Johnny's Ultimate Off-Grid Solar E21C Tour

The Escape Astronaut Program is ready for lift-off! In the early Summer we were joined by the ever-engineering Johnny Hung and his Escape 21C dubbed 'E-Ticket'. We believe the E-Ticket to be the most highly-modified Escape out there with an extensive list of ingenious modifications. These impressive mods include a massive solar array, a custom hand-assembled battery/solar setup and so much more. Join us as Johnny takes Karl through his truly impressive Escape.
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0:00 - Introduction & Summary
2:46 - Johnny Introduction
04:26 - Tow Vehicle
11:30 - Solar on Tow Vehicle
12:56 - Trailer Solar Array
18:59 - Mini Split Air Conditioner
21:51 - Acrylic Windows (Arctic Tern)
27:40 - Compressor Fridge Retrofit Discussion
29:04 - Mini Split AC Interior
31:22 - Microwave on a Slide
32:13 - Dual Compressor DC Fridge
34:50 - Skylight Retrofit
36:06 - Induction Cooktop
37:50 - Custom Lithium Battery and Power Systems
50:28 - UV Sterilization and Additional Water Storage
54:28 - Heated Flooring
56:03 - Acrylic Window Interior View
57:09 - What's Next Johnny?

[@takeyourescape]

What was your favourite modification Johnny made? Were you inspired to make a similar modification to your Escape?

[@johnspierce]

By far the acrylic windows. I would order those today if they were available

[@johnspierce]

BTW, we rented a Lance trailer for 12 days of camping recently and although Escape is definitely the superior trailer overall it had these same acrylic windows as Johnny has put in his 21C. The design of the shade/screen is brilliant! Plus, they open so wide you can *really* get some air flow!

[@thunderrode1744]

Hi whatcha up to hope all is well prayers 4 healing and unspoken also prayers 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping in the name of the Creator God and Jesus and the Holy Ghost Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall also cool cool Johnny did great on his trlr wow yeppers if I could I would want the exact trlr with full res queen main bed tho and setup however lil bigger tow vehicle wow that's awesome setup many blessings keep walking tall 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍

[@alanmiller9681]

I was amazed by his water filtration & tank cleaning process.

[@PurposePlastics]

With all due respect, I’m in love with Johny. What a cool dude

[@noboringcars1227]

Hire this guy as one of your engineers or a consultant, lol! Cool guy and great interaction with the customer! This is a real positive for Escape trailers in my book. I also give two thumbs up for a fully electric trailer and it would be a huge incentive to get one now if it could de a retrofit for existing trailers. Bravo on the forward thinking.

[@markashlock9017]

Johnny is such an asset to the Escape community. On top of that, he’s a “genuinely” Super Nice Guy!!! Love the “gray water reclamation” idea. Will be following that thread for sure! Thanks Johnny!

[@cnobillbradley9673]

Johnny, I must applaud of installing a larger water tank perhaps to trim the weight from the batteries. Genius

[@aj-li4ly]

Gray water reclamation/filtering would be very useful!

[@purplebrick]

I have been thinking about this video for a bit now and it strikes me that the one size acrylic window Johnny used could replace all the standard windows ( except for the optional smaller windows above the cabinet and in the bathroom). This standardization would/should streamline production and in my opinion put Escape ahead of all other Fibefglass travel trailer manufacturers. I also LOVE the skylight idea. It would be a relatively easy option to offer.

[@KarileeT]

I really like the idea of adding extra panels permanently affixed to the truck bed. Hopefully they can lift up or something to get to cargo.

[@purplebrick]

Man o man Escape has GOT to get those arcylic windows as an option!!

[@BrianAz]

FOR SURE

[@takeyourescape]

We have incorporated these windows to our latest model the E23! Check it out here! escapetrailer.com/the-23-escape/

[@kiefferkeepinon828]

Oh, my! My favorite modification is Johnny's solar/electrical system. Love, love, LOVE! I believe it's perfect and exactly what I want to do. 3000 inverter is not overkill. If you want to run your toaster oven at the same time as your air fryer, and your Instapot, it gives peace of mind. Nice updates! 🤩🤩

[@damarissanchez9040]

Would love the option of having an induction cooktop, larger freshwater tank and the acrylic windows.

