Captain’s Lights w/USB Ports

bborzell · 09-09-2021, 12:32 PM

As we were finishing up our build sheet for 10/29/21 pickup in Sumas, we were told that new builds were getting Captain’s lights with USB charge ports built in. Since we had spec’ed four over the dinette and two in the bed area (21C), we held off on doing any wall mount USB ports.

Beginning to hear of folks who got mid August deliveries and no USB ports on the Captain’s lights. Wondering if anyone with a post mid August delivery got the USB lights?

IanC · 09-09-2021, 12:52 PM

That's a nice little upgrade. Thanks for letting us know. Mine is scheduled for Dec 2021, so can't confirm.

Centex · 09-09-2021, 01:16 PM

FWIW my 5.0 in production during the period from July 23 to August 18, 2021 does not have USB ports in the Captain's lights that come standard in the bed-loft of that model. I did not order any optional lights.

sofmerc · 09-09-2021, 03:55 PM

I asked Linda month ago about these,she said they were now standard on the captains lights

bborzell · 09-09-2021, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofmerc

I asked Linda month ago about these,she said they were now standard on the captains lights

I have been following responses to my question on the Facebook Escape Owners page. So far, deliveries from mid August through September 6th report no USB ports on the lights.

sofmerc · 09-09-2021, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

I have been following responses to my question on the Facebook Escape Owners page. So far, deliveries from mid August through September 6th report no USB ports on the lights.

if a trailer was delivered sept 6, its been in the build stage for several months. The only thing I can think of is check with ETI. I asked because if I was going to get USB on the lights, I didn't need additional 12 volt drops.

bborzell · 09-09-2021, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofmerc

if a trailer was delivered sept 6, its been in the build stage for several months. The only thing I can think of is check with ETI. I asked because if I was going to get USB on the lights, I didn't need additional 12 volt drops.

There is a lack of clarity over whether a decision was made months ago to use the USB version or whether ETI is simply using whatever lights they can get their hands on.

Some owners did report receiving the USB version, but subsequent deliveries are without the USB.

sofmerc · 09-09-2021, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

There is a lack of clarity over whether a decision was made months ago to use the USB version or whether ETI is simply using whatever lights they can get their hands on.

Some owners did report receiving the USB version, but subsequent deliveries are without the USB.

again, checking with ETI would be the prudent thing..

bborzell · 09-09-2021, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofmerc

again, checking with ETI would be the prudent thing..

I have asked the same question of ETI for months. The prudent thing seems to be to adk folks who have been picking up new trailers what they got.

If the USB ports were now standard, we would be seeing them on new builds.

sofmerc · 09-09-2021, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

I have asked the same question of ETI for months. The prudent thing seems to be to adk folks who have been picking up new trailers what they got.

If the USB ports were now standard, we would be seeing them on new builds.

Why not ask ETI whats going to be on your build? I don't care whats on other peoples build. If they say your getting the USB version, get it in writing... That is, if you want them. Some people may not want them

**Donna D.** · 09-09-2021, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sofmerc

Why not ask ETI whats going to be on your build? I don't care whats on other peoples build. If they say your getting the USB version, get it in writing... That is, if you want them. Some people may not want them

I whole-heartily agree with this. We're reading too many posts where people didn't get things in writing from ETI and are upset or disappointed. Send ETI an email. It's easy. And it's always best to not assume...

bborzell · 09-09-2021, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I whole-heartily agree with this. We're reading too many posts where people didn't get things in writing from ETI and are upset or disappointed. Send ETI an email. It's easy. And it's always best to not assume...

So are you saying that it is inappropriate to ask people who have recently received trailers whether the feature that has been described for months by ETI as standard is actually being delivered?

I have been in frequent contact with ETI and have been repeatedly been told that all new trailers have the new Lights/USB ports. For that reason, I did not order wall mount USB. My trailer is due to be built soon and if the USB port lights are hit and miss, I need to know that . Virtually all responses I have received from owners with recent deliveries have indicated no USB lights.

It appears that ETI folks who work on configuration are being told something that is not playing out in the real world.

I am not asking for advice on how to communicate with the builder, I was asking for feedback from recent owners.

If asking new owners for feedback to confirm components is a problem on this forum, then this forum is losing a large part of its potential value to new Escape purchasers, in my view.

diannelgraham · 09-09-2021, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

So are you saying that it is inappropriate to ask people who have recently received trailers whether the feature that has been described for months by ETI as standard is actually being delivered?

