Cooktop options or not?

[bborzell]

After following a thread or two about specifying something other than the standard Suburban cooktop, I came away with the impression that, while some folks had successfully negotiated an alternative to the std cooktop, it appears that such flexibility is now taking a back seat to some increased standardization in service of moving as many people as possible from a 2022 delivery to 2021.

Given that we are in the former category, our desire to get a trailer sooner than currently projected is greater than our lingering memory of a mediocre cooktop that we have seen and used in all its limited glory.

[Centex]

Personally I wouldn't fall victim to generalizations about any 'personalization'. Your actual Build Sheet deadline is a long way off still (I can relate).

My suggestion for your consideration:

• Keep a list of things you would like to have 'built your way' (Excel is your friend )
• Include first, second, and third choices on your list (prioritize and re-prioritize as appropriate)
• Keep refining that list as you follow good ideas on this forum and your thinking 'evolves' (methinks surely it will)
• Don't limit the list based on anything other than your own 'wants'
• When your true "Start of Configuration Stage" commences (4 months prior to completion), then is the time to get serious with your ETI contact and 'nail down' what really is possible at that time pertinent to your trailer

Sure, 'incremental email discussions' with your ETI contact can be helpful for planning purposes, and you may even be able to get a 'commitment' for some of your 'wants' (BTDT) .... but methinks what really matters is what happens in that ~30 day window between "Start of Configuration Stage" and "Confirmation Date/Purchase Agreement" (3 months prior to completion).

There's been a few things that have been politely 'declined' in my 'incremental email discussions', but for myself at least, I keep those on a separate list and have every intention of politely 'revisiting' those things when my formal 'scheduled' configuration discussions finally occur. It can't hurt, there's always a chance things could have changed on ETI's end, we won't know unless we ask / confirm when the time is actually upon us. IMO my ETI contact will be fully understanding / supportive of that approach.

Have Fun during your 'long wait'!

[brroberts]

I’m one of the ones pursuing a different cooktop. I’m now letting it ride to try again when it’s time to work with our configuration specialist. We are still a long way out.

[bborzell]

When I consider the probable outcome had I requested Airstream to install a different cooktop, it is easy to appreciate the degree to which Escape has offered modifications from stock components.

That said, they now find themselves in a mode to supply an unprecedented number of prospective purchasers with trailers and standardization is the most logical path toward that end.

Still, the production scenario is likely to morph several times in dfferent ways as the months pass, so I agree that current day constraints might free up as conditions develop.

[dstreight]

I wonder if Escape would, using propane as an example, stub out the propane line but leave the counter intact (i.e. without a cooktop). Then all you need to do is cut and install the cooktop of your choice. Easy enough assuming Escape would allow you to go this route.

Personally, we're loving the retrofit induction burner I installed in our little 15A; no CO to vent or worry about is one of the many plusses.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by bborzell

Given that we are in the former category, our desire to get a trailer sooner than currently projected is greater than our lingering memory of a mediocre cooktop that we have seen and used in all its limited glory.

We are happy with our stock cooktop. Paired with Convection Microwave, it is far from a mediocre cooking setup.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by dstreight

I wonder if Escape would, using propane as an example, stub out the propane line but leave the counter intact (i.e. without a cooktop). Then all you need to do is cut and install the cooktop of your choice. Easy enough assuming Escape would allow you to go this route.

Personally, we're loving the retrofit induction burner I installed in our little 15A; no CO to vent or worry about is one of the many plusses.

Escape can't stub out the propane line due to code restrictions.

But, unless you order the foam, running the propane line yourself is easy. Copper tubing and compression fittings is all that is needed.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/JMF-3-8-in-...L-Coil/3134487
https://www.lowes.com/pd/B-K-3-8-in-...ing/1000505453

Just tee into the propane line running to the fridge (first pic, tee going to fridge) and run the line across to a hole drilled through the fiberglass bottom of the trailer directly below the location of the cooktop (second pic). Escape covers the copper tubing with plastic wire loom to protect it from road debris.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Split-T.../dp/B00J7RKTDA

If you ordered the spray foam...

[brroberts]

My problem is, I am ordering the foam. Part of the reason for buying the Escape is to get what you want. I do get they can’t accommodate every need. Yes, I agree assembly line demands are putting pressure on the past practice of fairly liberal customization. Also the ownership change affects that. I will see what happens as my build gets closer, but I anticipate customization to decrease and not increase. However, options have also increased and not decreased. Plus, some of what was optional is now standard - although at a cost. I think I waited 2 or three years too long to order, but didn’t need a new RV then. I’ve been following ETI since about 2008 and visited the factory in 2012. You find the best product you can afford for your needs at the time and enjoy it. Nothing’s perfect.