[@justme-ll8qs]

Wow. I would buy this!!!!! Great job! Love the gray water reclamation idea too! That would be brilliant and makes me wonder why we don't see it on RVs

[@Freynightwalker]

Looking at what may be readily implemented changes during the build loved the acrylic windows, induction cook top and victron energy management. Extra solar would be interesting and the mini split heat exchanger is a potential game changer, I wonder how it will hold up over time. I was truly impressed with the existing and future water handling ideas.

[@kathyadams3366]

What an engineer genius! Very impressive. Especially love the heated floor and water sanitation system. Love it being all electric!

[@gpan62]

The most useful additions I've ever seen.

[@rubicon327vc5]

Johnny is a brilliant and humble man with amazing skills. So nice of him to share his incredible work with everyone. Excited also that Escape has exhibited an attitude of continuous improvement including eyeing up what some customers are doing aftermarket as free R&D. Some stuff will not make primetime but other things I'm sure we might see incorporated as options down the line. The acrylic windows look very promising. As someone who has done a mini-split and inverter/lithium upgrade the costs are quite high even with a relatively simple system and your own labor. With their newer lithium/solar options with Victron components Escape is hopefully working their way to a sweet spot that moves Escape forward and meets the needs of most users. Most do not need anywhere near the extreme that Johnny has designed for. For anyone who wants something fancier they can always DIY or engage with someone like AM Solar. For off-grid/boondocking the most practical and best value for the foreseeable future will remain a hybrid electric/propane trailer. As far as air conditioning I love our mini-split but the Houghton units currently available through RecPro are tough to beat as a relatively quiet bolt-on rooftop solution. Escape should consider offering these if possible.

[@Twize]

Wow the possibilities. Loved this review/interview on Johnny’s Tow & Trailer rig. Someday, someday. 👍

[@Freynightwalker]

Oh and that fridge! Very nice. Does any body know ow much energy it uses?

[@rcytb]

Lovin' the tech talk between you two! Thanks so much for not editing it out.

[@takeyourescape]

We appreciate your feedback!

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Wonderful walk around and through. Thank you both.

[@takeyourescape]

Thank you for the kind words! So glad you enjoyed the video.

[@MattMorris481]

The only thing I see that I would’ve done was the mini split they aren’t meant to be bumping down the road. I probably would’ve done one of those 12v a/c’s I don’t remember the brand but they are great. But very very nice!

[@map-reduce]

Very cool mods, wow! I love the idea of Escape thinking about fully electric, it definitely does seem like it could be the future. I do wonder about the Flagstaff e-Pro parked next to him. Is it there for all the Escapes in the lot to snicker at? :)

[@ddollar4771]

I have watched all Johnny interviews and you my friend knocked this one out the park! Does Johnny have his own channel? I would love to learn how to do these things when i purchase my escape

[@takeyourescape]

He does not have his own youtube content but is a very active member on the forums and Facebook group and always helpful!

[@noboringcars1227]

I really like the induction plate. I would prefer these and would like an all electric trailer. I am not a fan of propane for cooling, heating or cooking. I would carry a small camp stove backup or for outdoor use. A lot of amazing mods here.

[@Lisa_P73]

The windows would be a Great Update to the Escape trailers. Option of the tank on inside under seat, more battery power, more solar panels, and a bigger inverter is also something to think about.

[@bryaninnc5511]

Great interview and awesome mods with the lithium/solar and mini-split being my favorites

[@imacasey]

Terrific tour....would love to do more of your mods, but they are beyond our capabilities at the moment. I have done 2 of the pop ups ... and I tried to do a slide out for my microwave, but our 5.0 cabinet was a little bit too narrow, so I used the slide out in a lower cabinet. Keep the mods coming!

