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04-22-2017, 07:35 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Vonore, Tennessee
Trailer: 2018 Escape 21 - "Here We Go Again"
Posts: 83
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Escape 21 options?
We are considering the Escape 21. We have looked through the available options and wonder what recommendations would owners make in addition to:
2 - Way Hot Water Tank
Removable Power Cord
Air Conditioner with Digital Thermostat
TV/Cable Ready with 120V Outlet
Power Tongue Jack
Storage Box (Front of Trailer)
Convert Bench Seat to U Shaped Dinette
E2 - Integrated Sway Control and Weight Distribution Hitch
Wall Mount Extendable TV Arm (For 15" - 22" TVs)
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04-22-2017, 07:52 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
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My number one option is the thermal windows and added wall insulation. Whether you are keeping the heat in or out, it helps a lot. Keeps noise levels from outside down a bit too.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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04-22-2017, 08:13 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Denison, Texas
Trailer: 2015 21'; 2011 19' sold; 4Runner; ph ninezero3 327-27ninefour
Posts: 5,136
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Yes, we highly recommend insulation also, as it is a problem to add later. In addition, we have the spray foam underneath. Did not know that we would be in Texas at the time we bought our 21' and so glad we have all of the insulation we could get, to help with the heat.
Of course, the insulation options cost a bundle and people do what they can do. Your other options look good. Detachable power cord has caused problems for several people and the ones who like it often put it in themselves. Often for the cool factor.
__________________
Cathy. Floating Cloud
"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.... "
Emerson
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04-22-2017, 08:17 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
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Do not forget the Progressive EMS that protects your electrical systems inside, the frameless windows are opening in the rear now vs the stock so around your "U" dinette would be nice and breezy. In my 21 I had the tv ready in 2 locations, dinette and by the bed. Good luck....
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
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04-22-2017, 10:22 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
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Quote:
Originally Posted by float5
Detachable power cord has caused problems for several people and the ones who like it often put it in themselves. Often for the cool factor.
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Say what?
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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04-22-2017, 10:28 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: North of Danbury, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2018 Escape 21C
Posts: 3,033
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jim bennett
say what?
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what !
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04-22-2017, 10:41 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SLO County, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21C 2019 Expedition
Posts: 5,210
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What is your tow vehicle and how do you like to camp?
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04-22-2017, 10:52 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: no fixed address, California
Trailer: 2017-21' Escape (sold) Casita 17' (sold)
Posts: 1,348
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossue
What is your tow vehicle and how do you like to camp?
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both great questions, especially "how do you like to camp"
we like to get away from the crowds, so for us dual solar panels on the roof plus dual 6v batteries were key.
john
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04-22-2017, 10:55 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by float5
Yes, we highly recommend insulation also, as it is a problem to add later. In addition, we have the spray foam underneath. Did not know that we would be in Texas at the time we bought our 21' and so glad we have all of the insulation we could get, to help with the heat.
Of course, the insulation options cost a bundle and people do what they can do. Your other options look good. Detachable power cord has caused problems for several people and the ones who like it often put it in themselves. Often for the cool factor.
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Cathy got a head's up on Airstream ,about a better detachable cord system called " Smartplug" I might save funds and install, on our trailer . Pat
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04-22-2017, 11:26 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Westcliffe, Colorado
Trailer: 2010 EggCamper (#083); 2017 Escape 21 (#053); 2016 F-150 5.0L FX4
Posts: 1,765
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You didn't mention any additional power outlets, 12V DC or 120V AC. You might want to give that some thought to minimize cords laying/dangling around in the way. If you have a little counter top fan or a small floor heater, where are you going to plug those in? If you need an electric blanket, where will you plug that in? Things like that. We made sure we had both 12V and 120V outlets on each side of the dinette, and we had ETI drop a 12V line in the front overhead cabinet over the head of the bed just in case we needed 12V power in the front for something in the future. The one thing I already regret is not having ETI place a 12V outlet near the TV mount so we could run our TV on either 12V or 120V without cords dangling across cabinets. Just something to think about....
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04-23-2017, 07:12 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Burlington Twp., New Jersey
Trailer: 2010 Escape 19
Posts: 7,123
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Patandlinda
Cathy got a head's up on Airstream ,about a better detachable cord system called " Smartplug" I might save funds and install, on our trailer . Pat
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Pat, I looked this up just out of curiosity. Looks nice but bear in mind it will likely be very difficult to find parts if you happen to have a problem on the road. I suppose even the standard twist lock detachable hardware could be a challenge to find as well. I've heard of some campers carrying a spare cord.
