Escape Trailer Frequently Asked Questions

Before purchasing a new Escape trailer we want to make sure that all of your questions are answered. Below are a few of the most common questions we receive. 

Frequently Asked Questions

As with many manufacturers and businesses, Escape was short-staffed in the early stages of the pandemic. This initially caused a slow down in our production. We are currently back to normal production rates and will start to increase those in early 2021.

We are still delivering trailers to customers.  Our famous orientation process is currently ‘on hold’, customers are using our online videos and live stream orientations with good success. Our transport partners are delivering trailers to US hub cities and will continue to do so until the border remains closed.

In 2019 we revised our payment policies to be in line with our customers requests.  We have now fully transitioned away from the old process of all payments in CAD.

USA and Canadian customers are quoted and pay in their local currency.

US Customers are quoted and pay in USD.

Canadian customers are quoted and pay in CAD.

Exchange rate is no longer an issue for Escape customers.

Prior to 2019 Escape ‘only’ sold in Canadian dollars, and would use the bank rate on the day to convert USD funds to CAD.

From late 2019 at the request of many USA customers Escape remodeled the business and now offers pricing in both USD and CAD. 

This removes the issue for US customers needing to pay in CAD or not having a fixed price on their unit because of exchange rate fluctuation.

USA customers receive quotes in USD and pay in USD. 

Canadian customers receive quotes in CAD and pay in CAD.

Our lead times are fluctuating based on supply and demand. The deposit form on our Place Your Deposit page is being updated regularly and allows  you to choose your preferred production completion month. If you have specific questions about current build times, please contact sales@escapetrailer.com

No dealers.  

Escape is the fastest growing direct to consumer manufacturer for fiberglass RV’s in North America.  We do not have the typical dealer arrangement.  If you would like to  see an Escape trailer we can connect you with one of our customers local to you, they will be delighted to show you their trailer and share their Escape experience with you.  https://escapetrailer.com/view-an-escape-trailer/

Your deposit either reserves a production slot or holds an inventory unit.  When you place the deposit Escape pays the credit card fees. If you cancel the deposit you pay the return fees on the credit card.

Our contract is formalized when we agree to the buildsheet with all it’s options and pricing.  There are terms and conditions.

The deposit is non refundable when the contract is signed.  If you cancel after the buildsheet is confirmed the deposit is non refundable.

USA customers will have a USD buildsheet. 
Canadian customers will have a CAD buildsheet.

 

Escape will export your trailer into the USA. 

You are required to title and register your trailer which includes paying your state fees/taxes etc.

Based on the feedback from previous Escape customers, the DMV in the USA have differing application of requirements for each state, and in some cases each county.  Some will permit you to register etc prior to export, and others will ask for a physical inspection of the VIN after export.  

We recommend asking advice from other Escape owners on either the Escape Trailer Forum and/or the Escape Travel Trailer Facebook page.  Neither of these are managed or funded by Escape.

Your vehicle must be capable of safely pulling the GVWR for your trailer.  It must also have a 7 pin connector, a brake controller, and a 2″ ball for the bumper pulls (the 7 pin enables the trailer lights, and communicates from the vehicle brake controller to the trailer brakes) 

Escape 17A and B = 4000lbs

Escape 19, 21c & 21NE = 5000lbs

The Escape 5.0TA = 5500lbs and has other considerations e.g., bed height and length. Download the Escape 5.0 Towing Compatibility Guide


Tow Vehicle Disclaimer

You the customer are solely responsible for the selection and proper use of the tow vehicle.

Escape Trailer Industries disclaims all liability with respect to damages incurred by a customer or owner of an Escape Trailer Industries LP recreational vehicle as a result of the operation, use or misuse of a tow vehicle.

NOTE: ESCAPE TRAILER INDUSTRIES’S WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE TO THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OR THE TOW VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE OPERATION, USE OR MISUSE OF THE TOW VEHICLE.