[@Rottingboards]

GREAT Windows!! Maybe a new option Carl would add? Or not add windows and let the owner do it.

[@regculp4706]

Just "Wow"! Very impressive! So, after all the upgrades - the mini-split, energy storage, solar panels, etc., what is your GVW? Thank you!

[@george1984]

Very very nice.

[@takeyourescape]

Thank you so much George!

[@Rottingboards]

Electrical pop up was a great addition to the kitchen counter.

[@facilitiesmaintenancebyarne]

Enjoyed this walk-through very much, and love the idea of capturing enough solar energy to be able to delete propane altogether. Thanks to Escape and Johnny for doing this! You could just SEE the wheels turning behind Karl's eyes, lol. Unless I missed something, it looks like Johnny is running EVERYTHING via 24V into his 3000W inverter... or does he have a little 12V battery off to the side powering the original 12V light circuits? More curious than anything, since it wasn't mentioned and the 12V lights still exist on the ceiling.

[@rubicon327vc5]

He doesn't mention it but more than likely he has a 24V to 12V step down converter to handle his 12V loads. He still needs to power his lights, range hood, water pump, tank monitor, propane detector, awning, MaxxFan, bath fan and those small ventilation fans he added.

[@Freynightwalker]

One thing to be aware of is the thought Johnny put in to charging the batteries, two solar inputs and the dc to dc charger as well as shore power . Very cool but how do we fit in 800 amp hours of battleborn or victron lithium batteries :) Excellent video and great to have it put in context with what could be added to manufacturing

[@michaelhazen8658]

Ive bookmarked to watch the rest. I really thank you and Johnny for the more in depth information on the construction of the changes Johnny has engineered. Bonding the panel structure to the shell without penetration is very smart. As you are absolutely aware, there is white a bit of the rigidity in the structure is in its continuous shape. poking holes in it weakens the whole and introduces areas that can crack. I really really like the idea of an all electric trailer - heating, cooling, cooking, etc But obviously adding 2000 watts of solar generation and storage to production would quickly put these rigs into the six figure range - which changes the whole target customer group. If there is one thing from this build I would really like Eclipse to incorporate into new units its those windows. They are a BIG plus and attraction in every trailer design on my list for the upcoming year. It really draws me to the nucamp and lance rigs. Let me open those windows WIDE. The only issues Ive heard of is that some people want to open the windows but not let the light in, so they make slip covers. and the bug screen sucks Thank you both. Big props to Johnny for the work and being willing to show it off!

[@michaelhazen8658]

Im gonna reply to myself - those are actually better acrylik windows than the ones I see on other trailers. the screens are totally different and way better.

[@llfreeman100]

Ok. That's it. I want one..

[@takeyourescape]

When the time comes you know where to find us! So exciting!!

[@BrianAz]

The acrylic windows REALLY need to be added! You guys are way behind on that!

[@takeyourescape]

We have incorporated these windows into our E23! Check it out here! escapetrailer.com/the-23-escape/

[@michaelhazen8658]

Im fascinated by the solar system. Under the heaviest load, How much of the ~800 amp hours of storage do you use, Johnny? like say a boondock that involves heavy use and the solar panels might not be at peak efficiency because of cloud cover or foliage. Karl you are absolutely right - Electric is the way to go. Quiet. Efficient. configurable and durable.

[@davidhendrickson9446]

Most of Johnny's mods are a contradiction to Escapes's business model. They want to present the very best trailer at a affordable price point. I'm well aware of the cost of upgrades. the wonderful acrylic windows are in the $700.00 range. We all see the concerns posted on the fb group about the price increases on the basic trailer. If Escape were to spec out a trailer like Johnny's it would be well over the cost of a Oliver. I'm happy for Johnny's achievements and always look forward to his next project. Rock on my friend.

