Riolongo
New Member
After several years of debating the purchase of a trailer we finally decided to take the next step. On June 7 we placed the deposit on a new 2019 Escape 21 trailer, and over the next 5 days completed the "build sheet" to seal the deal.
Many thanks to all forum contributors for providing an abundance of info related to option selections, including opinions on items such as manual or power awning, certainly a hot topic for debate.
We're not sure where, or what type of camping we'll end up doing on a regular basis, but here's a summary of where we ended up in respect to options:
Maple interior: liked the new modern look, not that we wouldn't have been fine with oak.
Two way hot water tank: just made sense.
Foot flush toilet & shut off valve.
Exterior shower: also added a second outside shower on passenger side so that we can setup outdoor kitchen area.
Dual 6V batteries.
1500W Inverter, complete with transfer switch to power all outlets.
170W Solar panel with charge controller: this seemed like a "no brainer" option to us.
Surge protector.
Removable power cord: hopefully we don't lose it, or leave it behind.
Air conditioner: this is the one option we really didn't want, but felt down the road we may feel different, especially when, or if we were to sell the trailer.
Extra insulation and framed windows: we opted for this style of windows as we felt the frameless windows may really restrict airflow in the trailer.
Aluminum rim package: why not.
Manual awning: of all the decisions this one, (well maybe fabric choice), caused us the most concern. We went back on forth on manual vs power, read as many posts as we could, but eventually decided on the manual. Why? Because we live in the Pacific Northwest, and given the variable weather it made sense to us to have the ability for several awning positions to block the wind, rain and sun. I've also read that it may be more difficult to inspect the power awing for debris when storing, including cleaning when necessary. I don't have an opinion on this, just trying to make the best decision based on the information in front of me.
Power tongue jack: one less thing to crank.
Added one exterior hatch under dinette: seemed like the right thing to do for possible storage of our outside kitchen items, really don't know at this point.
Exterior propane quick connect.
Storage box: general opinion on the forum seems to be that this box is very useful, can't disagree.
Converted the bench seat to "U" shaped dinette.
Zamp Solar port: you never know.
Custom fabric.
Well, that's about it, waiting game now as our completion date is not until early September. Lot's to do in the meantime, such as ready my tow vehicle for towing, really just a brake check. We kayak, so that's the reason we stuck with a pull behind as opposed to a 5th wheel as that would limit our options. Also, still need to decide on best choices for accessories such as wheel chocks, sewer hoses, etc.
See you all out on the road!
Mike & Nancy
Many thanks to all forum contributors for providing an abundance of info related to option selections, including opinions on items such as manual or power awning, certainly a hot topic for debate.
We're not sure where, or what type of camping we'll end up doing on a regular basis, but here's a summary of where we ended up in respect to options:
Maple interior: liked the new modern look, not that we wouldn't have been fine with oak.
Two way hot water tank: just made sense.
Foot flush toilet & shut off valve.
Exterior shower: also added a second outside shower on passenger side so that we can setup outdoor kitchen area.
Dual 6V batteries.
1500W Inverter, complete with transfer switch to power all outlets.
170W Solar panel with charge controller: this seemed like a "no brainer" option to us.
Surge protector.
Removable power cord: hopefully we don't lose it, or leave it behind.
Air conditioner: this is the one option we really didn't want, but felt down the road we may feel different, especially when, or if we were to sell the trailer.
Extra insulation and framed windows: we opted for this style of windows as we felt the frameless windows may really restrict airflow in the trailer.
Aluminum rim package: why not.
Manual awning: of all the decisions this one, (well maybe fabric choice), caused us the most concern. We went back on forth on manual vs power, read as many posts as we could, but eventually decided on the manual. Why? Because we live in the Pacific Northwest, and given the variable weather it made sense to us to have the ability for several awning positions to block the wind, rain and sun. I've also read that it may be more difficult to inspect the power awing for debris when storing, including cleaning when necessary. I don't have an opinion on this, just trying to make the best decision based on the information in front of me.
Power tongue jack: one less thing to crank.
Added one exterior hatch under dinette: seemed like the right thing to do for possible storage of our outside kitchen items, really don't know at this point.
Exterior propane quick connect.
Storage box: general opinion on the forum seems to be that this box is very useful, can't disagree.
Converted the bench seat to "U" shaped dinette.
Zamp Solar port: you never know.
Custom fabric.
Well, that's about it, waiting game now as our completion date is not until early September. Lot's to do in the meantime, such as ready my tow vehicle for towing, really just a brake check. We kayak, so that's the reason we stuck with a pull behind as opposed to a 5th wheel as that would limit our options. Also, still need to decide on best choices for accessories such as wheel chocks, sewer hoses, etc.
See you all out on the road!
Mike & Nancy
