canyonrider-ESC
Senior Member
We picked up our 19 (2016 version) on 6/27 and just returned home to Colorado after a two-week shakedown trip through the Cascades and Rockies.
Unfortunately, we did need to return to Chilliwack the day after pickup to address two issues that we noticed on our first night: (1) our opening kitchen window was not properly sealing closed (portion that opens wasn't sitting flush against the frame, and there was a good amount of daylight coming through one edge); and (2) water pump did not work properly from the outset (not shutting off at all, had varying pressure, and then stopped working entirely). ETI addressed these issues as quickly as they could (fixed the window alignment and replaced the water pump outright) and then we were on our way. The new water pump has been fine, although we are still having issues with the kitchen window (more on that below).
We spent the night of pickup at Silver Lake (great spot and relatively close to ETI, which proved useful), a couple of nights in North Cascades NP, then across to Missoula and then down into the Pioneer Mountains/Big Hole area of Montana. After that we spent four nights in Jackson/Grand Teton NP (where we camped near another 19 owner!), then down to Salida, CO.
My two small kids did their best to test the durability and functionality of the trailer for a family of four, and for the most part so far so good. We are lifelong tent campers and new to towing anything, but I thought some initial impressions could be useful to others:
- Towing was comfortable and intuitive using the WDH with a 2009 4Runner (V6), once we figured out the routine for massaging the ball into the coupler and setting up the WDH. That said, I have already been browsing for a tow vehicle with a V8. In a couple of locations, namely Teton Pass (which is admittedly very steep at 10%), we were straining. I'll try a couple of more local trips to see how the V6 holds up, but with four people and nearly all of our camping up the hill or over a mountain pass (or three), I may be evaluating other options.
- Kitchen Window- A few days after ETI fixed our opening kitchen window, the knob that opens it stopped working altogether and has prevented us from fully sealing the window closed (some air pulls it open a couple of mm when we drive). I talked to Reece and he is mailing us a new knob and screw, which he claims will fix the issue. I'm worried there is something else going on but will give ETI the benefit of the doubt until I try the new knob.
- Solar and dual 6V batteries are awesome. We didn't need to plug in the entire trip. This is a great option for us as we almost always camp in USFS or BLM campgrounds or dispersed areas.
- Three-burner stove with oven and hood vent have, been awesome, although we have yet to try the oven. Fridge and freezer compartment were also great (ice cream for days!) on both propane and battery power (although it definitely drains the batteries quickl on a hot day, even with solar panels in direct sun).
- Sleeping setup is comfortable for four. We bought the "cot" option but only used it one night before deciding that it wasn't worth the setup hassle as long as both of our kids fit comfortably on the dinette bed together. As an aside, the cot fits easily in a Yakima Rocketbox 11 without taking it apart. Also, be aware that when the cot is set up in the trailer and unoccupied, a three-year old can kick the sharp edge of a rail right out of the bracket and have it land on the dinette bed. Close call but trip to the ER averted!
- We always ran the Maxxfan on low with at least one window cracked at night and had no visible condensation the entire trip.
- The hose/shower head for the outdoor shower looks a bit industrial at first glance, but it works surprisingly well.
- The storage box is key for storing WDH components, blocks and chocks, the fresh water hose, and other miscellaneous tools. I wouldn't go without it.
- I am a big fan of my 1Up bike rack, which I have used for several years on our 4Runner with no issues. However, I was disappointed to find that I am not a fan of using the 1Up on our Escape, at least not with our current bike configuration (three bikes total, including two 29er MTBs with 2.2-2.5 tires and one kids bike). I can post more in the 1Up thread, but the basic reason is that the bikes seem to jostle around much, much more than when the rack is mounted behind our car. This resulted in direct contact between the end of my handlebars and the back of the trailer (even with the rack mounted as far outboard as I felt comfortable), damage to the bikes caused by contact with each other, and on three occasions 29er wheels slipping entirely out of the arms that secure them in place. After these incidents I gave up and moved both 29ers to the roof rack (where fortunately I already had two bike trays) and just kept our daughter's bike on the 1Up at the back of the trailer. I would guess that smaller wheels or narrower tires are more secure in the 1Up arms, making this less of an issue.
- Minor niggles and areas of monitoring: After seeing some daylight through the door edge one morning, I adjusted the rubber seal a bit manually to close the gap. We'll see how that holds up. Also, on one windy night the wind whistled through the edge of the emergency exit window a bit. I have not had a chance to inspect that area. Finally, the screen door is already starting to tear vertically out of one corner.
