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Photo K. Ruthkowski
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Escape Trailer Industries
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Escape Trailer Industries
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Escape Trailer Industries
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Escape Trailer Industries
Words by Steve Fennell
The 21 Foot Escape is just one of four models from Escape Trailer Industries and while it's not the first unit from the Chilliwack, BC-based company that has captured the attention of RVers, it's proven to be one of the more popular. Based on the company's roots of building trailers with a 100 percent moulded fibreglass body that's lightweight, rugged, and properly balanced for smooth towing experiences, the 21 Foot is the perfect fit for couples looking to enjoy extended trips this coming spring and summer.
With existing models in the Escape family to include the 17 Foot, 19 Foot, and 5.0TA Fifth Wheel, the 21 Foot was a natural addition. It offers the right amount of additional space without being too intimidating to tow or maneuver in tight confines. It also has a long list of features to include its popular winter package, which not only upgrades the 21 Foot with a series of appointments for more comfort in cool climes, it extends your season. So, if you're the adventurous type who also likes to hit the road late winter, early spring, or throughout the fall, you're in luck.
While a high percentage of its customers are retirees – or venturesome couples with open summer schedules – the 21 Foot meets that demographic. In fact, making use of space in a limited area for two people calls for some careful designing and that's exactly what this team did. It has an exterior length of 6.5 m (21.4 ft) and an exterior width of 2 m (7.4 ft) that provides a spacious layout for a north-south bed, plus the largest galley and wet bath in the company's line.
"The galley, bath and bed layout are big sellers for our market," says Reace Harmatiuk, director of operations for Escape Trailer Industries. "Customers like the rear dinette with the large window so they can enjoy some scenery while dining and overall, this is a very functional travel trailer for those who enjoy extended trips."
Fibreglass-built trailers are widely known for durability, ease of maintenance, aerodynamics (that equates to better gas mileage for your tow vehicle) with the ability to withstand harsh weather. So, whether you brave the cooler temperatures or explore more southern destinations, the fiberglass exterior provides easy cleaning, especially in the off-season when conditions get muddy or messy. Simply wash down dust, dirt, muck or whatever is thrown at it and it's as clean as new.
To ensure structural integrity, production begins from the outside in. Harmatiuk explained their build is set apart from other fiberglass models as the construction process consists of bonding two fiberglass shells together before being released from the mould, which in turn, results in a 100 percent moulded and seamless unibody. For added rigidity, anchor blocks are moulded into the shells to securely mount the walls (eliminating the use of mechanical fasteners or riveting) while the frame consists of steel tubing that's bolted to a rubber ride torsion axle suspension. In all, the entire process delivers the utmost strength, more solid towing experiences and minimizes water penetration.
Inside, the 21 Foot has been widely praised for its ample storage and it's not surprising. There are continuous overhead cabinets in the galley, dinette, and sleeping areas with more space below the counter in the galley. Just opposite are a series of large cabinets and drawers. All are matching oak and even the six-cu. ft. 3-way Dometic fridge has an oak finish. You'll also appreciate the dedicated space for a microwave.
Most of all, the interior has a streamlined design with 2 m (6.4 ft) of headroom throughout. The rear dinette offers a great area to socialize, can seat four in comfort and has four-inch high-density seat cushions. It can also be converted to 122 x 218 cm (48 x 86 in) bed. Just forward, the galley has ample counter space, in addition to a flush mount two-burner cooktop with glass cover plus a deep sink featuring a single lever chrome facet.
Further forward is the sleeping area with a queen bed that conveniently flanks the wet bath, which comes complete with a shower package to include a full fiberglass insert, sink with a hand-held shower and a holding tank monitor panel. A power exhaust vent, Thetford Aqua Magic 5 Toilet and privacy door lock are also featured.
What makes the living area extra comfortable is the high-grade linoleum flooring, insulated vinyl headliner and wall covering, plus some added touches such as pleated draw-down shades for the dinette and galley windows, two roof vents, Double Dome LED lighting, and pair of lamps in the sleeping area.
The exterior is also impressive with long of list of appointments to include:
- 4 m (13.6 ft) Carefree Power Awning with an eight-inch extension
- Exterior storage hatch
- Integrated screen door
- Two LED exterior lights on the driver/passenger side
- Exterior grab handle
- Protective front rock guards
- A 20′ Sewer Hose & Storage
- Bike rack-ready with a two-inch receiver
- Dual 20 lb. OPD propane tanks with an auto change over the regulator.
When it comes to customizing the 21 Foot, the options are vast. While considered a three-season trailer, the winter package entails added insulation, frameless thermal windows, and two 12V heat pads with spray foam insulation.
"Customers can select options on how they plan to use it," says Harmatiuk. "Almost every model we build has the added winter package. It comes with heavier insulation and thermal dual pane windows to retain heat (from the 12,000 BTU Atwood Furnace)."
Another interesting aspect (as with all the other models in the line) is you can personally add your own interior options. The units commonly adhere to a standard layout with one colour scheme, yet you can opt for any choice of fabrics, flooring, cabinets, counter or laminate colours, even kitchen and sink facets from outside retailers for the company to install.
"We allow customers to choose – and supply us – with different counter colours, fabrics, or flooring," says Harmatiuk. "It really changes the feel of the trailer and in the end, they are very happy as they have exactly what they want."
On a final note, and unlike other manufacturers, Escape Trailer Industries doesn't have a dealer base and offers only direct factory sales. By doing this, Harmatiuk and his team not only receive valuable feedback, but it allows a much more personal interaction with its customers.
"Rather than hearing from a dealer on what they feel will sell, we hear it straight from the consumer. That's how the 21' Foot Escape was developed and quite essentially, why people are very happy and proud of the trailers they have bought from us."
For more details on Escape Trailer Industries be sure to go to http://escapetrailer.com and to interact with other Escape customers or to hear feedback be sure to visit its interactive owner's forum at http://www.escapeforum.org.