Kirk D in CA
New Member
Hello from Placerville California. As a fairly new member to this forum who has spent a considerable amount of time reading threads I felt its time to introduce myself.
I have a long history of backpacking coupled with 5 years of trailer camping in a Casita 17. This June I placed a deposit on a E19 with a late September 2022 completion date. The E19 is big enough yet small enough for my 65% boon-docking and 35% parks and campground excursions. I'm aware new ETI trailers may come with little effective warranty and no dealer service but I remain optimistic that most issues can be resolved or avoided. I feel ETI makes a good fiberglass trailer for the dollars we spend and remain confident I've made the right choice. Time will tell how ETI's increased production schedule, product selections and assembly methods reflects on our safety and quality after delivery.
I hope to enter my spring or early summer 2022 configuration process with a well thought out plan for my intended modifications.
In all likelihood my current plans will change with so many, many things to think about.
POWER CORD - Intend on installing a 30 amp Smart Plug. Will ask ETI not to install standard outlet box with no cutout exit hole. Just leave to cord coiled under the bed.
COOKTOP - Thinking about asking ETI to credit me for the Dometic, not to cutout the counter top and install a Dickenson or Induction myself.
STANDARD MANUAL TONGUE JACK - Plan to replace it with a Trailer Valet hand crank with a removeable handle that accommodates a power drill. Need max truck tailgate clearance. Two of our Three rescue dogs occasionally go boon docking.
KITCHEN SINK - Thinking about a composite Elkay sink and asking ETI not to cut out the counter top opening.
AIR CONDITIONER - My plan is to install a mini split system and request no roof air conditioner cut out. Need additional roof space for solar panels. I like ETI's front storage box but need the compressor space. Forum members who have installed the mini split systems how are they holding up to travel, road vibrations, flex in lines etc. ? I hired a HVAC contractor to assist me in installing a mini split system in my home last year and love it.
SOLAR - After reading many threads in this forum I'm leaning towards installing my own mounting system and panels. I need to get some E19 roof drawings to work out how many watts I can fit into the available space. I do not know if ETI solar prewire sizing is OK.
BATTERY - Thinking about just the standard single battery for delivery. I'm targeting 400 Ah Lithium battery capacity. I have read on the forums about the 400 Ah Bestgo that sounds promising. I hope the costs keep coming down in the lithium arena. As I age the available funds seem to be getting tighter.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - Don't know what wiring scheme would work best with my modifications. Should I have ETI install their basic wiring, outlets, electrical management system with surge protection. Then I select and install inverter, charge controller, transfer switch, battery disconnect and monitor additional solar port etc. This forum has a tremendous amount of great ideas and innovative solutions. Electrical engineering is outside my skillset however layout, installation and assembly I can handle. Help and suggestions from this community is most welcome. Hoping my planning stage is well thought out. Then I can take my time and enjoy the implementation.
SELECTING TWO WAY HOT WATER TANK
TANK LEVEL MONITORING - Undecided about level II leaning to my own upgrade at a later date.
SELECTING U SHAPED DINETTE WITH LAGUN ADJUSTABLE SWIVELING TABLE MOUNT - Goal is to provide more space for the electrical components and battery under the dinette seating. The flat floor area is a plus for our little 40 lb. rescued dog "Button" she loves to lay at our feet.
SELECTING 2 LED CAPTAINS READING LIGHTS
FRIDGE - Undecided on standard or compressor. If compressor thinking about not cutting out the lower fridge vent. Have read so many issues with different dometic models I'm leaning towards the compressor perhaps isotherm. I haven't researched ETI's compressor model.
SELECTING STANDARD LAVITORY
SELECTING BODY LIFT KIT - Had one on my Casita. Only needed it 4 or 5 times however when I did need it I was glad I had it. I don't expect to take the E19 where I took to Casita 17.
SELECTING STANDARD MANUAL AWNING
NOT SELECTING STORAGE BOX - Need the space for the mini split compressor. Still thinking about compressor and propane tank support and configuration. The storage box is one of the features that attracted me to Escape and now I want to delete it!!
SELECTING ADDITIONAL LED FRONT AND REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTS
CABINET DOOR ON END OF DINETTE BENCH - Depends on battery and electrical equipment placement.
SELECTING FRAMELESS WINDOWS WITH KITCHEN ADDITION - Still undecided on bathroom window. The ability to vent in the rain vs cross ventilation was a tough call. I'm aware of the manual awning and frameless window restrictions. Give a little loose a little.
HITCH - Considering the revised Anderson or e2 by Fastway. Need to be able to easily disconnect and toss into the back of my pickup. At 72 I can still handle the weight but given the choice I'll go lighter every time.
My wife has a few more years she wants to work. I'm retired and have some time to enjoy modifying the E19. Nowadays if you own a trailer you better be able to maintain it.
