Portland, OR; 21 Mar ‘16
It began with a simple thought . . .
“I wish I had bigger holding tanks” – the holding tanks in my 2005 17’ Escape
were very small (8 gal Black; 5 gal bucket for grey). As I did more and more
dry camping, these tank limitations became more and more of an annoyance.
Then, as I looked at all the new models that Escape offers, I gave in to ‘2
foot-itis’. Wow, I could have a permanent bed AND a big dinette (perfect for
crafts and painting). I remember deciding to buy my first Escape and confirming
all the options took about 90 minutes. This time, having several months between
my deposit and the date my build sheet was due, gave me WAY too much time to
second guess, fret, read posts from other folks, and add, add, add options!
Of course, I’d need a new tow vehicle!
As easy as it was to order and receive a perfect new trailer, it was equally
difficult to decide on, actually receive and outfit an appropriate tow vehicle!
I would need to do a whole post on the adventure of researching and testing
SUV’s with an appropriate tow rating. Having decided on the new, redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot, I had to wait over 4 months to actually get one!! Many
misunderstandings on what I needed to actually get this great car ready to tow!
Lesson: go with a vehicle where towing is a primary selling point – not one
where towing is an afterthought. I got a lot of misinformation and misdirection
resulting (of course) in lost time, hassle and more expense. Hopefully, by the
time I actually hit the road this summer, all the kinks will be worked out – the
last issue is having to replace my roof rack system to work with the new
redesigned Honda rails (flush mounted now). It is unclear whether Yakima has
anything to fit yet and the Thule offering won’t work with the stuff I need on
the roof.
I loved watching my Escape being built!
Getting pictures every few days during the actual build was so fun!!
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| Looking back towards the rear passenger side - doesn't it look BIG! |
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| Same view: Fridge and cupboards are in! |
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| This is the front; Will be my permanent bed |
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And here's the permanent bed with an opening underneath for easy access to litter box and file boxes
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| Great view of the kitchen, HUGE dinette with original style table |
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| Almost ready for pick-up!!! Shiny, Shiny!! |
Really enjoyed seeing the photos of the build. Did not realize the bed and table had been swapped in the 19...knew the 21 had the bed up front.
ReplyDeleteWe have been home a week tonight and it was so easy to come back to our small space after the big downsizing of last summer. Just opened the door,turned up the heat, turned the water back on and flipped the hot water heater breaker. Viola! Just like we never left.
Are you hanging in the northwest this summer?
I had the bed/dinette swapped as a special option. The standard bed is a full- sized queen in the back.
DeleteI will be in the PNW most of the summer.
Congratulations on the sale of your house and the start of a new stage of life. So exciting!
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled- the house was becoming a burden.
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DeleteHow wonderful to be able to watch the progress! :)
ReplyDeleteAs if I wasn't excited enough!!
DeleteCongratulations on your new 19' Escape! It looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI plan on hitting the road in one next year. Am still debating on which options to get. I am curious about having the permanent bed switched to the front. Does that mean the bed is smaller, the size the dinette would have been (44 X 80)? I rather like the idea!
This is such a delightful process, getting ones new little home!
Yes, the bed is about the size of the dinette.
DeleteI really like it, although you need to ask/think thru what all the implications might be. In my case, I got an outlet moved to the upper cupboard area so I could reach it - but neglected to ask where the solar controls and inverter controls would be - so they are somewhat awkwardly located under the bed.
I'm loving getting the trailer all tricked out for me and my cat!
Yes, the bed is about the size of the dinette.
DeleteI really like it, although you need to ask/think thru what all the implications might be. In my case, I got an outlet moved to the upper cupboard area so I could reach it - but neglected to ask where the solar controls and inverter controls would be - so they are somewhat awkwardly located under the bed.
I'm loving getting the trailer all tricked out for me and my cat!