RV REVIEW REVIEW BY HOWARD J. ELMER
2021 KZ Escape E17— Travel Trailer A Best New Model for 2021
RVs to new records as a whole new group of buyers who want to get out of the city are snapping them up. With that thought in mind, I think KZ is being smart aiming the Hatch at this group. They are doing that by offering it as 14’, 17’, and 20’ models for starters. These under-20-foot, 3,000-pound trailers are easily loaded, allowing campers to carry everything from coolers and lawn chairs to bicycles and kayaks. With these weights these trailers will also be towed by a very wide variety of vehicles—particularly attractive to current owners of mid-size SUVs/Crossovers. The other effect of this new camper surge is the competition for campground spaces. Federal and Provincial parks have reported that reservations in early 2021 were double what they were last year. That just verifies the demand. It also brings to light another optional feature on the Hatch as well. An optional Off-Grid/Off-Road package turns these units into great boondocking travel trailers. Whether you want this because your hobbies/pursuits regularly take you off the beaten path—or because you can’t find a serviced campsite—this package will extend your stay comfortably. The package includes a 100W roof-mounted solar panel, 1,000W inverter with dedicated 110V outlets, solar controller, portable Bluetooth audio player and
Just in time for the spring camping season KZ has introduced a new trailer that RV Pro (trade publication) is calling one of the Best New Models for 2021. Now, what follows is a vertical review—as I have not actually tested one. I am, though, looking forward to doing that later in the year when one comes available. Having read through all the press releases I can see that the key element of the Escape is a 60 by 66-inch hatch that opens the rear wall of the trailer. The advantage is obvious. All manner of gear and bikes are easy to load/unload with almost a full wall of access. No more struggling with bicycles through the main door—this innovation turns these smaller travel trailers into cargo haulers. In fact, this new design feature straddles the line between real toy-hauler and conventional trailer. The Hatch is being offered in three lengths to start, and they are aimed at the lightweight end of the market— which is also where many first-time buyers look. As most RVers have seen, the first year of COVID restrictions and lockdowns have boosted the sale of
RV REVIEW
COAST TO COAST SUMMER MAGAZINE 2021
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