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[Hermes1]

Hello, I just joined as my wife and I are in the market for a truck camper, it will be our first, but not new to RV's. We are leaning towards the Eagle Cap 1165. Looking forward to learning more about TC's from this group.

[Freespool]

Take a look at the forum on the NATCOA web site. They provide a separate area for both Lance and Eagle Cap owners.

[Spanky]

Welcome to our little forum. Glad to have you.

[Hermes1]

Thank you for the welcome Freespool & Spanky. I will check the NATCOA site out

[Freespool]

Tell us a little about where you like to go and with whom. Everybody here loves trucks, more information on yours is needed to start.

Sounds like you are willing to go real big on the camper. The 1165 is my personnel favorite, however the weight and the slide mechanics will force me to shop else where. The truck you listed may or may not be up to the task.

The learning curve for owning a truck camper is fairly simple, however there is a lot of basic information you need to understand in order to be safe. Spending time on this site will start the learning curve. Too your credit, your starting with a capable truck and asking about the best tie down equipment, that's a good start.

My advise, from this point forward, go slow. Truck campers are very different than towing trailers. This especially applies to those of you who want or need the biggest units. There is almost no fifth wheel or pull trailer you can't handle with your truck. However hauling weight is a very different story.

[Hermes1]

Tell us a little about where you like to go and with whom.  Everybody here loves trucks, more information on yours is needed to start.

Sounds like you are willing to go real big on the camper.  The 1165 is my personnel favorite, however the weight and the slide mechanics will force me to shop else where.  The truck you listed may or may not be up to the task. 

The learning curve for owning a truck camper is fairly simple, however there is a lot of basic information you need to  understand in order to be safe.  Spending time on this site will start the learning curve.  Too your credit, your starting with a capable truck and asking about the best tie down equipment, that's a good start.

My advise, from this point forward, go slow.  Truck campers are very different than towing trailers.  This especially applies to those of you who want or need the biggest units.  There is almost no fifth wheel or pull trailer you can't handle with your truck.  However hauling weight is a very different story.

Thank you for your helpful advice and information, I appreciate it. My truck is a 2015 Ram 3500 TD Dually CC with the AISIN tranny & 3:73 gearing & factory airbags. The GVWR of the 1165 falls within the payload capacity of my truck, factoring in my wife and two big Akitas. I just ordered the Torklift steel tie downs. I plan on getting the Fast Guns closer to purchase of the TC, but wanted to get the others sooner to install. I am also considering the Torklift stabile load set-up so any input on whether it is worthwhile or not is appreciated.
We plan to travel extensively, mostly in the southwest, west coast & NW, but plan some travel to the east coast. Again many thanks for the valuable input you have provided.

[Freespool]

Sounds like a great plan, by the way, do Akita's come any other way? I would urge you to read up on at least two other travel web sites. Truck Camper Adventure and Truck Camper Magazine both have extensive articles on destinations that are worth visiting.

Previously, I mentioned my admiration for the 1165. My intent was to enlighten you on the reported troubles some have regarding the slides. Do yourself a favor and at least compare the Host Mammoth or Everest model to the Eagle Cap. The slide assemblies are vastly different. Both are triple slides and are similar in cost.

There has been no mention of towing. Either camper will require an extension from the receiver. 42 or 48 will work with the Host or the EC.

Have fun building and enjoying your new RV.

[Hermes1]

Sounds like a great plan, by the way, do Akita's come any other way?  I would urge you to read up on at least two other travel web sites.  Truck Camper Adventure and Truck Camper Magazine both have extensive articles on destinations that are worth visiting. 

Previously, I mentioned my admiration for the 1165.  My intent was to enlighten you on the reported troubles some have regarding the slides.  Do yourself a favor and at least compare the Host Mammoth or Everest model to the Eagle Cap.  The slide assemblies are vastly different.  Both are triple slides and are similar in cost.

There has been no mention of towing.  Either camper will require an extension from the receiver.  42 or 48 will work with the Host or the EC.

Have fun building and enjoying your new RV.

We looked at the Host but my wife was not as enamored with it, much preferred the Eagle Cap, but not written in stone so we will see.

LOL on Akitas. Actually yes and no, there are American Akitas which we have and are generally large dogs and there are Japanese Akitas, although they are considered large dogs, tend to be considerably smaller than the American.

As far as towing, we might consider a small cargo trailer but that is a decision for down the road sometime after purchasing the TC. Otherwise we have nothing of interest to tow.

I am a subscriber to Truck Camper Magazine but I did not know about Truck Camper Adventure which I will check out.


Thanks again for all your input.