Another newbie here

[WestEnder]

Seriously considering an Escape. Probably a 17B or 19. Either will be a major step up from a backpack and my feet.

I live on the west side of Washington's Olympic Peninsula and we get about 10 feet of rain a year so I'm thinking a fiberglass trailer makes sense. The owners of stick built trailers seem to spend a lot of time fighting leaks. The Escape seems to be the best of the fiberglass trailers.

 

[RickM]

WestEnder, you are so correct. The Escape beats any stick built trailer, period. A high school buddy's parents lived in La Push so I know what you get in rain. You'll not regret getting an Escape.

Rick, on the east side of the Olympics.

 

[Karen H.]

I well remember camping on the Peninsula as a kid and the rain was an expected part of it. It's called Blue Tarp Camping now although we had only canvas tarps when I was growing up. Just seeing your post and that you're from Forks brought back a lot of memories. Welcome!

 

[ddevin]

We visited the Olympic Peninsula last summer, with very little rain! I guess we got lucky! Forks was a nice stop on our last day. You are right, fiberglass trailers keep the rain out, and have many other advantages.

 

[Jim Bennett]

Welcome aboard WestEnder. I too came from a background of backcounty travel, and in fact still do some. Can't beat the Escape for travel though.

 

[float5]

Welcome, WestEnder!

The choice of a 17' or 19' usually depends on which bed you have to have and how tall you are. The 19' has more interior height. There is about another foot of width on the 19' bed and the same on the dinette. The other important feature is that the 19' has dual axles. Some want that for more safety and others do not want to pay more maintenance for it. Hope that helps.

 

[Karen H.]

Welcome, WestEnder!

The choice of a 17' or 19' usually depends on which bed you have to have and how tall you are. The 19' has more interior height. There is about another foot of width on the 19' bed and the same on the dinette. The other important feature is that the 19' has dual axles. Some want that for more safety and others do not want to pay more maintenance for it. Hope that helps.

Don't you also pay more on ferries if you have dual axles? Could be wrong on that.

 

[WestEnder]

Thanks everybody, I appreciate the warm welcome.

No - Washington ferry fares are length (overall w/ trailer) and height based. There is a height surcharge for a vehicle under 30' and over 7'6". After that, its length based in 10' increments. Either a 17 or 19 would be in the 30' to 40' range with my little truck so there is no advantage either way. It's cheaper to go round. Tacoma Narrows Bridge charges by the axle and is a LOT cheaper but adds about 80 miles if going north. If going south, going down the coast and cutting inland at Hoquiam avoids all tolls and is a much more pleasant drive.