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09-13-2018, 06:11 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Name: Shawn
Trailer: 2021 Bigfoot 25B25RT. Prior units: 2019 Escape 21, 2001 Casita SD17
Kentucky
Posts: 126
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From Casita sd17 to a 21 Escape
Wife and I just returned from are first long trip in the Casita. Kentucky to Saltlakecity through all the northern parks. Just shy of three weeks. Things I loved: ease of pulling, setup and tear down, and the fact that we were able to see many parts of the country. About halfway through my wife says, I think we should consider a larger camper, like a Escape 21. So for those that have gone to a larger fg camper from a Casita or scamp, great move or was it a mistake?
Shawn
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09-13-2018, 06:46 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Trailer: Trillium 4500
Posts: 2,053
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A lot probably depends on what you are pulling it with.
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09-13-2018, 06:52 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of NC/SW Desert of UT
Posts: 4,188
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We went to an Escape 19 from our Casita Liberty. Mistake we made was going to a rally AFTER we owned our Casita. One step inside the Escape, and we knew we had made a mistake.
We would have bought an Escape 21, but its too long, can't get it into our backyard storage (way too tight).
Things we liked with the switch to Escape: everything. OK, to be more descriptive, in no particular order.
1. Storage: The Escape has easily TWICE the storage, if not 3 times. Lower cabinets are not tied up with utilities like they are in the Casita.
2. Large dinette: I think the dinette in our 19 is 44 inches deep, in the 21, its even bigger! Thats one problem with side dinettes, you are always limited to the depth of one side of the trailer (22, maybe 23 inches).
3. We can pass each other in the aisle way. My wife and I could not pass each other in the aisle of the Casita. I never took a tape measure to it, but the Escape is wide enough we can easily get past each other.
4. Floorplan: I much prefer the bed on one end, and the dinette on the opposite end. Both the 19 and the 21 are laid out this way.
5. Outside storage box: custom made by Escape to fit the frame and trailer perfectly, not only gives you great outside storage, but our battery is in the box, getting it out of the inside of the trailer.
6. Detachable power cord: its an option, we have it. Much better than stuffing a cord into a cabinet where it ends up getting caught on something.
7. Thermopane windows, another Escape option, well worth it.
8. Water tank under the floor: this is one reason there is more storage inside!
We take long trips, typically four weeks. Our most recent trip was to Alaska from North Carolina, with a side trip to Yellowstone. Almost 11,000 miles in 31 days, our longest trip yet. Our typical long trips have been to the western USA, more like 7,000 miles.
The longer the trip, the more the shortcomings of the Casita bothered us. If we were taking one week trips, or long weekends, the Casita would have worked for us. But we lived in the western US for many years, probably half our vacations if not more are to the west.
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09-13-2018, 06:55 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Name: Jeff
Trailer: Casita
California
Posts: 12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Hammel
A lot probably depends on what you are pulling it with.
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I’ll let you know. We just sold our Casita and are scheduled to pick up our new Escape 21 next month. We really enjoyed the Casita but just retired and are planning to stay out longer. For us we are looking forward to more space. Planning to tow with a V8 4Runner.
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09-13-2018, 07:04 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of NC/SW Desert of UT
Posts: 4,188
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Didn't realize Toyota now had a V8 4Runner. A quick look and it seems more than capable of this task.
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09-13-2018, 07:06 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Name: Mike
Trailer: 2011 Escape 19
Oklahoma
Posts: 6,053
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Quite a few owners of 17' Escapes have stepped up to 19'ers or 21'ers. I don't see them saying that they wished they'd stayed smaller.
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09-13-2018, 07:08 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Name: Jeff
Trailer: Casita
California
Posts: 12
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I hope so, it’s my big concern right now. It pulled my Casita fine but the tranny temperature gave me a bit of concern going over high passes in hot weather.
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09-13-2018, 07:21 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of NC/SW Desert of UT
Posts: 4,188
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffRow
I hope so, it’s my big concern right now. It pulled my Casita fine but the tranny temperature gave me a bit of concern going over high passes in hot weather.
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Does it have a tranny cooler? If not, I would add one.
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09-13-2018, 07:29 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Name: Shawn
Trailer: 2021 Bigfoot 25B25RT. Prior units: 2019 Escape 21, 2001 Casita SD17
Kentucky
Posts: 126
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We pull the Casita with a 5.7l Tundra crewmax! The truck does not feel the casita at all! Bill that is our take away from the casita, great for little weekends or a week but a few weeks and it becomes Cramped for my wife. Escape has delivery openings after the first of the year.....hummmm
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09-13-2018, 07:38 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Name: Shawn
Trailer: 2021 Bigfoot 25B25RT. Prior units: 2019 Escape 21, 2001 Casita SD17
Kentucky
Posts: 126
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Jeff, my prior tundra had the 4.7l v8 and towed like a champ. That is one of Toyota’s best combination ever!
