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MiCasaLay Posted on: Jan 29 2018, 06:19 PM





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I keep my Eagle Cap 1165 on the truck, and under a steel RV carport built by EagleCarports for about $4000. It is about 14 feet high and has a 13' x 31' footprint. It has 3' side panels at the top, otherwise the sides are open with legs every 5'.
It keeps rain and sun off but I still have to winterize because of course it is not heated.
I am very satisfied with it.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3110427 · Replies: 7 · Views: 20,284

MiCasaLay Posted on: Jun 14 2017, 08:50 AM





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Does anybody have experience or opinions regarding use of driveshaft disconnects (like Remco/Southwest Driveline Service products) that are used to flat-tow a vehicle that has an automatic transmission?
  Forum: Support Equipment · Post Preview: #3109373 · Replies: 2 · Views: 67,505

MiCasaLay Posted on: Jun 12 2017, 07:40 PM





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This may be a perennial topic, but maybe there are new insights.
I want to flat tow my 1989 Dodge Dakota (factory convertible) behind my TC.
As of now I am thinking about a RoadMaster Falcon All-Terrain tow bar, Blue Ox base plate (with necessary adapter brackets) and an SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional braking system.
I am attracted to the Blue OX brackets because I read somewhere that they are easier to remove than the RoadMaster version, and once removed the base plate is not noticeable. This aspect appeals to me because I don't want my Dakota to look like a toad when it's "off leash".
Please let me know what you think about flat towing equipment options.
  Forum: Support Equipment · Post Preview: #3109361 · Replies: 0 · Views: 62,173

MiCasaLay Posted on: May 31 2017, 10:49 AM





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Has anyone tried dumping bags of ice into the black tank (through the toilet) and then driving around for a while - supposedly the ice provides some "scrubbing" action.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3109297 · Replies: 11 · Views: 19,964

MiCasaLay Posted on: Mar 20 2016, 08:57 AM





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Do you refer to the Adventurer 116DS, which does allow entry with the slides in?
Maybe not for everyone, I have never seen that model in person so I don't know if I could pass through.
I have an Eagle Cap 1165, which does not allow entry. The rear slide completely blocks the door, and the dinette slide blocks access to the bedroom (the bathroom door can't open either). The kitchen slide is not an issue unless you want to cook or need something stored on that side.
This can be an impediment to "stealth" camping when you are stopped for the night somewhere that you would rather not advertise your occupancy.
I am even considering a second set of switches in the bedroom to pull the slides in after I'm in bed. The wires to the switches at the controller module are spade terminated, and it seems to me that a simple "T" connector would work.
I am mindful of the fire exit risk, so I would have one of those roll-up escape ladders stored under the emergency exit window and I already keep a fire extinguisher in the bedroom.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3106595 · Replies: 3 · Views: 12,113

MiCasaLay Posted on: Aug 27 2015, 01:07 PM





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QUOTE(Headdude42 @ Aug 24 2015, 06:22 PM)
If you look closely at your pillar sticker, it will state the GAWR as XXXX lbs. with (important wording here) X/XXX/XX tires. For example, GAWR = 4100 lbs. WITH P/265/70/18. The load rating for that tire is approx. 2400 lbs. If you install E rated tires with a load rating of approx. 3500 lbs., it certainly does have an influence on GAWR. I was a heavy truck mechanic for 18 years, until I received my mechanical engineering degree, ( No, it didn't take 18 years to finish it ) and a tire jockey for 10 years before that. We all know that we can't change the numbers on the the sticker, but, we do need to allow a little function over form. This statement is not just an unqualified opinion.
*



I am no expert, but that sounds reasonable - to some extent at least.
But on judgement day (when you're weighed against your "sins"), the pillar sticker will rule.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3106031 · Replies: 5 · Views: 14,465

MiCasaLay Posted on: Nov 2 2014, 12:36 PM





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Update...

The Douglass guys graciously indulged my request to have a second VIN inspection done. They had to send someone from the shop on a mission to the California Highway Patrol (who would not come to them rolleyes.gif ).
So I have my tag. Alabama does not sell a "second" tag, so I made a color photocopy to tape inside the rear window of the camper. If I get pulled over for that I'll just have to plead ignorance...

Yikes! ohmy.gif it cost $583 for an X1 truck tag due to the 18,000 lb GVWR (included a $15 late fee mad.gif ).

The pictures show the new body temporarily mounted on the truck for a fit test with the camper.

This was mid-October. The body is now off again for continued fabrication. Supposed to be ready for delivery on December 1st.