It will be nice meeting the escape family, attending rallies, making new friends and discussing modifications. All I need now is a road worthy Escape trailer.
Kirk
I have a long history of backpacking coupled with 5 years of trailer camping in a Casita 17. This June I placed a deposit on a E19 with a late September 2022 completion date. The E19 is big enough yet small enough for my 65% boon-docking and 35% parks and campground excursions. I'm aware new ETI trailers may come with little effective warranty and no dealer service but I remain optimistic that most issues can be resolved or avoided. I feel ETI makes a good fiberglass trailer for the dollars we spend and remain confident I've made the right choice. Time will tell how ETI's increased production schedule, product selections and assembly methods reflects on our safety and quality after delivery.
I hope to enter my spring or early summer 2022 configuration process with a well thought out plan for my intended modifications.
In all likelihood my current plans will change with so many, many things to think about.
POWER CORD - Intend on installing a 30 amp Smart Plug. Will ask ETI not to install standard outlet box with no cutout exit hole. Just leave to cord coiled under the bed.
COOKTOP - Thinking about asking ETI to credit me for the Dometic, not to cutout the counter top and install a Dickenson or Induction myself.
STANDARD MANUAL TONGUE JACK - Plan to replace it with a Trailer Valet hand crank with a removeable handle that accommodates a power drill. Need max truck tailgate clearance. Two of our Three rescue dogs occasionally go boon docking.
KITCHEN SINK - Thinking about a composite Elkay sink and asking ETI not to cut out the counter top opening.
AIR CONDITIONER - My plan is to install a mini split system and request no roof air conditioner cut out. Need additional roof space for solar panels. I like ETI's front storage box but need the compressor space. Forum members who have installed the mini split systems how are they holding up to travel, road vibrations, flex in lines etc. ? I hired a HVAC contractor to assist me in installing a mini split system in my home last year and love it.
SOLAR - After reading many threads in this forum I'm leaning towards installing my own mounting system and panels. I need to get some E19 roof drawings to work out how many watts I can fit into the available space. I do not know if ETI solar prewire sizing is OK.
BATTERY - Thinking about just the standard single battery for delivery. I'm targeting 400 Ah Lithium battery capacity. I have read on the forums about the 400 Ah Bestgo that sounds promising. I hope the costs keep coming down in the lithium arena. As I age the available funds seem to be getting tighter.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - Don't know what wiring scheme would work best with my modifications. Should I have ETI install their basic wiring, outlets, electrical management system with surge protection. Then I select and install inverter, charge controller, transfer switch, battery disconnect and monitor additional solar port etc. This forum has a tremendous amount of great ideas and innovative solutions. Electrical engineering is outside my skillset however layout, installation and assembly I can handle. Help and suggestions from this community is most welcome. Hoping my planning stage is well thought out. Then I can take my time and enjoy the implementation.
SELECTING TWO WAY HOT WATER TANK
TANK LEVEL MONITORING - Undecided about level II leaning to my own upgrade at a later date.
SELECTING U SHAPED DINETTE WITH LAGUN ADJUSTABLE SWIVELING TABLE MOUNT - Goal is to provide more space for the electrical components and battery under the dinette seating. The flat floor area is a plus for our little 40 lb. rescued dog "Button" she loves to lay at our feet.
SELECTING 2 LED CAPTAINS READING LIGHTS
FRIDGE - Undecided on standard or compressor. If compressor thinking about not cutting out the lower fridge vent. Have read so many issues with different dometic models I'm leaning towards the compressor perhaps isotherm. I haven't researched ETI's compressor model.
SELECTING STANDARD LAVITORY
SELECTING BODY LIFT KIT - Had one on my Casita. Only needed it 4 or 5 times however when I did need it I was glad I had it. I don't expect to take the E19 where I took to Casita 17.
SELECTING STANDARD MANUAL AWNING
NOT SELECTING STORAGE BOX - Need the space for the mini split compressor. Still thinking about compressor and propane tank support and configuration. The storage box is one of the features that attracted me to Escape and now I want to delete it!!
SELECTING ADDITIONAL LED FRONT AND REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTS
CABINET DOOR ON END OF DINETTE BENCH - Depends on battery and electrical equipment placement.
SELECTING FRAMELESS WINDOWS WITH KITCHEN ADDITION - Still undecided on bathroom window. The ability to vent in the rain vs cross ventilation was a tough call. I'm aware of the manual awning and frameless window restrictions. Give a little loose a little.
HITCH - Considering the revised Anderson or e2 by Fastway. Need to be able to easily disconnect and toss into the back of my pickup. At 72 I can still handle the weight but given the choice I'll go lighter every time.
My wife has a few more years she wants to work. I'm retired and have some time to enjoy modifying the E19. Nowadays if you own a trailer you better be able to maintain it.
It will be nice meeting the escape family, attending rallies, making new friends and discussing modifications. All I need now is a road worthy Escape trailer.
Kirk