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09-13-2018, 07:42 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Name: Jeff
Trailer: Casita
California
Posts: 12
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Thanks, hope so. We have both the thru radiator and factory small auxiliary cooler stock with the tow package. Debating installing a larger tranny cooler. I’m picking the 21 up next month, should be cool and I have a trans temp gauge.
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09-13-2018, 07:46 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of NC/SW Desert of UT
Posts: 4,188
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeffRow
Thanks, hope so. We have both the thru radiator and factory small auxiliary cooler stock with the tow package. Debating installing a larger tranny cooler. I’m picking the 21 up next month, should be cool and I have a trans temp gauge.
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Based on your prior experience, I'd go with a bigger cooler. Cheaper than a tranny repair!
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09-13-2018, 07:48 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Name: bill
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
The Mountains of NC/SW Desert of UT
Posts: 4,188
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Quote:
Originally Posted by buellfire
We pull the Casita with a 5.7l Tundra crewmax! The truck does not feel the casita at all! Bill that is our take away from the casita, great for little weekends or a week but a few weeks and it becomes Cramped for my wife. Escape has delivery openings after the first of the year.....hummmm
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You'll never regret moving up! Many Escape owners started with molded trailers from other manufacturers.
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09-13-2018, 07:50 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Name: Jeff
Trailer: Casita
California
Posts: 12
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Probably will, may be able to add an additional cooler. Sorry if I’m pirating this thread.
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09-13-2018, 09:36 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Name: John
Trailer: Escape 21, behind an '02 F250 7.3 diesel tug
Mid Left Coast
Posts: 3,027
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We went from a Casita 16 to an Esccape 21 and couldn't be happier. only time I'm not happy is trying to maneuver it in tight spaces, doing a 15-point turn in a cul d sac where idiots have parked on the lollipop, when towing with a 20' long F250 longbed, hahahaha, that was sketchy beyond belief, but somehow I made it. oh, probably didn't help that a coulpe bikes are on a rack hanging off the back, too, hahaahahah, makes the combined rig at least 45 feet long.
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09-14-2018, 06:24 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Name: John
Trailer: 2019 Oliver Elite II
Texas
Posts: 367
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Hammel
A lot probably depends on what you are pulling it with.
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I agree with you, why so many want to use tow vehicles that are under built for what they are wanting to use it for, is beyond me. Today's 1/2 ton pickups get decent fuel mileage, very nice ride and comfort, and all the technical stuff you would ever want. If you want a smaller second vehicle for running around town then keep what you have and get something that makes trailer pulling a breeze. I wouldn't pull any travel trailer that is in the 19'-23' range with anything less then a 1/2 ton pickup with a GVRW less then 7500 lbs. I guess from living in Texas it's just a way of life for us, so anything else does seem awkward.
trainman
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09-14-2018, 08:51 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Trailer: Trillium 4500
Posts: 2,053
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I actually pull with a 2016 Chevy Colorado with the "Baby" 2.8 4 cylinder Duramax. The truck's tow rating is 7800 lbs. Unloaded on the hwy I get over 30 mpg. Pulling my Oxygen I get 23 mpg. Pulling the CB 17 Bigfoot I got 12-13. Two years ago I pulled a 25' stick built with a pullout weighing 5k from Spokane to Las Vegas. I averaged 11-12 mpg and it pulled it fine in the hills etc. I have the long bed and the truck is actually 2 inches longer than the Silverado.
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09-14-2018, 09:51 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Name: mark
Trailer: ,Retro by Riverside RV
California
Posts: 271
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thrifty bill
We went to an Escape 19 from our Casita Liberty. Mistake we made was going to a rally AFTER we owned our Casita. One step inside the Escape, and we knew we had made a mistake.
"...The longer the trip, the more the shortcomings of the Casita bothered us. If we were taking one week trips, or long weekends, the Casita would have worked for us. But we lived in the western US for many years, probably half our vacations if not more are to the west.
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Excellent point. I am leaning towards longer trips to further destinations. We would have upgrade our TV and store the trailer ( longer than 17') off site, BUT, in another year or so it may be time.
Mark
__________________
Former Casita owner.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
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09-14-2018, 11:24 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Name: John
Trailer: Escape 21, behind an '02 F250 7.3 diesel tug
Mid Left Coast
Posts: 3,027
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alternative to the half ton pickups is a SUV built on a half ton pickup frame, like the Tahoe/Suburban/Yukons from Chevy/GMC, or the Expedition from Ford.
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09-14-2018, 06:52 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Name: Stephen
Trailer: Casita
Tennessee
Posts: 223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by buellfire
Wife and I just returned from are first long trip in the Casita. Kentucky to Saltlakecity through all the northern parks. Just shy of three weeks. Things I loved: ease of pulling, setup and tear down, and the fact that we were able to see many parts of the country. About halfway through my wife says, I think we should consider a larger camper, like a Escape 21. So for those that have gone to a larger fg camper from a Casita or scamp, great move or was it a mistake?
Shawn
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Every inch longer than what will fit in one parking spot reduces utility on an accelerated basis.
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