Advice for New Escape 19

[Oldtimer]

I’m a lucky one I guess when putting our baby to bed I get out the tractor put the ball on the front loader n push away thank goodness my backing skills and eye site aren’t what the use to be ughhhh. Better half help a lot n just laughs at me when I don’t listen correctly

[Martin Cramer]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Martin, did you get the electric awning that is built in or the manual that is attached to the side and sticks out? Makes a difference if you are talking in inches.

I have the manual awning as they stopped offering the electric. I think that makes it a little tighter still. I think l'll have 6 inches each side.

[Martin Cramer]

Thanks for the advice I think that’s the route we'll go. Trailer Valet sells an XL deluxe version with an extra bracket that clamps to the trailer jack to provide extra support, likely for the problem you mention. You can purchase it separately to ad to an older XL.

[Bea]

Originally Posted by Martin Cramer

I have the manual awning as they stopped offering the electric. I think that makes it a little tighter still. I think l'll have 6 inches each side.

Sorry to hear they are no longer offering the electric awning. Since the manual one ETI offers adds a few more inches to the width to your trailer, another option you may want to consider is to forgo ETI's manual awning and have a different one installed later. There are other awning makes and models out there that I think would fit nicely on top in that perfect little awning groove that wouldn't add much, if any width to your trailer. Perhaps a wall mount Carefree Freedom awning (instead of ETI's Carefree Fiesta awning) might work better for you? Just a thought. Good luck!!!
https://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/p...all-mount.html

[Farther]

Originally Posted by Martin Cramer

I have the manual awning as they stopped offering the electric. I think that makes it a little tighter still. I think l'll have 6 inches each side.

The power awing is still on the options list as Power Awning (Dometic 9500E).

[Eggscape]

The power awning is still available as the ETI web page shows.
However it might of not been available for a few weeks when Martin was ordering.

[Doug & Betty]

Thank you for the head's up on this. I'll look into it.

[lloydjdorsey@gmail.com]

. . . and when backing, hold your hand(s) at bottom of steering wheel. Using your side mirrors to judge, move the steering wheel slightly in the direction (left or right) you want the trailer to move. Left is left, right is right. Easier (IMO) than holding your hand(s) at or near the top of the steering wheel. Enjoy.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Bea

Good point gbaglo! My husband and I almost always travel together and the passenger talks on the radio (when we travel with friends)...however, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked a policeman about it last year (here in California) since I occasionally tow alone and he said that if the 2-way radio does not have a 'cell phone' feature on the device, then it is legal for the driver to use. He said truckers do it all the time, however, this policeman is my one and only data point on this so regardless, rules are different everywhere so let's all drive safe and let the passenger do the talking...unless we're backing up!!

Bea,
IMHO, don't use your 2-way radio while driving in Calif., unless it's hands-free voice activated.

CA Vehicle Code sec. 23123.5:
23123.5.

(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while driving.
(b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the vehicle.
(c) A handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device may be operated in a manner requiring the use of the driver’s hand while the driver is operating the vehicle only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on a vehicle’s windshield in the same manner a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) is mounted pursuant to paragraph (12) of subdivision (b) of Section 26708 or is mounted on or affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s view of the road.
(2) The driver’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Martin Cramer

....
Lastly I need to get a brake controller. I want to get a proportional controller and have been looking at the Tekonsha P3. There appear to be lots of options but online accounts lead me to believe that I wouldn’t go wrong with a P3. Once again I’d be happy for any advice.
.......

P3 is a great choice.

[Bea]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Bea,
IMHO, don't use your 2-way radio while driving in Calif., unless it's hands-free voice activated.

CA Vehicle Code sec. 23123.5:
23123.5.

(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while driving.
(b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the vehicle.
(c) A handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device may be operated in a manner requiring the use of the driver’s hand while the driver is operating the vehicle only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on a vehicle’s windshield in the same manner a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) is mounted pursuant to paragraph (12) of subdivision (b) of Section 26708 or is mounted on or affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s view of the road.
(2) The driver’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger.

Hey Don & Teresa, Appreciate you taking the time to look up the fine print. Your data point is far superior to mine! Great clarification/reminder for us all...thanks!