Escape 19 purchase and option decisions

[topcatone]

Hello all - potential Escape buyer here...we really want twin beds, and my Toyota FJ Cruiser tows 5000 lb GVWR max. The 19' fits all our needs but would prefer a twin setup..will Escape custom a twin bed configuration?

As well, as I'm completing the build features and options, it is hard to decide on what I need (and understand)...is there a document that has a few words about each feature or option, pro/cons, and owner comments, for us to help decide? Thanks all

[Donna D.]

The closest you'll get to twin beds (separate beds) in a 19' is to turn the front dinette into a bed at night. One sleeps at the rear, the other at the front.

[Doug2000]

The cabinets and benches in the trailer are designed to support the Fibreglass shell. The Fibreglass shell is what it is, it comes out of the mold only one way. Floor plan changes are limited. To adjust for twin beds, the whole floor plan would need to be changed which changes door location and changes trailer balance or tongue weight. So, no to twin beds.

I had a 4Runner to tow my Escape 17B. I can’t imagine towing the 19 with it. My 19 weighs 3900lbs on the CAT scales with full propane tanks, one battery, my 3 empty tanks, AC, small fridge, no solar and basic camp gear, pots and pans, towels, cords, no clothes or any trip specific stuff. Fully loaded the 19 would be over your 5000lbs capacity. It would be ok east of Denver, but not at higher elevation.

[davidmurphy02]

Your sales rep will be happy to go through the build sheet with you, line by line, and explain the options I'm sure.

[salmo7000]

I’ve seen this topic come up before, and I think it’s not something Escape will do because it would require a complete adjustment to the interior. You might want to check out a Casita, I think there is a twin bed option in at least one of their models, and it might be a better fit for your tow vehicle.

As Donna D mentioned, using the front dinette as a bed might be your best option if you really want an Escape. 19. My friends with a 19 who wanted twin beds have made this work well for them. Best of luck finding something that will work for you!

[Dave Walter]

I believe that one of the 21' Escapes has an option for twin beds, but it would not be doable with the 19' without major rework. I towed my 2013 19' for 7 years with an FJ Cruiser and for the past 1 year with a 4Runner with no issues. Although others are using the 4R to tow the 21', my personal choice if I was going to a 21' would be to move up to a tow vehicle with a higher tow capacity.

[cpaharley2008]

I towed my first E19 with an FJC, horrible gas mileage but doable. Once I switched to a Ram 1500 it was night and day feeling........a lot better.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

I believe that one of the 21' Escapes has an option for twin beds,....

FWIW twin beds are not shown for the 21C or 21NE and when I asked in late 2020 about twin bed options I was told ETI offered no option to alter the standard full-size 'permanent' bed but I could specify a custom 'filler board and cushions' for the dinette in either model to make the dinette 'convertible' to a twin-width bed.

YMMV, as already mentioned it's always best to discuss your 'wants' with your ETI salesperson.

[Donna D.]

I have a photo of a 21C where the front double bed was changed to one twin/single. This work was done at the factory. I don't know if they're still willing to do it. A single in the front and changing the dinette in the back to a sleeping space would also work.



Also twins in a 5.0TA

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Centex

FWIW twin beds are not shown for the 21C or 21NE and when I asked in late 2020 about twin bed options I was told ETI offered no option to alter the standard full-size 'permanent' bed but I could specify a custom 'filler board and cushions' for the dinette in either model to make the dinette 'convertible' to a twin-width bed.

YMMV, as already mentioned it's always best to discuss your 'wants' with your ETI salesperson.

Maybe I was thinking of the 23'. LOL. In any case, not something I have any interest in.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I have a photo of a 21C where the front double bed was changed to one twin/single. This work was done at the factory. I don't know if they're still willing to do it.
Attachment 57626

That's a very cool customization for the solo-traveler IMO, thanks for posting.

(methinks room for an 'office' worktop with free-rolling chair if so inclined)

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

Originally Posted by Centex

That's a very cool customization for the solo-traveler IMO, thanks for posting.

(methinks room for an 'office' worktop with free-rolling chair if so inclined)

Hmmm, someone should consider that... ;-)

[Brad-Beth]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I have a photo of a 21C where the front double bed was changed to one twin/single. This work was done at the factory. I don't know if they're still willing to do it. A single in the front and changing the dinette in the back to a sleeping space would also work.
Attachment 57626


Also twins in a 5.0TA
Attachment 57627

That is exactly what I wanted to do with the 21C.

Make that an "L" shape dinette bench and add my own round pedestal table. Now I see that this can be done

It could always be turned back into the full bed with some bracing.

Using the nightstand on the end for the TV. And keep the regular bed in the back.

[jerryandmaria]

I towed my 2016 21 with a Tacoma 4x4 and would get 13 mpg. Finally moved down to a new 17band still getting 14in the mountains of Oregon.

[topcatone]

Any special FJ towing hardware, other than the standard 2" hitch? Stabilizer, sway control, WDH? I.e. can I just hook up the E19 as is, no level issues etc.?

[jerryandmaria]

Get the wdh hitch with sway control. Big trucks passing cause sway. Your springs aren't going to handle the weight even with air bags ( I have them, can attest). The taco 2nd gen engine that I had has more power than my new 3rd gen engine. You should be fine.

[topcatone]

Thanks! To clarify, I have a 2010 FJ.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by topcatone

Any special FJ towing hardware, other than the standard 2" hitch? Stabilizer, sway control, WDH? I.e. can I just hook up the E19 as is, no level issues etc.?

Originally Posted by topcatone

Thanks! To clarify, I have a 2010 FJ.

I towed my 2013 19' for 8 years with my 2011 FJ Cruiser with no issues. I did always use the Escape supplied WD hitch.

[topcatone]

Great...that is very reassuring..don't want to give up my FJ! I plan to keep it forever if it holds up.