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Hermes1 Posted on: May 17 2017, 04:37 PM





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We are in the market to purchase our first TC. We have narrowed our search to the Eagle Cap 1165, Host Mammoth & Host Everest. I am curious about the toilet. Most RV's & TC's I have seen the toilet is mounted on floor level with the sink & shower, while the Host Mammoth & Everest sit on a raised pedestal. While I imagine it would work fine with the toilet supplied, we would like to replace the toilet with a composting toilet and I am concerned the toilet might be too high, though not sure of the exact height measurements. What is purpose of the raised pedestal and if it were to present a problem, is it removable?
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3109233 · Replies: 4 · Views: 12,621

Hermes1 Posted on: May 17 2017, 11:04 AM





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I just got off the phone with a vendor who sells both products and asked about the differences between the two in light of the price differential. What he said and I noticed in a photo of the Happijac's installed on a truck, is the front are attached to mounts on the bed and the rear are attached to a mount on the bumper. He also as I had noted, Torklift has a life time warranty, so if there is a failure TL will replace them. Where as Happijac's have a 1 year warranty after which if a failure were to occur, you basically "throw them out and buy new". Given we are planning to purchase a large 3-slide, heavy TC, it made sense to me to secure to the frame and I have already installed TL tie downs on my truck. Another factor in favor of TL FG's is they offer locks for the FG's which I find worthwhile.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3109227 · Replies: 13 · Views: 25,664

Hermes1 Posted on: May 15 2017, 02:13 PM





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Wow, what a nightmare. My install headaches of the TL tie downs were very minor in comparison, just a couple hiccups. Although I have to ask, when you ordered your tie downs, did you get the specific part# through Tork Lift? I ask because I ordered mine from Etrailer and based on the questions Etrailer's website asked of my specific truck and configuration, had I ordered what Etrailer indicated, I would not have been able to install the fronts. What I did before ordering was to go to the Torklift website and the one question on the TL site not asked on Etrailer was if I had the factory OEM air suspension. The difference between the more standard tie downs for my truck have you installing the fronts under the front of the bed, while the ones specified for my truck by TL with the factory air suspension, has the install at the very end of the cab just before the front of the bed where there was plenty of clearance and unaffected by the air compressor. The only issues I had were on my fronts on the driver side, the bracket is suppose to slide between the frame and emergency brake cable. The instructions indicate releasing the parking brake to enable sliding the bracket in place. Despite having released the parking brake there was no way it would slide in place. I solved it by loosening the cable a bit and then prying the cable back enough to slide the bracket into place. The second issue was with their bolt fisher used to place hardware into the frame to secure the bracket. On other bolt fishers I have used it is easy to screw the fisher on to the threads and then off when ready. On TL's it looked different to me so I tried it before fishing the hardware and it screwed on with some difficulty and I could not remove it without it breaking. I called TL and they sent out another and explained a different technique for removing the bolt fisher than the others I have used. Once knowing this, it was fairly easy.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3109215 · Replies: 10 · Views: 23,355

Hermes1 Posted on: May 15 2017, 11:49 AM





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QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ May 11 2017, 05:22 PM)
The Fast Guns are over rated and over priced  I've been using Happyjac tie downs for years (2 campers, the Lance and now the Palomino) with NO ISSUES AR ALL and thats mostly off road.

FYI, HappyJac makes a Fast Gun clone now for about half the price of the TL edition.  Even that I think personally, is over priced.

TL has some downright stupid prices on stuff.
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I am in the process of getting set-up for a truck camper we hope to purchase as early as August. I have installed the Torklift tie downs and was planning to purchase the TL Fastguns. What I have found from a previous TL product I owned and their tie downs I just installed, is their products are all well made. After reading your post reply, I have looked at the HappyJac clone and the price is tempting, as I like to save a dollar as much as the next guy. But a couple differences shedding light on the hefty price First Torklift offers a lifetime warranty which speaks volumes at least to me, while Happyjac's warranty is 1-year. Second HappyJac's clone is the new kid on the block, while TL have been making them for years and are proven. Third, TL FG's are by a huge margin the most recommended from all my reading on the subject. These are important considerations, at least for me, but admittedly I am still on the fence.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3109211 · Replies: 13 · Views: 25,664

Hermes1 Posted on: Apr 25 2017, 11:52 AM





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Looking to buy soon and have an eye on a 2017 but it might be worth our while to see what the new year models bring before pulling the trigger. I recognize the new year models will command a higher price, particularly when dealers will be trying to get rid of current year models to make room, but if there are significant changes of keen interest to us, it might be worth it. Also if we do decide to go with the current year, it might help us in negotiations to know when dealers are likely to expect the new models. Thx.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3109077 · Replies: 1 · Views: 7,663

Hermes1 Posted on: Apr 2 2017, 04:17 PM





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I would think besides the already excellent reasons given for not using ratchet straps that straps would be vulnerable to the elements causing them to weaken. It seems to me considering the risks involved trying to go cheap is false economy.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108871 · Replies: 12 · Views: 26,349

Hermes1 Posted on: Mar 24 2017, 09:50 AM





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QUOTE(Freespool @ Mar 22 2017, 03:50 PM)
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.
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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.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108793 · Replies: 7 · Views: 15,537

Hermes1 Posted on: Mar 22 2017, 10:09 AM





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Update, I have just ordered the Torklift steel tie downs and plan to get the Fast Guns when we get closer to making purchase on the TC. I decided on steel to save on $$. The weight weight savings of the aluminum did not seem significant enough to warrant the additional dollars. My only concern with steel is the potential for rusting, but I figure some wax here and there may help and if they do start to rust, a wire brush and a can of Rustoleum will take care of it. Thanks for the input here.
  Forum: Support Equipment · Post Preview: #3108785 · Replies: 3 · Views: 65,830

Hermes1 Posted on: Mar 22 2017, 10:03 AM





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QUOTE(Freespool @ Mar 21 2017, 03:49 PM)
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.
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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.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108783 · Replies: 7 · Views: 15,537

Hermes1 Posted on: Mar 21 2017, 10:03 AM





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Thank you for the welcome Freespool & Spanky. I will check the NATCOA site out
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108779 · Replies: 7 · Views: 15,537

Hermes1 Posted on: Mar 20 2017, 01:38 PM





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I am new to TC's getting ready to purchase one in the next couple of months and looking into the Torklift tie down's. My question is the steel version vs the aluminum? I assume the big advantage of the aluminum is they do not rust, so I am wondering if this alone is worth the extra $$ over steel? Curious if anyone here has steel and what their experiences and suggestions might be. Thank you.
  Forum: Support Equipment · Post Preview: #3108769 · Replies: 3 · Views: 65,830

Hermes1 Posted on: Mar 20 2017, 12:53 PM





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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.
  Forum: General Discussion · Post Preview: #3108767 · Replies: 7 · Views: 15,537

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