15' Escape Update

[Brian B-P]

So the 15-foot - one of six models (counting the 5.0 and 5.0TA as two generations of one model) - accounts for only 10% of production... although, to be fair, the run wasn't nearly as long at some other models.

It makes perfect sense to me that the bathroom is only optional on smaller models (up to 17-foot) and is more commonly omitted in the 15-foot than the 17-foot. As one goes down in trailer size, the space taken by a bathroom becomes more significant, and people buying the smaller models are commonly limited in towing weight capacity so they are further motivated to keep the feature list lean.

 

[GerriJ]

Bathrooms are optional on larger models. I know of at least one 19 without a bathroom. I would think if you didn't want a bathroom in any model they would leave it out.
Mark

 

[rbryan4]

Bathrooms are optional on larger models. I know of at least one 19 without a bathroom. I would think if you didn't want a bathroom in any model they would leave it out.
Mark

To be more specific, "Omit Bathroom" is an option on larger models. The bath is standard - no a and b models listed. You then have to tell them what to do with the space. They have more than one option for that.

 

[dfandrews]

Looking through the ETI site with the discontinuance of the 15-foot in mind, I also noticed this in Points to Ponder:

While the entire length of the frame was originally 1 ½” x 3” tubing and the rear section is still that size, the main part is now 2" x 4" tubing on all models, except perhaps the 17-foot.

It is a lot of work to keep a product website current and accurate!

I agree. Although it's a lot of work, it is their outlet for information about their product (other than being overwhelmed by the info on this forum).

{FYI: When Reace called me in Dec. to answer some of my questions about our 17 build, he said that the 17 now uses the 2" x 4" structural steel tube from the tongue to behind the axle, then it's reduced to the smaller size. Their weld jigs are standardized for the larger member sizes.}

There is a video interview with Reace and Tammy, where she states that they are limited to about 140 trailers per year (so they can maintain span of control). With the skyrocketing popularity of Escape trailers, I think the demise of the 15 line, standardization of production, and the expansion and use of every sq.inch of space at their facility (I saw that on our visit), are signs that they are trying to increase that yearly production number while maintaining the quality and attention to the customer and the product that has made Escape what it is.

 

[sturski]

Bathrooms are optional on larger models. I know of at least one 19 without a bathroom. I would think if you didn't want a bathroom in any model they would leave it out.
Mark

Yep, I'll be picking up a 19 w/o a bathroom in a couple of weeks.

Different strokes and all.

Counter space, windows, and storage are all more important to me than a bathroom. I strongly considered a 17a; but worried about puppy sleeping space for my avatar and her brother. A 21 is more than I wanted to pull.

All Escape trailers are unique and one of a kind. Escape seems to have found a niche with upscale trailers. For better or worse, that would seem to mean focusing on 17' and above.

 

[Escape While You Can]

On my way to the bank to transfer funds for the 15a. Looks like the other one sold early this morning, as it was on the web site yest. but not today. I know ETI had yest. off.

And no matter what size I bought, I'd still want one w/o a bathroom.

 

[cpaharley2008]

Just remember, without a bath then the trailer can not qualify as a second home for an allowable interest deduction.

 

[Escape While You Can]

If you pay cash, it's a moot point, as there's no interest. At least that's my understanding. Besides, getting exactly what you want would make more sense in my book than worrying about a little cash savings, and the difference would be made up in not paying the extra 1k for the bathroom anyway.

 

[Jim Bennett]

If you pay cash, it's a moot point, as there's no interest. At least that's my understanding. Besides, getting exactly what you want would make more sense in my book than worrying about a little cash savings, and the difference would be made up in not paying the extra 1k for the bathroom anyway.

Good points. Not that we can claim a trailer as a second residence though.

 

[floorpanel]

Without a bathroom just think about all of the weight savings in walls, black tank, eliminate the fresh water system and save even more.

 

[Escape While You Can]

Exactly, though I opt to keep the water tank. But all those pipes hanging down really make a diff. on where you can go. If you just stay in campgrounds, no matter.

 

[Donna D.]

Without a bathroom just think about all of the weight savings in walls, black tank, eliminate the fresh water system and save even more.

Even if there is no toilet or shower, why would you eliminate the fresh water system? Wouldn't you still want to use the kitchen sink?

 

[NuthatchBC]

It saddens me to learn that ETI is now outfitting all of their trailers with the larger dimension underframe. I sure wish we had the 2x4 frame on our 19. The smallness of the 1 1/2 x 3 has always bothered me. It's kept us from going places that, in my opinion, would put undue strain on our frame. Plus, supporting the trailer on jack stands between each wheel has given me pause as well. NUTS.

Doug

 

[Jim Bennett]

What are the repercussions of having the older, smaller frame though, other than being not as stiff? I have drug my trailer into some rougher off the grid places, and have seen no issue. Did Reace change it because there were issues that arose.

 

[J Mac]

It saddens me to learn that ETI is now outfitting all of their trailers with the larger dimension underframe. I sure wish we had the 2x4 frame on our 19. The smallness of the 1 1/2 x 3 has always bothered me. It's kept us from going places that, in my opinion, would put undue strain on our frame. Plus, supporting the trailer on jack stands between each wheel has given me pause as well. NUTS.

Doug

Doug, don't be sad.
Think of it as, 'the evolution of the Escape Trailer'.
Trailers, like cars, tooth brushes, and everything else is always striving to be better. Sometimes the price goes up with change. Has there been a price increase since you bought your trailer?

 

[Dave Walter]

...The smallness of the 1 1/2 x 3 has always bothered me. It's kept us from going places that, in my opinion, would put undue strain on our frame...

Was there a particular reason why you thought that the smaller frame would not handle the terrain? Possibly poor performance or breakage by yours or someone else's Escape? Would be interesting if you could expand on your thought process.

 

[rbryan4]

Has there been a price increase since you bought your trailer?

Excellent point. Escapes are always improving, which is one of the reasons why they're in such demand. We missed the 2014 model cutoff for ordering by two weeks -- which cost us an extra 2 grand. Yours is a prefect representation of an Escape at that time, and any "improvements" usually come at a cost.

 

[NuthatchBC]

I wasn't really "whining". I just would have preferred to have a more hefty frame. No, the frame we have won't stop us from bushwhacking but the larger frame would definitely have made it less worry-some. I'm likely over-thinking the frame thing. I think I'll just stay off the forum. After all, ignorance is bliss, isn't it?.

Doug

 

[Donna D.]

Doug, is as said.. don't fix it if it ain't broke. I don't think the change is going to make one WHIT of difference to the memories you've made or the ones you're going to make in the future. There's other things to worry about... who brought the CHEAP beer?

 

[Jim Bennett]

I'm likely over-thinking the frame thing.

Over thinking things seems to be the norm around here lately. You are normal. ;D