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Old 11-03-2018, 01:35 PM   #1
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Orientation

Hi,

We will be picking up our 17B this Wednesday. Can anyone share with us what to expect, things to look for or questions to ask. The orientation is only a short time so we want come prepared and don't want to overlook anything.

Thank you in advance.
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Old 11-03-2018, 02:05 PM   #2
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At least your very close to ETI so I am sure you could drop by and ask a question.

If you have had a trailer before then everything should be straight forward.

If not, then things like how to set up your propane tanks so they automatically switch over comes to mind. Pay attention when they explain the thermostat and don’t over load the rear of your trailer.

If you did not order your propane tanks to be filled by ETI...and you have a Costco card...then stop by the Sumas location just off the Hwy on your way home and get them filled. Best price on propane you will ever find in the lower Mainland.

Hope to see you at the Escape camp out in May.
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Old 11-03-2018, 04:41 PM   #3
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If you haven’t done so, watch the orientation video several times. Get very familiar with all the features they show in the video. Have them demonstrate any items you are not sure of. Ask if your trailer has already been winterized and whether you want it winterized for your trip home. Have them demonstrate the water heater by-pass positions.
I would not take any notes, but pay close attention to what is being said and ask any questions you are not sure of. Good luck!
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Old 11-03-2018, 04:44 PM   #4
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Or better yet shoot a video with your phone during the orientation to refer back to
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Old 11-03-2018, 05:28 PM   #5
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Or better yet shoot a video with your phone during the orientation to refer back to
Yes, My only reservation about notes or recording on video, is I would be distracted and miss something. They move along pretty quickly, and I’d rather focus my attention on what is being said. I do best when I truly listen with all my attention. Others are probably better at multitasking
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Old 11-03-2018, 05:39 PM   #6
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Or better yet shoot a video with your phone during the orientation to refer back to

Do NOT shoot video or pictures or make notes. Pay attention. I shot the first orientation video for ETI. I made two trips to ETI and spent half a day shooting each visit. Editing took a couple days.

You will get instruction manuals for the trailer and all appliances and you can refer to them. You can refer to the latest orientation video on the ETI site and you can ask questions here.
Just pay attention.


This is my video: http://www.rvtraveltv.com/?p=407
And ETI video is near the bottom of this page: http://escapetrailer.com/
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Old 11-03-2018, 05:45 PM   #7
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Each to their own on doing a video when picking up your escape. Weither there’s one or two of you . Doing so works great for me but may not work for others. Let each individual decide what works best for them
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Old 11-03-2018, 05:45 PM   #8
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Do as I do, after 4 Escapes I have it memorized......
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Old 11-03-2018, 06:30 PM   #9
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I always felt that the best way for ETI to do the orientation would be to go through the steps of setting up to camp and then unsettling to hook up to leave. This would cover the most important parts of our trailers. Instead, what they did in our orientation was randomly go through how everything works. To a newbie, this was overwhelming! But, after a 9 week trip home and some 40 odd hookups and take downs, it became a lot easier! Be patient and don’t get distracted and you’ll do Fine!
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Old 11-03-2018, 06:50 PM   #10
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4 Escapes

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Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
Do as I do, after 4 Escapes I have it memorized......
Wow! I guess you have had every model. Looks like you are getting the top model next. Escape is going to have to design a larger model for your next one .
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Old 11-03-2018, 06:56 PM   #11
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Wow! I guess you have had every model. Looks like you are getting the top model next. Escape is going to have to design a larger model for your next one .
Hi: lilkuma... He hasn't had a 5.0TA yet... I keep waiting. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 11-03-2018, 06:59 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
Do NOT shoot video or pictures or make notes. Pay attention. I shot the first orientation video for ETI. I made two trips to ETI and spent half a day shooting each visit. Editing took a couple days.

You will get instruction manuals for the trailer and all appliances and you can refer to them. You can refer to the latest orientation video on the ETI site and you can ask questions here.
Just pay attention.


This is my video: RV Travel TV » Escape Training Video
And ETI video is near the bottom of this page: Escape Trailer Industries – Chilliwack, British Columbia
Thanks for the advice. Do you video and review RV type stuff professionally? I have watched both videos and they are both great. This forum and all of the helpful members are also great and much appreciated!
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Old 11-03-2018, 07:09 PM   #13
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Thanks for the advice. Do you video and review RV type stuff professionally? I have watched both videos and they are both great. This forum and all of the helpful members are also great and much appreciated!