Despite these minor issues we are very happy with our 19 and look forward to many more miles and nights. Thanks for reading, and for all of the information I received here before purchasing.
Unfortunately, we did need to return to Chilliwack the day after pickup to address two issues that we noticed on our first night: (1) our opening kitchen window was not properly sealing closed (portion that opens wasn't sitting flush against the frame, and there was a good amount of daylight coming through one edge); and (2) water pump did not work properly from the outset (not shutting off at all, had varying pressure, and then stopped working entirely). ETI addressed these issues as quickly as they could (fixed the window alignment and replaced the water pump outright) and then we were on our way. The new water pump has been fine, although we are still having issues with the kitchen window (more on that below).
We spent the night of pickup at Silver Lake (great spot and relatively close to ETI, which proved useful), a couple of nights in North Cascades NP, then across to Missoula and then down into the Pioneer Mountains/Big Hole area of Montana. After that we spent four nights in Jackson/Grand Teton NP (where we camped near another 19 owner!), then down to Salida, CO.
My two small kids did their best to test the durability and functionality of the trailer for a family of four, and for the most part so far so good. We are lifelong tent campers and new to towing anything, but I thought some initial impressions could be useful to others:
- Towing was comfortable and intuitive using the WDH with a 2009 4Runner (V6), once we figured out the routine for massaging the ball into the coupler and setting up the WDH. That said, I have already been browsing for a tow vehicle with a V8. In a couple of locations, namely Teton Pass (which is admittedly very steep at 10%), we were straining. I'll try a couple of more local trips to see how the V6 holds up, but with four people and nearly all of our camping up the hill or over a mountain pass (or three), I may be evaluating other options.
- Kitchen Window- A few days after ETI fixed our opening kitchen window, the knob that opens it stopped working altogether and has prevented us from fully sealing the window closed (some air pulls it open a couple of mm when we drive). I talked to Reece and he is mailing us a new knob and screw, which he claims will fix the issue. I'm worried there is something else going on but will give ETI the benefit of the doubt until I try the new knob.
- Solar and dual 6V batteries are awesome. We didn't need to plug in the entire trip. This is a great option for us as we almost always camp in USFS or BLM campgrounds or dispersed areas.
- Three-burner stove with oven and hood vent have, been awesome, although we have yet to try the oven. Fridge and freezer compartment were also great (ice cream for days!) on both propane and battery power (although it definitely drains the batteries quickl on a hot day, even with solar panels in direct sun).
- Sleeping setup is comfortable for four. We bought the "cot" option but only used it one night before deciding that it wasn't worth the setup hassle as long as both of our kids fit comfortably on the dinette bed together. As an aside, the cot fits easily in a Yakima Rocketbox 11 without taking it apart. Also, be aware that when the cot is set up in the trailer and unoccupied, a three-year old can kick the sharp edge of a rail right out of the bracket and have it land on the dinette bed. Close call but trip to the ER averted!
- We always ran the Maxxfan on low with at least one window cracked at night and had no visible condensation the entire trip.
- The hose/shower head for the outdoor shower looks a bit industrial at first glance, but it works surprisingly well.
- The storage box is key for storing WDH components, blocks and chocks, the fresh water hose, and other miscellaneous tools. I wouldn't go without it.
- I am a big fan of my 1Up bike rack, which I have used for several years on our 4Runner with no issues. However, I was disappointed to find that I am not a fan of using the 1Up on our Escape, at least not with our current bike configuration (three bikes total, including two 29er MTBs with 2.2-2.5 tires and one kids bike). I can post more in the 1Up thread, but the basic reason is that the bikes seem to jostle around much, much more than when the rack is mounted behind our car. This resulted in direct contact between the end of my handlebars and the back of the trailer (even with the rack mounted as far outboard as I felt comfortable), damage to the bikes caused by contact with each other, and on three occasions 29er wheels slipping entirely out of the arms that secure them in place. After these incidents I gave up and moved both 29ers to the roof rack (where fortunately I already had two bike trays) and just kept our daughter's bike on the 1Up at the back of the trailer. I would guess that smaller wheels or narrower tires are more secure in the 1Up arms, making this less of an issue.
- Minor niggles and areas of monitoring: After seeing some daylight through the door edge one morning, I adjusted the rubber seal a bit manually to close the gap. We'll see how that holds up. Also, on one windy night the wind whistled through the edge of the emergency exit window a bit. I have not had a chance to inspect that area. Finally, the screen door is already starting to tear vertically out of one corner.
Despite these minor issues we are very happy with our 19 and look forward to many more miles and nights. Thanks for reading, and for all of the information I received here before purchasing.
