Monthly Archives: January 2021

KZ RV introduces the HATCH to the Escape lineup

Shipshewana, Indiana based KZ RV recently debuted three new floor plans to the Escape lineup with the HATCH. A cross between a small travel trailer and a toy hauler, the HATCH is geared to those who bring along their non-motorized toys to their camping adventures, such as bikes and kayaks, as well as an incredible amount of storage for just your everyday camping gear.
Looking at the mid-sized E17 HATCH, you’ll find the front two-thirds of the trailer is typical of what you’ll find in a small trailer in its 22’ hitch to tail length, with a front east-west queen bed, kitchen, bathroom, and a pantry.

It’s the back third where the HATCH shows its unique qualities that sets itself apart from other trailers of this size. It starts with its signature rear hatch, measuring an impressive 60” wide by 66” tall. The hatch opens vertically and is supported by two struts for ease of opening.

The rear dinette consists of two fold-away tables that can be stored underneath the dinette booth when the space is needed for hauling your gear or when converting the dinette to a second bed. Instead of using the tables as part of the bed, KZ uses three panels that lay between the two dinette booths, where you then just slide your cushions over to form your bed. When the bed panels aren’t needed, they’re conveniently housed on the side of the pantry.


The HATCH offers the new optional Off-Grid/Off-Road package for added off-grid capabilities. The package includes a 100 watt roof-mounted solar panel, 1,000 watt inverter with dedicated 110 volt outlets, solar controller, portable Bluetooth audio player and flashlight, tongue-mounted bike rack, griddle, solar on the side (for additional solar power), aluminum wheels with mud tires, extra ground clearance, electronically-controlled heated holding tanks and double entry steps.

Standards include an aerodynamic front profile with front windshield, Alum-a-Tough seamless roof with 12-year limited warranty, power awning with porch light, 2-burner cooktop, microwave, 8 CU FT 12V refrigerator, and 20K BTU furnace.

The HATCH comes in three floor plans, the E14, E17, and E20, with total lengths ranging from 15’3” to 23’8”, and dry weights ranging between 2825 lbs to 3510 lbs. All three offer an 8 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer, 6 gallon water heater, 20 gallon fresh water tank, and 30 gallon gray and black water tanks. As the HATCH is hitting the market in early 2021, I’m seeing prices in the upper teens to low $20,000’s, but your results may vary depending on dealer and location.

Here you’ll find a couple of informative videos from KZ RV featuring both the exterior and interior features of the E17 HATCH:

To learn more about the HATCH, visit the KZ website at https://www.kz-rv.com/products/escape-travel-trailers/

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Small Trailer Snapshot: The Aliner Scout Lite

There comes a time in the life of most tent campers when they start to think, “It’s time to get off the ground”. I’d venture to say some of you can raise your hand to the affirmative with that sentiment. While it’s uncommon for a tent camper to jump right from their $89 tent they got at the big box store into a $400,000 42’ diesel pusher, it’s not uncommon for them to jump into something that’s not that much larger than the tent they’re leaving behind. Some folks just like small spaces, whether it’s on the ground or on two wheels. One such trailer that fits that mould is the lightweight and light on the pocket Aliner Scout Lite.


Key Features: Opening or closing an Aliner can be achieved in less than a minute; Azdel thermoplastic composite interior wall and ceiling panels; Performax 500 premium marine grade flooring; City water hookup; Dinette that converts to a 40”x76” bed; 30”x76” bed; 14” aluminum wheels; 10″ electric brakes; Diamond plate stone guard; Solar port; 35 amp converter; 3000 lb axle; Optional front soft dormer; Optional Command A/C Heat Pump; Sink; Two skylights with night shades (Dormer option eliminates skylight with night shade).

Key Specs: At a dry weight of 1,180 lbs before options (which are few) and a total length of just 13’, the Aliner Scout Lite can be hauled by just about anything.

  • Box length: 10’
  • Total length: 13’
  • Width: 78”
  • Height closed: 57”
  • GVWR: 3,000 lbs
  • Tongue weight: 130 lbs
  • Cargo capacity: 1,320 lbs

Why I like it: The Aliner Scout Lite gives you a lot of the same features as a teardrop trailer does…with more. It gives you a lightweight trailer, but unlike a teardrop, it gives you the ability to stand up and move around. And unlike some high end teardrop trailers, it gives you a much more favorable price point, checking in at just over $10,000 depending on options.  Aliner the company has been building A-frame campers in their Mount Pleasant, PA factory for close to 40 years now, and have been the pioneer of this design.

I’ll be honest, this is not going to be a trailer for everyone. However, Aliner does make other A-frame campers that give you a stove, a refrigerator, more room, and even a wet bath in some. But knowing my readers like I do, I’m pretty sure there’s a large group of you that will be intrigued by this lightweight, low cost option to get you out of that tent at a reasonable price.
For more info on the Aliner Scout Lite, visit their website at https://aliner.com/campers/scout-lite/

Special thanks to Aliner dealer Mount Comfort RV for having me out to check out the Scout Lite and many other Aliner they have in stock.

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