[h2owmn]

That is good advice from Centex.

It's a minor thing but one of my proposed (very simple) requests was denied. I took the item with me and put it on the counter. The installation guys said, "You want this installed?" and I said "Yes." I showed them where and they did it in less than a minute.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by brroberts

My problem is, I am ordering the foam. Part of the reason for buying the Escape is to get what you want. I do get they can’t accommodate every need. Yes, I agree assembly line demands are putting pressure on the past practice of fairly liberal customization. Also the ownership change affects that. I will see what happens as my build gets closer, but I anticipate customization to decrease and not increase. However, options have also increased and not decreased. Plus, some of what was optional is now standard - although at a cost. I think I waited 2 or three years too long to order, but didn’t need a new RV then. I’ve been following ETI since about 2008 and visited the factory in 2012. You find the best product you can afford for your needs at the time and enjoy it. Nothing’s perfect.

You could still do it with the foam but you would have to do some foam carving. It depends on how bad you want that custom cooktop.

[brroberts]

Yes foam carving is an option. There is also some play in the line to the stock cooktop that may be sufficient for my needs. To keep the propane joint outside the trailer you could, if you were willing to have another connection, just tap in on the passenger side up to the the new appliance. I won’t do a delete, so there will be a line. The downside to that is there is a hole in the counter top to deal with in some fashion.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Yes foam carving is an option. There is also some play in the line to the stock cooktop that may be sufficient for my needs. To keep the propane joint outside the trailer you could, if you were willing to have another connection, just tap in on the passenger side up to the the new appliance. I won’t do a delete, so there will be a line. The downside to that is there is a hole in the counter top to deal with in some fashion.

As long as the new cooktop is the same size or bigger than the standard one and is in the location you want, no worries!

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by brroberts

Yes foam carving is an option. There is also some play in the line to the stock cooktop that may be sufficient for my needs. To keep the propane joint outside the trailer you could, if you were willing to have another connection, just tap in on the passenger side up to the the new appliance. I won’t do a delete, so there will be a line. The downside to that is there is a hole in the counter top to deal with in some fashion.

As I've posted before Escape did not run copper into my trailer for the cooktop.

The copper terminated under the trailer. From that point on their is a single rubber propane hose (Part I6C72FS6FS6 - 3/8 ID, 3/8 FS X 3/8 FS, 72") from under the trailer that runs to the cooktop.


Sorry the photo doesn't show the copper prior to the hose connection. It's cold and wet outside so I was just sticking my cellphone under the trailer to take the photo.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

As I've posted before Escape did not run copper into my trailer for the cooktop.

The copper terminated under the trailer. From that point on their is a single rubber propane hose (Part I6C72FS6FS6 - 3/8 ID, 3/8 FS X 3/8 FS, 72") from under the trailer that runs to the cooktop.

Attachment 52812
Sorry the photo doesn't show the copper prior to the hose connection. It's cold and wet outside so I was just sticking my cellphone under the trailer to take the photo.

Wow! You're trailer is much cleaner than mine!

I noticed that Escape is now using a hose assembly to do the final propane connections when helping a friend that has a 2020 where before they ran copper directly to the device. It sure makes it easier to connect /disconnect the fittings!

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

Wow! You're trailer is much cleaner than mine!

I noticed that Escape is now using a hose assembly to do the final propane connections when helping a friend that has a 2020 where before they ran copper directly to the device. It sure makes it easier to connect /disconnect the fittings!

I picked up my trailer in Sumas, WA on September 8.

[brroberts]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

As long as the new cooktop is the same size or bigger than the standard one and is in the location you want, no worries!

Of course it’s no on both accounts! :0)

[Buzz505]

I would like to pick ours up in Dumas. Was there a problem getting it home without a tag?

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by loessn@comcast.net

I would like to pick ours up in Dumas. Was there a problem getting it home without a tag?

We didn't have any problem.

[David Hendrickson]

I've ordered ours without a cooktop. ETI will leave the counter as is and i will cut the hole and install a K&H unit.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by David Hendrickson

I've ordered ours without a cooktop. ETI will leave the counter as is and i will cut the hole and install a K&H unit.

Are they running the propane line to the cooktop area and capping it off?