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Old 06-12-2014, 06:55 PM   #1
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6,500 miles in an Escape 21

After towing close to 7,000 miles over past 3 weeks, the following are some of my observations. Using my 2009 Dodge Ram Hemi as a tow, I averaged 11.5 mpg going out to Osoyoos via I70 and I15 thru the Rockies. Returning via I90 and I80 and I70 I'm averaging 13 mpg. I tow in the "tow mode" without activating cruise control. I'm using an Andersen hitch set up and have had no issues with sway nor noise.
We stayed mainly in KOA and rest areas and there has always been plenty of battery at night time. Iowa has the cleanest and nicest rest areas with Illinois second.
Our favorite part, other than the rally in Osoyoos, was the upper Idaho peninsula and Montana, both beautiful places.
The Escape towed wonderfully, the refer stayed between 38-45 and the freezer from 1-11 degrees, all on propane the entire trip. Sometimes we were in the mid 80's but always cooler in the night times, sometimes even had to turn on furnace. Warning, do not drive behind a manure hauler, the truck and trailer was covered with flies until I could wash the stuff off.
Had the trailer weighed, 3300 on front axle, 3800 on rear axle and the trailer weighed 3800#. My tongue weight is about 425#. The trailer/truck was loaded for the 3 week trip with bike and mats in the truck, full refer and freezer, fresh water 2/3 full, used grey and black enroute and both were 2/3 before dumping.
Most important tool, a broom for daily sweeps of the floor and mats and getting the awning clean as well as removing the manure off the trailer front.
Would I do it again, definitely!! The memories were priceless and I got to meet a lot of forum members here who took the time to introduce themselves at the rally and even helped save a life, but that is another story. Tomorrow we arrive home!
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Old 06-12-2014, 07:04 PM   #2
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Sounds like a wonderful trip!
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Old 06-12-2014, 07:05 PM   #3
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Hoo Hah, Jim!
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Old 06-12-2014, 07:14 PM   #4
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Nice write-up Jim. Sorry I missed the rally, hope to meet you in the future!
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Old 06-12-2014, 08:04 PM   #5
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Although you were not physically present, Donna, you were the topic of some conversations, so in a way you were there!
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Old 06-12-2014, 08:15 PM   #6
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Although you were not physically present, Donna, you were the topic of some conversations, so in a way you were there!
Hi: cpaharley2008... Yes I recall hearing the name now you mention it. Some nice folks we met in the Home Hardware in Osoyoos said to say HELLO!!!
So far I think I've had my fill of mountains and foot hills. There really is something to be said for the Great Lakes Region of Ontario. Alf
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Old 06-12-2014, 08:21 PM   #7
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It was great to meet you and Noelle, Jim. Glad you are having a great trip home!
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Old 06-12-2014, 08:24 PM   #8
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It was great to meet you and Noelle, Jim. Glad you are having a great trip home!
Thanks, we look forward to next years rally and seeing you and everyone again and some new faces.
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Old 06-12-2014, 08:28 PM   #9
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I now understand why Donna loves Oregon, very pretty state and they pump your gas for you !!
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Old 06-12-2014, 10:58 PM   #10
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Glad to Meet You

Jim & Noelle,
Sharon and I were really glad to meet you and we had a great time with you and Noelle as neighbors. I sent you the site for that dog harness but it looks like it might only be for the back legs.

Glad to hear you made it home safely and that you both had a great time. Sharon and I both enjoyed both of your company,

Take care.

Ron & Sharon
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Old 06-12-2014, 11:16 PM   #11
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Jim, it sounds like you had a great trip. 6,500 miles is a decent shakout trip for your new 21' and I'm glad everything worked well for you. Next time I recommend that you blend a little fishing with the trip along the way and take your time coming across...it really helps me avoid altitude sickness...

Steve
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Old 06-13-2014, 05:43 AM   #12
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Jim, it sounds like you had a great trip. 6,500 miles is a decent shakout trip for your new 21' and I'm glad everything worked well for you. Next time I recommend that you blend a little fishing with the trip along the way and take your time coming across...it really helps me avoid altitude sickness...

Steve
Hi:hotfishtacos... It always helps if there are no commitments at home to hurry up your trip. Our limiting factor is Out of Country Health Insurance. 30 days unless I pay a whopping amount of $$$'s for more time. I know Jim has others to look after when at home.
Just sat thru a noisy thunder storm in Great Falls Montana. Hope the weather is better in Yellowstone N.Pk.
My nice new 5.0TA looks a fright after a week of tugging thru the mountains. Alf
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Old 06-13-2014, 05:44 AM   #13
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Thanks Ron and Sharon, and Gabi and Wolf, both great neighbors. Hope "Spike" is healing well!!
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Old 06-13-2014, 08:08 AM   #14
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Thanks for the write up. I have a 21' on order and was interested in a real world tongue weight.
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Old 06-13-2014, 08:46 AM   #15
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Great info Jim,

Do I understand correctly that the total weight of your trailer loaded for the trip was 3800 lbs? Also how did your Bluetooth with your TV work out? Our build sheet is due July 1 and we are down to final decisions. Anything you would change if you had the chance? Front window? Would you do folding mini tables again?

We are going to pick it up and I can't wait.
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Old 06-13-2014, 10:27 AM   #16
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Jim - great to meet you and Noelle (and to make sure that Donna was represented 'in spirit'). Glad you had a safe trip.

D&K
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Old 06-13-2014, 03:16 PM   #17
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Button up kids, predictions for snow in parts of western MT and high elevations south. Storms last night were rather nasty but we need the rain bad!

Sherry in Helena, MT
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Old 06-17-2014, 10:34 AM   #18
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Great info Jim,

Do I understand correctly that the total weight of your trailer loaded for the trip was 3800 lbs? Also how did your Bluetooth with your TV work out? Our build sheet is due July 1 and we are down to final decisions. Anything you would change if you had the chance? Front window? Would you do folding mini tables again?

We are going to pick it up and I can't wait.
Yes, 3800 plus the t/w is about 4200 lbs.total. I'm in the process of eliminating some "Stuff" as I have 2-3 of certain items, need to "slim" down about 200 lbs.. Love the mini tables, in fact I got a third one. Do not miss the front window. Did not try the bluetooth and TV, in fact we never turned it on until the last night.
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Old 06-17-2014, 10:40 AM   #19
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Glad to hear my guess on weight of the 21 was pretty close. I figured on 4000-4300 lbs going down the road loaded.
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Old 06-17-2014, 10:59 AM   #20
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Hi Jim,
I would love to see a pic of the way you have your u-shape set up with the MINI-TABLES. Bob is perfectly happy with the table as is, but I'd like to explore options. Thanks, Sue
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