Build Sheet Almost Done, A Few ?

[stephen99]

We have our 21 build sheet almost done. Just a few items to figure out. On the first page of the build sheet is an external fridge fan for $175. I think I understand that one and want it. On the second page there is a Fridge Fan for $21. What is that?

Shelves in closet - are these removable or fixed in place? Anybody know the height of the closet without shelves in place?

Counter extensions - I'm thinking one by the sink and one on the drawer stack and none in the dinette. Not really asking a question here just made asking for an opinion.

Inverter - not planning on getting the microwave and can't think of a reason to add the inverter since almost everything else will be 12V. But our laptops need 120VAC to charge (does anybody make a 12v charger for Macbook Pros?). Hate to spend $550 for that but it's always good to have options and it would be difficult to add later I suppose. I do have a small 400 watt portable inverter that would probably handle the charging task.

Wireless temp gauge for fridge $32. Sounds like a good idea so you can check temp without opening fridge but is it decent or should I shop around?

That's about it except for formica, fabric and flooring. Still trying to decide on those items.

 

[gbaglo]

I have 12V charger for my MacBook Air. Should show up on a Amazon search. Mine was a gift so I don't know where it was from.

 

[Donna D.]

I don't think you'd like the counter extensions in the dinette if you have a table. I don't have a table, so I got 'em.

 

[stephen99]

I have 12V charger for my MacBook Air. Should show up on a Amazon search. Mine was a gift so I don't know where it was from.

Thanks, I did just that and found one that will fit. Some reviews not so good but that seems to be true of everything. I did just confirm that my 400 watt inverter will work fine so maybe just stick with that.

 

[stephen99]

I don't think you'd like the counter extensions in the dinette if you have a table. I don't have a table, so I got 'em.

Yeah, that was my thinking too, Donna. The extensions would probably just get in the way by the dinette.

 

[gbaglo]

Thanks, I did just that and found one that will fit. Some reviews not so good but that seems to be true of everything. I did just confirm that my 400 watt inverter will work fine so maybe just stick with that.

It will work. I have a 200 watt inverter, but I found the cords for Mac and for inverter made clutter. This is much tidier.

 

[stephen99]

It will work. I have a 200 watt inverter, but I found the cords for Mac and for inverter made clutter. This is much tidier.

True enough, my house is cluttered with cords.

 

[Rossue2]

If you have the counter on top of the drawer stack you probably don't need a counter extension and have read many who have it don't use it there. If you have the closet on top that could be different.

If you are getting the solar and dual 6V the inverter could be worth it- we use ours all the time. Adding a table after the fact we find the counter extensions in the dinette are still useful and do not get in the way if not needed.

 

[stephen99]

If you have the counter on top of the drawer stack you probably don't need a counter extension and have read many who have it don't use it there. If you have the closet on top that could be different.

If you are getting the solar and dual 6V the inverter could be worth it- we use ours all the time. Adding a table after the fact we find the counter extensions in the dinette are still useful and do not get in the way if not needed.

That makes sense about the drawer stack. Maybe delete the extension there.
We are getting the solar and dual 6. What do you use the inverter for?
Any idea what the $21 fridge fan is?

 

[tdf-texas]

We have our 21 build sheet almost done. Just a few items to figure out. On the first page of the build sheet is an external fridge fan for $175. I think I understand that one and want it. On the second page there is a Fridge Fan for $21. What is that?

You might want to wait on the fridge fans. The DM2663 is a different fridge than the ones Escape has used in the past. The new ones actually work vs the older ones that don't. I have a Casita with a RM2454 that is the same type as the new fridge and have no trouble with it and have no fans. ps I am in Texas with ambient temps of 100+ - the fridge stays cold and the stuff in the freezer frozen.

"Wireless temp gauge for fridge $32. Sounds like a good idea so you can check temp without opening fridge but is it decent or should I shop around?"

I bought this one:
https://www.amazon.com/AcuRite-Refrigerator-Freezer-Wireless-Thermometer/dp/B004QJVU78
It works and I am able to monitor the fridge temps from my TV while traveling.

 

[Rossue2]

That makes sense about the drawer stack. Maybe delete the extension there.
We are getting the solar and dual 6. What do you use the inverter for?
Any idea what the $21 fridge fan is?

We use the inverter for coffee maker and vitamix and Costco air pump/charger unit, plus anything else we need to charge.

The $21 fridge fan could be this, which can be had for $13 from Camping World.

 

[Jim Bennett]

We hung clothes in the 19, and plan to in the 5.0TA. I put 2-3 shirts per hanger. I know others like the shelf space, but we really like hanging. I think the usable space does not differ, it is just in different places.

I would just do the counter extension at the left of the galley. If by chance you thought you might want another, they are real easy to add.

I will not be getting an inverter. It all depends on your camping style and what you bring. We have nothing that requires 120V when we camp, it is just our style.

I like the idea of a wireless fridge thermometer, and easy way to keep track of things without heat getting in the fridge when you open the door.

Formica, fabric and flooring, so much good stuff to choose from. Have fun with that.

The fridge $21 fridge fan could be this, which can be had for $13 from Camping World.

I have used one of those for 20 years now, and they make a great difference on the evenness of the temperatures in the fridge, especially at getting the cooled air into tighter spots.

 

[stephen99]

I have used one of those for 20 years now, and they make a great difference on the evenness of the temperatures in the fridge, especially at getting the cooled air into tighter spots.

Does the fan just sit on one of the shelves in the fridge?

 

[Rossue2]

Yes it does, and mine is the one from our 2010 17B. Rudimentary but sturdy powered by 2 D-cell batteries.

 

[gbaglo]

$21 CAD is $15.97 US currently.
Got to keep currency exchange in mind when comparing prices.

 

[stephen99]

Looks to be a good thing to have whether at $13 or $16. I'm in.

 

[jennykatz]

Escape 21

We almost finished our build sheet we got the extra fridge fan we live in SW Florida I hope it's worth it I wanted a compressor fridge but ETI didn't want to do it we ordered a blue Sunbrella fabric and a Colorado slate Formica with standard floor .we have the twin batteries and solar I told my wife I would keep it under 30000 us so far so good

 

[stephen99]

We almost finished our build sheet we got the extra fridge fan we live in SW Florida I hope it's worth it I wanted a compressor fridge but ETI didn't want to do it we ordered a blue Sunbrella fabric and a Colorado slate Formica with standard floor .we have the twin batteries and solar I told my wife I would keep it under 30000 us so far so good

Yep, 30K is pretty much my goal too. With current exchange rates you can get a nicely equipped 21 for about that.

 

[tractors1]

The closet shelves I have seen from ETI are fixed in place. Don't know the spacing. I chose to install adjustable shelves and pull out drawers as the closet is over 21 inches deep without any lights.

 

[cpaharley2008]

Here is the 12v charger I got for my Macbook Pro-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ETCD9BC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
my build came in @ $30,500US