[attachmentid=617]
[attachmentid=619]

I am undecided about towing - concerned that it would impair access to places I might otherwise want to go.
I am interested in hearing from other forum members about their experiences with access while towing...
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #382929 · Replies: 7 · Views: 21,091

MiCasaLay Posted on: Oct 18 2014, 05:13 PM





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Thank you KY_Campers! Pictures posted successfully.
My truck is 84 inches cab to axle, so there was room at the front for a tall compartment.

[attachmentid=607]

The picture below shows a DTB employee squatting in the bed of the body under construction, holding a window up to its installation area.
I asked for a visual line of sight from the cab through that tall compartment to the front of the camper - there is another window at the front of the body.
I need all the loading help I can get. rolleyes.gif

[attachmentid=609]
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #299461 · Replies: 7 · Views: 21,091

MiCasaLay Posted on: Oct 18 2014, 10:22 AM





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Update:
The folks in the County tag office decided they could not send any paperwork to the State office that had the term "camper body" on it - even though it's just a custom type of service body.
They think the State will decide it's an RV. Part of the problem (besides terminology) is that there is nothing for them to visually inspect yet, and truck campers seem to be a rare bird in these parts.
The tag office ladies do believe they are saving me grief from an overzealous constabulary down the road...
So I have to get a new VIN inspection form from California with the offending words removed.

Lesson:
The less information you give to the government, the better off you're likely to be.

Alabama is a one-tag state, but I'll look into whether I can get an official second tag.
I was already thinking about making a color Zerox of it myself, to tape inside the rear window of the camper.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #299027 · Replies: 7 · Views: 21,091

MiCasaLay Posted on: Oct 16 2014, 12:18 PM





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This summer I bought a 2012 F-550. It was still in cab and chassis configuration - nobody had ever put anything on the rails (and it only had 112 miles on it!). biggrin.gif
I decided to ship it off to Douglass Truck Bodies in Bakersfield, CA after reading an article profiling them in a back issue of Truck Camper Magazine.
The camper body build is in progress, should be finished by the end of November. tongue.gif

With the body customized for the Eagle Cap 1165 camper, and the truck itself being overkill for any other possible use I might have for a truck (and I already have a Dodge Dakota), I expect the camper will rarely, if ever, come off the truck. wink.gif

I live in Alabama, my plan is to fly out there and drive it back home.
I wanted to get a tag ahead of time for the drive.

The problem:
My local tag office is confused about how to title and tag the thing. mad.gif
They can't decide whether it's an RV or a truck (answer: it's a truck, the camper is cargo). unsure.gif
If it's a truck, the tag should be on the truck, but the camper will obstruct the visibility of the tag.
They say I'll get pulled over for improper display yada yada yada. blink.gif
Ditto if I put the tag on the camper.

Question:
How do other truck camper owners display tags on their rigs?
Does a permanently mounted camper make the whole vehicle an RV? (OK, technically not permanently mounted).
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #296365 · Replies: 7 · Views: 21,091

MiCasaLay Posted on: Sep 18 2013, 08:39 AM





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Models made for trucks work well because they take into account clearance issues, weight restrictions, etc. There are also models with features aimed at RVs, and at least one made specifically for RVs.
Google "GPS for RV" and you'll find sites like this:
http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2...o_for_rvers.php
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #8735 · Replies: 6 · Views: 18,463

MiCasaLay Posted on: Jun 17 2013, 12:52 PM





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Remember the tailgate is payload weight. You could remove it and have that much more capacity available for gear and supplies - or that much less load on your truck.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #8461 · Replies: 3 · Views: 15,999

MiCasaLay Posted on: Jun 11 2013, 04:16 PM





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How many folks tow a small vehicle (I'm thinking car here, but could be a motorcycle) behind your rig so that you can run errands, go on sightseeing day trips, etc. and not have to unload the camper?
What kind of vehicle do you pull?
Do you use a dolly or trailer - or flat tow something?
Does towing a vehicle like that keep your from going where you want, or keep you out of that campsite you might otherwise squeeze into?
Is it worth it?
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #8437 · Replies: 0 · Views: 6,615

MiCasaLay Posted on: Mar 28 2013, 06:42 AM





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I agree. I went to the Birmingham, Alabama "Super Show" a couple of years ago and there was one, maybe two among hundreds of other RV types. I went this year specifically to check out a TC, and there were none to be found.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #8229 · Replies: 2 · Views: 10,283

MiCasaLay Posted on: Mar 27 2013, 12:43 PM





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I'm a pre-newbie. I don't even own a proper truck (I have a 1989 Dodge Dakota convertible) and have no camper at all. But I'm ready to take the plunge...
I can't afford to buy both truck and camper new, but could go for a late model of either - say less than 5-6 years old. So my question is:

Is it better to buy a used truck and a new camper
OR
A new truck and a used camper?
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #8221 · Replies: 1 · Views: 8,592

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