Nope. I'm retired. Cameras just get in the way.


baglo
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Old 11-03-2018, 07:19 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kstock11 View Post
I always felt that the best way for ETI to do the orientation would be to go through the steps of setting up to camp and then unsettling to hook up to leave. This would cover the most important parts of our trailers. Instead, what they did in our orientation was randomly go through how everything works. To a newbie, this was overwhelming! But, after a 9 week trip home and some 40 odd hookups and take downs, it became a lot easier! Be patient and don’t get distracted and you’ll do Fine!
I guess there are 2 issues here, orientation for your new Escape and how each accessory operates versus orientation to a new camper, how to level and use stabilizers and hooking/unhooking. In my opinion the second item, general trailer procedures, is not Escape's responsibility, but the owners. Escape expects you to know these items just as if you were buying a new car, you are expected to know how to drive, but explaining the features on a new car would handled by the dealer.
Therefore the emphasis is on the trailer and how each item is to be used.
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Old 11-03-2018, 07:33 PM   #15
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I agree with Jim. I find it extremely distracting to have somebody talking to me while I am going through the routine of hitching or unhitching.

I want to do it myself, by myself.
Watched a boat trailer back down the ramp once. The driver's buddy had helpfully unhooked the boat from the trailer. When the drive tapped the brake, the boat kept going, landing on the dual outboard legs.

Expensive help.
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Old 11-03-2018, 07:33 PM   #16
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Wow! I guess you have had every model. Looks like you are getting the top model next. Escape is going to have to design a larger model for your next one .
They could install 5 Lb propane bottles so he has to buy a new one right after the rally.
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Old 11-03-2018, 07:43 PM   #17
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Almost sounds like it would be a good idea to create a checklist similar to an aircraft pilots checklist. Yes I think there are two separate issues at hand here and Escape is really only responsible for the trailer and it’s systems. As for camp set up and tow set up looks like I will have to do my own homework.
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Old 11-03-2018, 07:47 PM   #18
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A number of us were trailer owners prior to getting an ETI build. So, we knew all the basic info about how trailers 'worked.' BUT, you'll be so full of adrenaline... you'll find it hard to pay attention, let alone video anything. At least I WAS! You'll want to make certain all your 'options' were completed as requested and pay attention to the items you know nothing about. Beyond that, just enjoy the entire process and plan to spend a night, or two, close by the factory. Then it's easy to drive back if you encounter problems or issues. Don't sweat it, truly.


BTW, I watched Tammy's video on how to deploy the manual awning more than a dozen times. Yes my Scamp had an awning, but not like the one on Ten Forward. Watching that video helped tremendously and after deploying the awning a couple of times, it goes in and out on rote memory.
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Old 11-03-2018, 08:04 PM   #19
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Almost sounds like it would be a good idea to create a checklist similar to an aircraft pilots checklist.

Here's mine in a Word document. I sized it down and laminated it. Hangs on a hook by the door.
Just copy and paste. You can adjust it for your situation ( tire pressures for instance ).


Drive Away Checklist

SPARE KEYS

Inside Checks:

Loose Items Stored
Windows Closed
Blinds secure
Tank levels
Battery level
Thermostat OFF
Water Heater OFF
Water Pump OFF
Shower / Sink Drains CLOSED
Stove Cover DOWN
Screen Door FASTENED
Fridge Door Shelves LIGHT
Fan OFF
Roof Vents ( Bathroom / Fan ) CLOSED
TP and Paper Towels SECURED
Door LOCKED
Step STORED / SECURE

Outside Checks:

Tire Pressure 60-65 psi.
Note: Lower Pressure = Lower Load
Range Hood Vent LOCKED
Power DISCONNECT
Water DISCONNECT
Rock Shield DOWN AND LOCKED
Awning LOCKED
Stabilizer Jacks UP & TIGHT
Wheel Blocks STORED
Equalizer Bars LEVEL & SECURE
Chains IN PLACE
Hitch LOCKED
Brake / Signal Lights OK
Step STORED / SECURE
Attached Thumbnails
3M hooks and check list.jpg  
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Old 11-03-2018, 08:11 PM   #20
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Checklist

The older I get the more important the checklists become. We have a get ready checklist that’s pretty long and “personal” such as not everyone needs dog food and a leash etc.
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