17 Build-one year later

[h2owmn]

I'm thinking of the 12 volt outside plug. My 12 v cooler also runs w a 120 plug. Is it better to use one than the other when on shore power? same question, i guess, re charging phone/ipad with a usb plug into 120, or into the 12v. Thanks in advance for the help.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by h2owmn

I'm thinking of the 12 volt outside plug. My 12 v cooler also runs w a 120 plug. Is it better to use one than the other when on shore power? same question, i guess, re charging phone/ipad with a usb plug into 120, or into the 12v. Thanks in advance for the help.

Since most electronic items us DC current, it is more efficient to charge direct for 12v whereas using 120v AC means it eventually converts it back to DC, so some efficiency is lost. Also 120v requires hookups, whereas DC uses your solar and battery.

[Red Dog]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Shelves added in wardrobe: On each side is some 5mm Lauan plywood, with metal shelf standards bolted with flathead bolts from the back. The shelves provide a press-fit on each side of the wardrobe, so nothing moves, but nothing is actually bolted to the trailer.

Thanks Don! You have given me a great idea for our optional full height cabinet on our 21’.

Fred M.

[dashford]

"-2-way hot water tank –No, we found out from ETI that this is really two purchases (at least for A models), that has to include the hot water tank itself, which is part of the exterior shower option. We don't miss it. We heat water on the stove or outside camp stove as needed for washing, cooking, etc."

What exactly does 2-way hot water tank mean? I am assuming in my build that a one-way HW tank would be propane and 2-way means propane + 120v operation? Is the non-upgraded HW tank actually propane + 120v and the term 2-way mean something else?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by dashford

"-2-way hot water tank –No, we found out from ETI that this is really two purchases (at least for A models), that has to include the hot water tank itself, which is part of the exterior shower option. We don't miss it. We heat water on the stove or outside camp stove as needed for washing, cooking, etc."

What exactly does 2-way hot water tank mean? I am assuming in my build that a one-way HW tank would be propane and 2-way means propane + 120v operation? Is the non-upgraded HW tank actually propane + 120v and the term 2-way mean something else?

2-way means propane + 120v operation. The dual mode model used is the Suburban SW6DE. The propane only would be the SW6D.

[AwakenArtemis]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

17A model porta-potty provisions and grey water connections:
The portapotty is on a converted kitchen cutting board, with furniture glides underneath.
The under sink photo shows the entire drain plumbing, running to the hose connection on the exterior, then to the bucket. We use a screen, so no food scraps go down the drain.

I'd love to know exactly what porta-potty you use (assuming you really love this particular model) and what measurements you gave to ETI to allow for such a sweet setup! We are in the middle of compiling our build sheet specs.

And thanks for your detailed review! My husband is especially appreciating your thoughts.

Thanks

[Sabres]

I really appreciate this breakdown. As someone who is looking into a build for an Escape, it is very helpful to see your evolving thought process on what you liked and what you could do without. The photos were great and it was much appreciated.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by AwakenArtemis

I'd love to know exactly what porta-potty you use (assuming you really love this particular model) and what measurements you gave to ETI to allow for such a sweet setup! We are in the middle of compiling our build sheet specs. And thanks for your detailed review! My husband is especially appreciating your thoughts.
Thanks

Ronna,
I'm glad you found the review of value.

We have an old (20+ yrs.) Thetford porta-potty, and it appears that all the newer ones are somewhat taller. But, I am sure that ETI has solutions for A model users with porta-potties. (otherwise, an A model makes much less sense.)

Originally Posted by Sabres

I really appreciate this breakdown.....

Michael,
Glad to help. Now you've got me thinking about a 3 years later review; hmmmm....

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

..... Now you've got me thinking about a 3 years later review; hmmmm....

Well, I just went and reviewed my one year evaluation, and here, 2 years after that, I think everything we decided is working as intended. I did add a shelf over the bed, with 12V and a set of USB outlets for charging phones, etc. The blue thing is a WiFi booster from Jefatech, which works very well. (It's obsolete now, there are newer, latest & greatest, better things on the market).
Edit:

Also, if you are jigsaw puzzle fans, as we and our camping buddies have become, the LED captains reading lights in the corners light up the table bright enough to even solve those 1000 piece buggers.

[Ron in BC]

I don't know if my Jefatech would now be considered obsolete but it sure met or exceeded my expectations.

Ron

[drjp]

Yeah, I wish I'd gotten the exterior 12V for all the reasons you've mentioned. We like our exterior propane hookup, though. A little Weber grill ribs nice off it to cook outside when it's hot.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I don't know if my Jefatech would now be considered obsolete but it sure met or exceeded my expectations.

Ron

Ron, We have the booster with coax to the antenna. Jefatech now has a Cat5 unit with active antenna. Ours works fine, though. All of Jefatech's stuff is.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by drjp

Yeah, I wish I'd gotten the exterior 12V for all the reasons you've mentioned. We like our exterior propane hookup, though. A little Weber grill ribs nice off it to cook outside when it's hot.

I wonder if you can tap off 12V DC under the dinette seat, then to an added exterior outlet. The body shell is easy to drill. The hard part is overcoming the disdain of daring to put a hole in the Escape body.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by drjp

Yeah, I wish I'd gotten the exterior 12V for all the reasons you've mentioned

Originally Posted by dfandrews

I wonder if you can tap off 12V DC under the dinette seat, then to an added exterior outlet. The body shell is easy to drill. The hard part is overcoming the disdain of daring to put a hole in the Escape body.

Not hard to add. I suggest trying to get to a dedicated circuit to the converter 12V board with proper fuse.
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...let-12379.html

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Ron, We have the booster with coax to the antenna. Jefatech now has a Cat5 unit with active antenna. Ours works fine, though. All of Jefatech's stuff is.

Interesting, mine, the little module on the left with 2 green lights, came with a coax on one end and a Cat5 on the other. They told me that I didn't need to use the Cat5 with the type of antenna that I ordered. Mine might be a transition unit.

At any rate it does work really well and even though I never thought that I'd want my own trailer network, it's proven to be surprising handy.

Ron

[Kinoshita]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Not hard to add. I suggest trying to get to a dedicated circuit to the converter 12V board with proper fuse.
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...let-12379.html

What kind of fuse do you suggest, Rubicon?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Kinoshita

What kind of fuse do you suggest, Rubicon?

The Furrion 12V plug is rated at 15 amps and my wiring is oversized because that is what I had on hand (can handle much more). I simply wired it up to an empty slot on the WFCO power center DC board and added a 15 amp ATO/ATC style fuse just like the stock ones.

[Bcescapist]

Thanks for posting, very helpful as we have to finalize the build sheet for next month for our new 17B. We are still trying to make a decision on the windows. Which type do you have, the sliding ones or the ones that open out at the bottom, thanks.

[cpaharley2008]

That would be the frameless awning windows versus the framed sliding windows.

[rangerpo]

Thank you for the information. I will put a deposit for the 17A tomorrow. I like your set up and will use it guide me.