Options and Modifications: Regrets...

[hbgs]

Sure wish I would've known about the lack of a dual source water heater b/c I would've definitely opted for it to minimize propane depletion when staying at a place with shore power.

When we have shore power, we use an electric kettle to boil water for dishes, shaving and cooking (then the propane burner just has to keep the water hot). The hot water heater only gets turned on for showers in the trailer. We often use the campground showers if there's no line up and not over priced.

[Jim Bennett]

I too use a small electric kettle for coffee and other hot drinks. It is much more handy then heating water on a stove. I did opt for the dual fuel water heater, a great option.

[Hokie Escape]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I did opt for the dual fuel water heater, a great option.

That would be the one thing I'd urge Rease to consider doing on ALL Escapes. The increased cost couldn't be that much, and the money saved on propane would make up the difference pretty quickly. If I was doing a LOT of camping (like if I was retired) I'd probably replace it with a dual fuel heater anyway.

[Donna D.]

There's been a number of people on FiberglassRV that have put a Lightning Rod into the hot water heater. It allows either electric OR propane use. Here's a link to the item at Camping World:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...r-heaters/5159

And for those that are members at FiberglassRV, here's a link to one of the member's topic that discusses the modification: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/in...opic=21398&hl=. Lots of good pictures and an easy to follow write-up!

Maybe if someone does the mod here on the EscapeForum, the person will do a detailed writeup with pictures too... that would be great!

[escape artist]

Hi: All... We are lucky to have the Duel Fuel W.H. In my normal age old brain fog I turned it on electric without water in it OOOP's Cost of new element was $16.50 installed. The propane still worked!!! It takes about 15 min. after pluging in and finding the switch to get hot hot water. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[thoer]

Ok, Escapers we are putting in our order for a 17B so I need to pick your brains on options. Here are what we are thinking so far:
- Additional Window over sink
- Air Conditioner
- Bike Rack Ready
- Dual 6V Batteries
- Dual Propane Package
- Equalizer Hitch
- Exterior 110V Outlet
- Exterior Access Hatch
- Thermal Windows & Extra Insulation
- TV Ready (what does this mean??)
- 12 Volt Outlet
- Stainless Steel Sink with faucet
- Dual Fuel Water Heater

Please give me your suggestions about adding or subtracting anything!

Eric

[Hokie Escape]

Looks good! TV ready means ? Better ask Tammy to be sure.

[Texscapees]

I believe that it includes the wall mounting bracket/arm for a flat panel tv as well as the wiring to connect to cable tv via a coaxial input on the exterior as well as an outlet on the interior near the tv bracket. There are separate options for a TV antennae/amplifier and stereo/dvd player (with video wiring near the tv too).

However, I agree with Dan that you should ask Reace/Tammy to know for sure.

[gbaglo]

Exterior shower. Not a lot more but great for a quick rinse of kids, dogs and self.

Not sure exactly what TV ready includes, but I expect they run wire for a roof mount antennae, a power outlet and that they re-enforce the wall where the wall mount goes, at the very least. As suggested, I'd ask Tammy exactly what's included.

baglo

[hbgs]

Next time, we will have a marine plug put in for power, instead of the power cord that gets pushed into the storage bench under the dining table. The power cord gets grubby and that grub gets into the storage bench and means not much can be stored in that bench storage area.

[gbaglo]

Not sure which model Escape you have, but I was told not to store anything under the rear driver side bench. On the 17B it is pretty much full of wires and plumbing and you don't want anything to get messed up.

As for cords and hoses, they all seem to get dirty and you still have to store them. Only suggestion I have is to run them through a paper towel as you coil them or in the case of the power cord, as you stow it.

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by thoer

- Additional Window over sink
- Air Conditioner
- Bike Rack Ready
- Dual 6V Batteries
- Dual Propane Package
- Equalizer Hitch
- Exterior 110V Outlet
- Exterior Access Hatch
- Thermal Windows & Extra Insulation
- TV Ready (what does this mean??)
- 12 Volt Outlet
- Stainless Steel Sink with faucet
- Dual Fuel Water Heater

We did all that, except for A/C (but it is ready for when we want) and and Equalizer Hitch.

We also added a custom sink/stove combo, outside shower (not great for rinsing pets unless you can elevate them though), and a couple custom ideas particular you our wants.

TV ready means that there is an outlet ready to plug into, no bracket. We added an outlet at the dinette too, so I could easily hookup to my laptop there (our only planned TV for a few years).

[Sandra L]

I'm with Glenn on the cord wiping bit. I usually use a damp rag to wipe it clean, as my large dinette underbed area on that side is really inaccessible because the bed is always made up. However a detachable plug is a good idea. I think Tillium is/was doing that. This forum is a great place for sorting out your personal needs and wants as you build. BTW Thanks again Jeff!

[Jim Bennett]

Dirk wired in a plug for his AC hookup, and now uses a detachable cable to hook up to power. Not a bad idea, as the cable now seems to get tangled up and does not stow neatly. I had thought of some kind of spool inside that winds the cable on, Oliver offers that I know.

[Hokie Escape]

A spool would be a great idea. Not sure I'd want to keep up with another loose cable. I'd be concerned I'd leave it behind sometime, and get where I was going and realize I was now "boon docking:.
The TV ready question. If you think you were going to use a TV (we did a TV/DVD combo for DVD's - don't watch TV at home, much less out), then I'd have Rease mount the arm for you. Then you know it's done right. If you think you would, but right now, have him install it, and remove the arm until you get the TV. There's only a long aluminum plate on the wall. Really not obtrusive at all.

[thoer]

We have a 15" MacBook Pro that we use in the VERY rare times we watch TV. I am hoping that TV ready means that there is a coax cable connected to the outside and to somewhere inside. I like the marine power idea as we living in the country and have lots of mouse problems.

Keep those ideas and recommendations coming -- and thanks so much!!

Eric

[thoer]

Hey Escapees,

Tammy says the dual fuel water heater is $200 extra over the regular one. With is spending most of our time at non-electric sites, I am wondering if we would ever save that much in LP?

Eric

[Jim Bennett]

Eric, it is not just the dollar savings, because if you every do get a good chance to use hook-ups, it saves on the propane consumption and you don't have to change it out that often. If you will hardly ever be, or plan to be in the future, at a site with hook-ups, then it is maybe not needed. Until this year I have never used hook-ups, then on my 17 journey to Oregon, I used them quite a bit, mostly staying in state campgrounds.

[escape artist]

Hi: All... Our local A.S. dealer told me that they charge $500. to retro fit wall reinforcing for a TV arm. As for the dual fuel water heater we love ours...but then we're addicted to current bushes. Just remember to have water in the heater before turning on the current. OOOPS!!!
I have been thinking of changing our power cord to an exterior plug to keep out the dirt and at the same time hard wire in an inline surge protector. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Sandra L]

It helps to remember to just turn on the hot water spigot before you flip the switch to the H2O heater. I have made a check list for guests to use when hooking up and closing up an older travel trailer that I co-own. I find it helpful for myself as well!