What are they?
The tow is a 2014 Escape 5.0TA, built for me by Escape Trailer Industries in Chilliwack, British Columbia http://escapetrailer.com/. Customized with my choice of upholstery fabric and Formica. I had the fabric shipped from Hawaii and the Formica is ‘Sage Grass.’ I also choose a bunch of other options (called a build sheet), but those are less noticeable. For instance the deep prep sink and paddle handle faucet. I also didn’t want a ‘dinette’ but a u-shape lounge. No table mounted. I’ve taken some great naps on the lounge! The lounge turns into a full-size bed and will be Judy’s sleep space during this trip.
The tug is a 2014 Ford F-150 4×4 Supercrew, 3.5L Ecoboost V6 in Oxford White. I average approx. 16 mpg when towing the 5th wheel at 60mph.
The tug is called ‘the truck.’ The 5th wheel, on the other hand, is named. I’m a Star Trek aficionado.
I’ve been a Trekkie of sorts since the campy original series debuted in 1966. To seek out new life… to boldly go (where I’ve never gone before )…
One of my favorite series was Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). On board the starship NCC-1701-D was an area where the crew went to relax. That lounge and recreation area was on deck 10, section 1, the forward section.
Do you see where I’m going with this?
The name of that facility and what I call my 5th wheel is:
Ten Forward is the hub of the ship’s social activity. Everyone on board comes here.” – Jean-Luc Picard (TNG: “The Offspring”)
Children are not usually allowed in Ten Forward unless accompanied by an adult. (TNG: “Imaginary Friend”)
In case of low-power or emergency situations, Ten Forward is a designated emergency environmental support shelter. (TNG: “Night Terrors,” “Disaster”)
And my personal favorite account: Thomas Riker’s description of Ten Forward in a romantic clue to ship’s counselor Deanna Troi was “What the future holds, no one can know, but forward we look and forward we go.” (TNG: “Second Chances”)
Live long and Prosper.
