Why We Don't Own SOB Trailer

We started looking at travel trailers about a year before our planned retirements, with the idea that we would be on the road 3-6 months of each year, changing locations on a regular basis. So for me, the most important selection criterion was the ability of the trailer structure to withstand that sort of use over several years. What became immediately obvious, at least to my engineer's eye, was that the methods and materials used in the typical "stick built" trailer, of whatever brand, pretty much guaranteed structural problems after not too many thousands of towing miles. A conclusion that was amply confirmed when we looked at used trailers.

That led us to look at fiberglass egg type trailers, and after considering all of the then available brands (and after a factory visit to Escape), we chose the E21 as the best combination of price, quality, and suitability for our use case. After eight years we've of course had some issues with components (and one issue related to poor workmanship by ETI), but there have not been any structural issues and no external water leaks. Plus our trailer is still worth what we paid for it. So we're happy with our choice.

MichelleRT is correct that there are a fair number of fanboys on this forum, me included, but I doubt that many of them are seeking the financial rewards of the ambassador program. $500 doesn't seem likely to be a powerful motivator for people who are willing and able to indulge in a $50,000 toy. As for us, we gleaned a lot of useful information from the forum, mostly around completing our build sheet, but nothing here contributed to our decision to buy an Escape. We actually joined the forum just four days before we ordered our trailer.
 
I'm an ambassador too, but mainly because I think highly of the trailer and want to share what I've discovered with folks who've never seen one in person. If I make a couple bucks along the way, I won't refuse it, but I'd be an ambassador if there were no stipends.

(Shhh... don't tell ETI) :LOL:
 
We looked at every other brand of camper we could afford and never found a layout or level of quality we would accept. Having one our 2022 21C for a little over 2 years I can say I am very pleased with our decision.

We love the layout. We are still impressed with the quality of the cabinetry, the overall build quality and not to forget that our fiberglass shell will outlast the other campers we could afford.

It's also quite a conversation starter.
 
I tend to buy for the long term. When shopping for a trailer, I was looking for something that would not only meet my immediate needs, but also serve me well once I semi-retire (hopefully sooner than later) and begin to travel more extensively. I looked at about a dozen different models and seriously considered 4 or 5 other alternatives prior to placing a deposit on my E19.

It didn't make sense to spend 60%-70% of an Escape's cost on a conventionally constructed trailer that is all-but-certain not to age gracefully. Each time I wax the shell and go over the trailer from top to bottom, I understand what the extra $$$ bought me.

After living out of my E19 for over 100 nights during the first two seasons of ownership, I only have a handful of criticisms:

- I wish ETI would offer an option to add additional insulation to the shell. The standard insulation is effective (about 7/8" thick), but I think even another 1/4" layer of foam or reflectix would really help with heating/cooling efficiency, especially in the shoulder seasons. Having said that, I have yet to encounter any cold weather condensation issues.
- At this price point, it would be nice see better quality appliances installed, though ETI seems to be making gradual improvements each year (IE new Houghton AC option, Victron electrical components, etc). Maybe a Truma furnace option is not far off.
- I've come across a handful of minor interior build quality issues (a couple of stripped drawer slide screws, loose electrical connections, failed cabinet latches, etc). Nothing I couldn't easily fix myself....but still annoying given the price point.
- I really wish the acrylic window option was offered at the time I ordered my trailer. That will probably be a future retrofit for me.
- I'm happy my trailer was built before ETI reduced the E19's max gross weight rating from 5000lbs down to 4400lbs (with no attempt to lighten the base empty weight proportionally). I still don't understand why they did this.

I feel confident that with proper upkeep, the E19 will outlive me. Given the number of 40+ year-old vintage Bigfoots, Bolers, and Trilliums that I see on the road, it's likely my trailer will still retain value well into the distant future....when my family's descendants will eventually inherit it. To me, that easily justifies the price premium.

No RV is perfect. However, I'm happy to do what I can to promote a unique, good quality, Canadian-manufactured alternative to typical Elkhart-produced trailers. Any financial incentive for being an ambassador isn't that important to me.
 
Between the two of you ambassadors....can you give me your general opinions on the negatives (even if, small) of the Escape, we're considering a 23 for the walk around bed. We are also concerned about the lack of storage outside the trailer.
We have a 23 (Queen bed) that we've been enjoying for the past year. I too was initially concerned about the lack of outside storage. However, there's SO MUCH interior storage - including massive space under the easy-to-lift bed, that I really don't miss it. We get lots of mileage out of the front storage box too - with that, all of the stuff we need to use outside save for tables and doormats lives outside and is easy to access.
 
Allow another Ambassador to join the commentary.

If outside storage is a requirement in your next travel trailer, the E23 F1 (Twin) might be worth considering. There are two large outside side storage bays that are absolutely….large!!

The storage space is also accessible from the inside by raising the twin bed mattresses.

We are the happy owners of a 2024 E23 F1 and absolutely love it.
 

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