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/smartp...FQpMDQodMvUNJg
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04-23-2017, 07:44 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Carrollton, Texas
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21, 2017 Toyota Tundra 5.7L 4x4
Posts: 549
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I see this is just your second posting. If you haven't already, I recommend looking through the forum for the options others are getting. There are lots and lots that are not on the build sheet. For example we are getting an additional 4 pin plug next to the receiver at the rear of the trailer to plug in additional tail lights attached to our bicycle rack.
__________________
Rick and Vicky Reed
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04-23-2017, 07:48 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossue
........and how do you like to camp?
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How you will camp is definitely a huge consideration, as though lots of us can give advise, it is based on our own camping styles, of which there are many.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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04-23-2017, 08:08 AM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Vonore, Tennessee
Trailer: 2018 Escape 21 - "Here We Go Again"
Posts: 83
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossue
What is your tow vehicle and how do you like to camp?
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Tow vehicle: 2010 Ford F250 (yeah, I know - a lot of truck, but it's paid for).
How do you like to camp: Full hookups when we can. Usually carry a generator if we think we might have to stay somewhere without hookups.
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04-23-2017, 08:11 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
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Once you go with solar and dual batteries you will more than likely sell that generator. Everything but a/c will operate off propane or 12v, so with full hookups you will be covered.
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
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04-23-2017, 08:33 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gwvwadc
Usually carry a generator if we think we might have to stay somewhere without hookups.
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Like Jim alluded to, most people are moving away from gen sets. Solar is getting more affordable, and is much less hassle, along with much quieter. The only downfall is that it can't really handle air conditioning if you really need it.
Something to consider, but then too, if you do plan to mostly be using full service, a wee gen set may do the trick. If you get dual 6V batteries, they will last you for at least four days before recharge if you don't overuse the power, with the furnace being the single biggest draw.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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04-23-2017, 08:35 AM
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#17
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
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If you've already have the generator, keep the generator. I camped last year, in September, in Lassen National Park (no hookups). Needed to run the furnace at night. Some folks were running their A/C during the day. Talk about temperature swings! Too dang dark in the park due to all the beautiful trees for solar to be much use. Your generator will open up the time of year and places you can go, because you may need more power than solar and batteries can supply.
And yes, it's all about your camping style. I caution you to not spend much time looking back... you're not going that way! But, consider and look to the future. How do you want that to be and new things to experience? Have your trailer built with THAT in mind.
I wish you well!
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
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04-23-2017, 09:01 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Naples, Florida
Trailer: New 21 Escape (not classic)10/16 Sold Lil Snoozy 7/16
Posts: 484
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escape 21
1-Solar and dual batteries
2-extra lights in front and side where tank valves are located
3-Inverter for sure. Run wire from batteries to back of microwave for use boondocking .
4-tv ready gives you plugs a/c and 12 volt plugs by television arm
5-extra plugs(where you need them ?) and 12 volt in overhead compartments in case you want radio or ?.
6-4 sand pads for better stability
7-insulation and windows from Hehr .
We should have gotten the Inverter from ETI and also the surge power option .we also did not get the front fiberglass box I had a shop make up a s/s shelf that holds our big cooler or our blow up boat up there .
What ever you do don't skimp on options that are harder or can't be put on later.
You might as well spend your kids inheritance now and you can always WILL it to them later .
Good Luck with your choices
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04-23-2017, 10:39 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Ventura County, California
Trailer: 2013 19 Escape
Posts: 7,204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon327
Pat, I looked this up just out of curiosity. Looks nice but bear in mind it will likely be very difficult to find parts if you happen to have a problem on the road. I suppose even the standard twist lock detachable hardware could be a challenge to find as well. I've heard of some campers carrying a spare cord.
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/smartp...FQpMDQodMvUNJg
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Hi . Found system on Amazon , Camping World , marine supplies, like Marine West , etc. They are out of Seattle , USA . Comes wih 7 year warranty . Was looking at the Furion . The problems with those systems is connections get loose after awhile , then they can start to get hot . I believe Smartplug was developed for the boating industry . If I change to detachable system looks like I would better off to keep the corded if I don't go with Smartplug . The Smartplug is superior and safer detachable . There is also a 200 degree thermostat to shut down plug if it gets too hot . It will restore power when cord temp goes down . It is pricey so I am still debating . I guess I am thinking another storage space where the cord now sits . Pat
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04-23-2017, 11:19 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Trailer: 2015 Escape 19 "Seventy Degrees"
Posts: 3,495
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Pat, took a look at it last night and seems really good. If I were modding a detachable now I would go the Smart plug for sure. It didn't seem that much more expensive than the Furion kit when I looked on Amazon.
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