloud
"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.... "
Emerson
Hi Mike and Donna: I live in Austin and have a 21 on order that will be ready in July next year. It may be some time in August before I go and get it. So I might just see you guys there.
You might otta get the Texas Fridge fan option too
Will have to do some research on that and go from there. There is a reason Escape brought it back after discontinuing the option. Just need to find out what it was.
Quote:
Originally Posted by James Gang
Hi Mike and Donna: I live in Austin and have a 21 on order that will be ready in July next year. It may be some time in August before I go and get it. So I might just see you guys there.
Our son lived in the Austin area for many years (Pflugerville). Guess you are in the same boat as me, trying to figure what options to add/delete. We plan on going up to get ours as well. It will be a fun trip.
YMMV
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