Our options and why (19 ft)

[ronstew]

Hitch wheel on my 17' Escape:

I have one, and I need it to position the trailer in my carport. Much grunting and straining is required, but it does let me put the trailer exactly where I want it.

Glenn's right. It wouldn't work on a 19' Escape.

 

[Jim Bennett]

I use the hitch wheel on my 19, and as long as it is on hard ground, it works just fine. I don't understand why it would not. Only when pushed straight sideways does it offer any added resistance. Lisa and I have turned the trailer 90° on a paved spot with a bit of work, but nothing too bad.

That said, 95% of the time I just park it where I want it, it is real easy to maneuver while reversing into a spot. I have only used the hitch wheel a couple times, and could easily do without it.

 

[gbaglo]

In theory, on the 19' you have two wheels each side making contact with the ground, so as you push the tongue sideways, the wheels ( a couple feet apart and making contact with the ground ) resist sliding sideways. On the 17' you only have one wheel each side, so it's way easier.

Now, if you have lots of room to push backwards or pull forwards, as you try to turn it, you would be able to make the trailer turn.

I know you're a big, strong, guy Jim, but give your heart and back a break.

baglo

 

[eskap]

Another option I saw while at the plant picking up my trailer was the aluminum wheels, they look very nice on the trailers.

 

[wcf]

The idea of drilling a bunch of little holes for the snaps does not appeal to me. Didnt like the rivet idea of other types of trailers so couldnt put a bunch of snaps on either.The water tank inside sounds great but i know we wont winter camp.
I guess i will look into the propane thing, seems to me i remember coming across that problem before, i have quite a selection of hoses so hopefully can make something work. I know i have an adapter that tees into the tank line that i use to run my barbecue and light off of. I was hoping that it was tank pressure at the quick coupler. Minor bugs to work out in May. Its hard to do a long distance build??

wendell

 

[gbaglo]

The issue with the quick-connect propane is that there is a regulator at the trailer propane tanks. There is also a regulator on your BBQ. So, you need to remove the one on the BBQ in order to use the quick-connect hose.
If you intend to use the same BBQ away from the trailer, with a tank, you have to re-install the regulator on the BBQ.

I'm not sure that you could use your propane 'tree'. For one thing, you'd have no tank to attach it to ( or you could play cards around the trailer hitch if it even works with the lamp ).

I chose not to get the system as I don't want to be restricted as to where the BBQ goes, and I don't want to trip over the hose, or store it.

You can see previous posts discussing the merits of the quick-connect by searching 'quick-connect' or 'propane' or BBQ.

baglo

 

[escape artist]

Hi: wcf...I for one like the idea of the screen room. It's just one more variation to the camping scenario. I'm positive Reace puts the snaps on with the utmost care!!! When we're retired and using the trailer in one spot for 2-3 wks. or mths we'll get more use out of the screen rm.
I also like using my portable BBQ even though it uses the disposable bottles. My tire tech. gave me a valve stem wrench so when they are empty, I can remove the stem, turn them upside down, and tape it onto the outside of the bottle, to indicate to the recyclers they are in fact empty!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

 

[kalyson]

WCF: Thank you for this post! Great info for us in our own ordering process.

--Kalyson