75% of Escape customers are from the USA.  We have refined the process to make it easy to deal with the distances.
  1. You place a deposit online in USD (or you can phone us) and book a completion date. Place a Deposit
  2. We will contact you to walk you through the configuration process.  We take as much time as you need.
  3. We lock your configuration a minimum 3 months prior to your completion date (unless you are purchasing an inventory unit).
  4. You pay the final balance in USD on or before your completion date. We will store your trailer for free for up to 1 month or until you’re delivery date.
  5. Orientations are currently not being done at Escape because of COVID restrictions. To see our LiveStream video orientations click here.
  6. If picking up in Sumas, WA. We export your trailer into the USA and meet you in Sumas. We do this to save you from paying Canadian taxes.
  7. You hitch up (you do this yourself, you will have learned at your orientation) on the US side of the border.
  8. You Take your Escape and begin the adventures.

It’s easy for Canadians.

  1. You place a deposit online in CAD (or you can phone us) and book a completion date. Place a Deposit
  2. We will contact you to walk you through the configuration process.  We take as much time as you need. 
  3. We lock your configuration a minimum 3 months prior to your completion date (unless you are purchasing an inventory unit).
  4. You arrange a trip to collect your trailer on your completion date.  You pay the final balance in CAD on or before your completion date. Don’t worry if you can’t get to Escape exactly on your completion date, we will store your trailer for free for up to 1 months or until you collect which ever comes first.
  5. Orientations are currently not being done at Escape because of COVID restrictions. Please click here to see our online orientations.
  6. You will inspect your trailer and sign off on final paperwork.
  7. You Take your Escape and begin the adventures.

In Sumas, WA at Bob’s Burger and Brew parking lot.

One of our Escape drivers will transport the trailer from our facility in Chilliwack, BC to Sumas, WA.

Our driver will export the trailer across the border into the US through the Commercial Lanes.

The Escape driver will meet the US customer at a predetermined location in Sumas, the trailer will be unhooked and the new owner will be able to hook up and continue on their adventures.

At this point, the trailer is officially exported and the US customer can drive it back and forth from USA to Canada if desired.

For more details on deliveries and pick-up in Sumas, click here.

No, US Customers are exempt from Canadian Taxes as the trailers are exported to the US once they have been paid for in full. However, US customers will be required to pay their State tax.

Escape Trailer Industries completes all of the paperwork required for the import/export of your trailer.

Once the trailer enters production, we will assign a VIN number to the trailer and complete the required documents. (Please note we do require a SSN at this time for one owner). A complete copy of the prepared documents is forwarded to both the customer and CPBSA where they are filed and stamped by US customs at the time of export/import.

Depending on the State and County, some customers are able to obtain full title, and registration before they pick the trailer at the border. This allows them to have a metal plate to put on the trailer during travel between Sumas, WA and their home State.

Yes, When we refer to the Dry Weight of our trailers we weigh a finished trailer with just the Standard Features installed. 

To compare the dry weights of each model please see our comparison chart by clicking here.

Follow the instructions on our “Winterizing your trailer” page! Click here for Winterizing

weight distribution hitch (aka “load equalizing hitch”) does just what the name says — it is a hitch that evenly distributes the weight of your payload. It works by using adjustable spring bars and tension to distribute the load of the trailer tongue to the trailer and vehicle axles. Many front wheel drive vehicles will require an equalizer hitch. 

While our WDH may be incompatible with some vehicles with Air Levelling Suspension System, we highly recommend that our customers research and review the air bag system of your vehicle. With continually changing technology in the auto industry, each vehicle make and model specifies their own setup procedure for interfacing WDH and levelling systems.

Escape 17
Black tank – 13.2 gallon
Gray tank – 26 gallon
Fresh tank – 20 gallon

Escape 19
Black tank – 13.2 gallon
Gray tank – 28 gallon
Fresh tank – 28 gallon

Escape 21C & 21NE
Black tank – 21C 22 gallon / 21NE 13.2 gallon
Gray tank – 28 gallon
Fresh tank – 28 gallon

Escape 5.0
Black tank – 30 gallon
Gray tank – 28 gallon
Fresh tank – 28 gallon

The Escape 17 is equipped with a Dometic 3-way, 3 cubic foot with freezer compartment.

The Escape 19 is equipped with a Dometic 3-way, 5 cubic foot with  freezer compartment.

The Escape 21C/21NE and the Escape 5.0 are equipped with a Dometic 3-way, 6 cubic foot with freezer compartment.

Orientation Video

Take a walk through of the various features offered on Escape trailers.