What I learned at the factory on 1/19/16

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by Bobo

While I appreciate the idea that if a person is paying for an electric hookup then he might as well get his money's worth; however, running an electric water heater 24/7 because you can doesn't seem very earth friendly.

Bob-o

Do you shut off the water heater in your stick built house? The electric side (like the propane side) of the water heater has a thermostat that shuts it off when the water is hot. The tank is well insulated, so the actual on time is minimal.

As to the modification to switch it off & on within the trailer, this is not done to the wiring IN the water heater, but to the wiring TO the water heater. As Jim stated, it will have no effect on the manufacturer's warranty.

[Bobo]

Don't heat my water at home with electricity, too inefficient.

[Greg A]

Then there's the tankless water heaters now that only operate on demand. Thinking about one of those when I replace the house system. I'd like to see those in the RV options someday soon.

[cpaharley2008]

Had one in my Lance, not to practical as they use more water.

[BCnomad]

Not that great Greg. Mine took 30secs + to get hot h2o to tap. Every. Time. Plus it was difficult to get a steady luke warm temp, for say washing the dog.

[Greg A]

Thanks, Bruce,

That's good information.

[Losangeles]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Here is a "smart phone" blue tooth battery monitor, no wiring needed.....Batterycheck - Wireless RV & Marine Battery Management.

does anyone have this?

is it any good?

[cpaharley2008]

I installed it in BlackJack, worked perfect, going to get another one for my 19' Prairie Schooner.

[kstock11]

Does it work when you don't have cell service? Most of my boondocking occurs where there isn't cell coverage.

[cpaharley2008]

It is blue tooth, works all the time.

[The Quilting Lady]

I am also a Blinds lover. Are you installing the Bali Blinds yourself or is ETI?

[Greg A]

Doesn't appear at a glance that it handles 6v batteries

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Greg A

Doesn't appear at a glance that it handles 6v batteries

It treats the dual 6 as one battery, you would need two if you wanted individual specs, which is a little $$...

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by The Quilting Lady

I am also a Blinds lover. Are you installing the Bali Blinds yourself or is ETI?

We're installing them ourselves. Fortunately we're close enough that I don't have to worry about camping for a bit without any window covers. We plan to bring it home (appx 3 hour drive), install the blinds, the bed (Select Comfort) and other goodies and then head out somewhere to test it all out. Can't wait!

We got a $125 credit for not getting their blinds and an additional $10 credit for each valence we're not getting (5 in the 21). Since there are cabinets over each window, we'll be able to install them to the bottoms of them. I've already picked out different colors for each "room" in the trailer. Now to see the inside of the new 21 and measure the windows and figure out the sizes I'll need. Then I can order those as well. Yay!

Once the 2017 21' model is ready for public viewing, I plan to go up, take wads of photos (of course!), as well as taking up one of our smaller blinds to see how they actually look against the walls.

For anyone else thinking about the Bali blinds, I'll be posting about how they look and operate after we get 'em. With lots of photos, of course. So, if you're kind of leery of the idea, wait for some real time usage report before you decide if you want 'em or not. I've only heard of one other Escape owner that had them in their previous trailer. They did say you need to push the blinds all the way up and make sure they don't get lowered while driving (I plan to use a velcro wrap) or else they get trashed.

[Losangeles]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Okay, some (or most, heck if I know!) of you may know these things already, but I didn't. I thought I'd pass these on so others will know.

In no particular order (and of course any listed prices could change):

..... 2. $50.00 to get the white belly band instead of the standard black

....4. Custom countertops - the customer tells ETI what they want and they order it from Pioneer Building Supplies. They'll pick it up from there. I knew that part, but I wasn't aware that ETI orders (and pays for it). I thought the customer ordered and paid for it, so that was a "savings" for us right there. (However, the customer does have to order and pay for custom flooring from Pioneer and they will pick it up.)

.... 10. $10.00 credit for each window valence that you don't want

.....

#2 I'm just curious - what is the reason that a white belly band would cost more to ETI? They always seem very fair.... they must have an additional cost.

#4 so if i want a custom countertop(s) i simply pay ETI the $100 (?) CAD fee and I tell ETI what the different color is, and ETI orders it from Pioneer Building Supply...?
Seems very easy and fair.

#10 How silly would a blind look with NO window valence?

Has anyone done this? (no valance) and could they post pics of how the stock blinds look with no valance?



I dont like the pattered fabric look on the valance.... was thinking of black fabric on valances only.... but how does NO valance look? (with the stock ETI blinds)

thanks.

[The Quilting Lady]

Please keep me informed. I would love to see detail pictures of cabinets handles, medicine cabinet in the bathroom anything really. When do you get your 21 foot?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Losangeles

#2 I'm just curious - what is the reason that a white belly band would cost more to ETI? They always seem very fair.... they must have an additional cost.

Perhaps just purchasing a small quantity of something that they normally buy in large quantities, and for which the price per unit length depends on order size. If the purchased quantity is small enough, waste would be an issue, assuming that a single piece is used for the entire trailer. There's also the hassle of special handling for non-standard trailer.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

There's also the hassle of special handling for non-standard trailer.

And that's a very big deal in a production line. It still amazes me what ETI is willing to do with regard to options.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Perhaps just purchasing a small quantity of something that they normally buy in large quantities, and for which the price per unit length depends on order size. If the purchased quantity is small enough, waste would be an issue, assuming that a single piece is used for the entire trailer. There's also the hassle of special handling for non-standard trailer.

It is actually 4 pieces as I recall seeing several joints.

[Brian B-P]

white belly band:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

It is actually 4 pieces as I recall seeing several joints.

Thanks - no real issue with material waste, then.