I have been in frequent contact with ETI and have been repeatedly been told that all new trailers have the new Lights/USB ports. For that reason, I did not order wall mount USB. My trailer is due to be built soon and if the USB port lights are hit and miss, I need to know that . Virtually all responses I have received from owners with recent deliveries have indicated no USB lights.

It appears that ETI folks who work on configuration are being told something that is not playing out in the real world.

I am not asking for advice on how to communicate with the builder, I was asking for feedback from recent owners.

If asking new owners for feedback to confirm components is a problem on this forum, then this forum is losing a large part of its potential value to new Escape purchasers, in my view.

If you look at the build sheet it doesn’t say anything about captains lights with USB charging.I asked Escape this same question on if this was a standard feature now and was told yes as long as the supply chain for this light didn’t fall apart, apparently it must have. Escape along with other manufacturers are having trouble with a multitude of components and I’m surprised they still are pumping out trailers. If you want a direct question post on Escape’s form so you can get an answer from the horses mouth.

**Donna D.** · 09-09-2021, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborzell

So are you saying that it is inappropriate to ask people who have recently received trailers whether the feature that has been described for months by ETI as standard is actually being delivered?

If asking new owners for feedback to confirm components is a problem on this forum, then this forum is losing a large part of its potential value to new Escape purchasers, in my view.

You are welcome to ask any question you wish of new owners or those that have owned their trailer for years.

BUT, we have no control over anything ETI does or changes on anyone's trailer and as we've found out, change can happen quickly. No one affiliated with ETI responds to this forum.

IMHO if it's important to you, it should be important enough to correspond directly with ETI. Don't want to see you disappointed because someone got something you didn't.

kathytony1985 · 09-09-2021, 10:50 PM

On the build sheet, top of page 3, is the following statement:
"From time to time, and as part of continuous product development, Escape Trailer Industries will update components when necessary. Whilst we will attempt to communicate
such changes, Escape Trailer Industries retains the right to update components without notifying the customer. "
ETI is relying on an ever fluctuating supply chain, as are other manufacturers. If I were you, I would add the USB to the build sheet, and ask to be notified when they are going to begin your build if they are still needed, or if the lights have them then ask that yours be removed from the build sheet.

Our trailer is being delivered next week. I will let you know what we receive.

Hawkeye Ed · 09-09-2021, 11:45 PM

Do a quick online Google search for "12 volt 12V reading lamp light USB" and then click Images. You'll see literally dozens of "captain's lights." Most are in the $25-$35 range featuring USB, dimming, LED bulbs, night lights, and all sorts of features.

Note that most of these lights with USB ports don't go into much detail about the type of USB port or how much power the ports deliver. Most of them are simple low-power USB-A ports that will take several hours to charge your phone. Many reading light circuits aren't designed for the high power draw of the latest versions of USB ports.

If you're looking for something that will keep your phone charged overnight, these reading lights with USB are fine; otherwise look elsewhere. For comparison, it's not unusual for the latest USB-C chargers to draw 8-10 amps each. You probably wouldn't want to have one of those on an RV lighting circuit that is designed for a few reading lights rated at a couple of amps each.

WillyB · 09-10-2021, 05:09 AM

FWIW.

A portable "brick style" cell phone charger is a cheap and easy setup to use for your phone. I have one that will charge my iPhone 8 from dead to full charge twice.

Plus, it will hold a charge sitting in a drawer for months.

Super Easy - Super Cheap - Works like a charm!

UncleTim · 09-10-2021, 05:54 AM

I wonder if I could change out my old fixture to one that offers USB charging and maybe even a dimmer?

Does this require a thicker gauge wire to accommodate the additional electricity that will be called for?

I would like to consider this.

I agree on the charging blocks. We have three of them and a 500 wh battery. We use them all during extended no electricity trips.

azjack · 09-10-2021, 11:08 AM

We have had three different doors show up on our trailers, all were fine. On our 5th wheel I found additions on the drain pipes of which I had previously done myself. I still find little changes I recognize and like. Someone is thinking about improvements.
AZjack

tdf-texas · 09-10-2021, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleTim

I wonder if I could change out my old fixture to one that offers USB charging and maybe even a dimmer?

Does this require a thicker gauge wire to accommodate the additional electricity that will be called for?

I would like to consider this.

I agree on the charging blocks. We have three of them and a 500 wh battery. We use them all during extended no electricity trips.

Sure. Here's one that is dimmable and has the USB port.

https://www.amazon.com/Glass-Shade-D.../dp/B07JNR5TPZ

It pulls about 3/4 amp when the light is on and charging so the existing wiring to the reading lights is fine.

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