Working on 17B Build Sheet

[RF Paul]

We have a 17B due to be completed next summer. This forum has been an awesome resource for information on which options to choose. I've been able to get most of my questions answered, but so far, I've been stumped on my gaucho bunk questions. We definitely want the ability to squeeze four into our 17B...most often for grandchildren, the first two of which will be arriving next spring! Most of the time it will just be two of us, and I won't need, or even want it, during those times. So I'm wondering if ordering the gaucho affects other aspects of the trailer. Such as, do I get a smaller front dinette table? Do I lose much visibility out of the front window? Is it possible to sit in the dinette underneath the bunk? Alternatively, and perhaps most importantly...is it possible to completely remove the bunk for those times I don't need it? I much appreciate any input anyone can provide!

 

[rbryan4]

We have a 17B due to be completed next summer. This forum has been an awesome resource for information on which options to choose. I've been able to get most of my questions answered, but so far, I've been stumped on my gaucho bunk questions. We definitely want the ability to squeeze four into our 17B...most often for grandchildren, the first two of which will be arriving next spring! Most of the time it will just be two of us, and I won't need, or even want it, during those times. So I'm wondering if ordering the gaucho affects other aspects of the trailer. Such as, do I get a smaller front dinette table? Do I lose much visibility out of the front window? Is it possible to sit in the dinette underneath the bunk? Alternatively, and perhaps most importantly...is it possible to completely remove the bunk for those times I don't need it? I much appreciate any input anyone can provide!

Paul, The 17 has a "gaucho" option, while the 19 has a "cot" option. The gaucho pivots down when not in use. But, it doesn't affect headroom or seating or the view when it's not deployed - except for reducing elbow room a bit. A gaucho would also mean a smaller table, so the bunk can fit behind it when it's not deployed.

If it's possible, I'd ask for the cot in the 17 instead of the gaucho. Don't know if they do that.

I would ask Escape for recent photos of the gaucho to see if the design is unchanged - here is an older photo:

 

[Dave Walter]

I would be very surprised if an adult would be able to sit upright on the bench seat with the gaucho bunk set up.

 

[rbryan4]

I would be very surprised if an adult would be able to sit upright on the bench seat with the gaucho bunk set up.

Yeah, no way. But, no need to sit there when it's deployed for sleeping.

 

[Brian B-P]

Is it possible to sit in the dinette underneath the bunk? Alternatively, and perhaps most importantly...is it possible to completely remove the bunk for those times I don't need it?

No, you can't sit under the bunk when it is folded up into bunk position, but when you are sitting there you fold the bunk down. It is not practical to remove the bunk, but as long as the small reduction in elbow room is acceptable there is no reason to remove it.

There's a more complete view of the gaucho/bunk/dinette configuation in Escape Trailer in FiberglassRV, post #44 and post #45. This is from 2006, but I have not heard of any change - someone with this option in a newer 17' could confirm or correct this.

 

[Nindy]

I have the gaucho bunk configuration in my 2015 17B and it looks the same as what Brian posted. Ditto all the Brian said plus when the bunk is flipped up and in use, you still have a full view out the front window.

It's not terribly comfortable on the top bunk but I've used it with younger teenagers and they didn't complain! Most of the time I have it in the "couch" configuration and it's either got a bunch of my stuff on it or napping dogs. A toaster oven in a plastic tub sometimes sits underneath it.

Linda

 

[RF Paul]

Wow! Thank you everyone! Now I have a good idea how the gaucho works.

I'll look into the cot idea, to see if that is an option for a 17B. Does that sit on the floor?