[@takeyourescape]

Thanks David. Pioneers like all you guys lead the way on early adoption and commercial product development. I appreciate the ingenuity we see from our customers. Our business is based on offering a range of validated options that customers are willing to purchase. Karl@Escape

[@michaelhazen8658]

One of the advantages of fiberglass units like the Escapes is the longevity and durability. I think it is actually a competitive advantage for Escape to adopt these technologies. It doesnt have to be a "one and done" scenario like other trailer designs. If Escape were to commit to it, I could see scenarios where a customer might buy a base unit - propane, agm, 3 way fridge, etc one year and then return to upgrade to solar, etc. That is even possible because of the longevity of the design. I cannot imagine doing the same to other types of trailers.

[@alanmiller9681]

Of course Johnny can keep his own costs under reasonable control because he does most if not all of his own labor. Sure wish I had his talents.

[@peterrowlinson3008]

I would think some of the upgrades would be a modest difference. While the acrylic windows may be $700 the current windows are probably not that far off from that amount. I think having an option would be ideal, and as another person mentioned some upgrades could be done at a later time.

[@johnmalecki3893]

Beautiful workmanship. Incredible design and utilization of a pile of solar. Solves so many annoyances like noisy AC, propane refills, cold drafty windows and inadequate refrigeration, to name a few. Still using grey and black tanks?

[@Uplift2023]

Man...he has better creativity and design ideas than the designer's of the Escape trailers. He literally needs to take over the entire company. Escape owners are going to steal all his ideas. 🤣

[@burromeister]

What happens when wind pressure, etc forces the gelcoat/solar panels to fail/separate from the shell? No way I would put my faith in VHB tape alone.

[@wetspotswimwear1199]

Johnny was smoking when he decided to put a split unit a/c on that little camper. It will make it a meat locker

[@melissac.2726]

So many wonderful ideas and great execution. We especially are interested in the UV sterilization. We primarily boondock, so our primary water sources are wells. That’s a concern sometimes. We did have a problem with our freshwater tank and algae. I painted our freshwater tank flat black and that seems to help. Makes us wonder why it’s not black to begin with being on the exterior. We also are trying to come up with a removable cover for our freshwater intakes that are exposed (be it road exposure or to vandals). Any ideas?! Maybe, Escape, this will be upcoming. With a lock also perhaps. We always enjoy seeing new mods and getting ideas, and, seeing how Escape incorporates some of them. “E-ticket” 😂Don’t suppose too many younger viewers even know the origin of that expression.

[@alanmiller9681]

I'm 71 and when I was 7 years old I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Walt Disney on board a TWA Constellation flight from NY-LAX. So that summer I definitely learned about the "E-ticket!" I am expecting to receive my new E21C this spring. I'm definitely interested in avoiding algae and pathogens in my tanks.

[@melissac.2726]

@@alanmiller9681 What a lucky 7 year old! Congratulations on your 21C, we love ours. We were on the fence about the under spray insulation. We’re kind of sorry we didn’t get it as it would have protected the freshwater tank from not only colder temps, but hotter temps as well.

[@alanmiller9681]

@@melissac.2726 Thanks Melissa. I think I’ve had more than my fair share of interesting experiences. Okay, now I understand better about what you meant about painting the tanks black. Before that, I had kind of a senior moment. Yes. We did order the undercoating, but never realized it might also reduce algae and bacteria growth.

[@melissac.2726]

👍

[@alcausey7237]

Escape- Are there any benefits to being a fully electric trailer? Seems to get there you would have to have a lot of lithium batteries which raises the price, versus the option of gas. What are your thoughts?

[@takeyourescape]

Hi Al, I think it is an energy management exercise that folks deal with differently. Either way you are paying for energy and it comes down to whether you want to pay now or later. I think being all electric offers more energy flexibility i.e., assuming there is sun you will charge the batteries, and you have the alternative option to use a generator, your vehicle or plug in somewhere. If you run out of propane, you need to get propane and nothing else will suffice. I think that renewable energy is an effective solution for RV's (especially the smaller RV's), and I believe we will see folks continue to move in that direction. Karl@Escape

[@protonuser4770]

I am 6'4" so I guess a fiberglass RV is not a option for me?

[@takeyourescape]

The E5 is 6'7" at tallest. So we can make it work