Been without my old TC for awhile and looking to get back into the wonderful world of truck campers. Sure miss having my AF.Starting to think into what to get next. After my last venture with a SRW and a heavy AF990, I definitely will go with a DRW. Leaning towards the new RAM 3500 Diesel. For the TC, we will be towing, so this makes me want to look into the side entry camper. Wife never liked the high step up and over the trailer, or the high scissor steps.Definitely like the nicer amenities, dry bath, theater seating, u-shape dinette...I know there are some nice ones, EC, Lance, Host, Adventurer..... Need to keep within the weight limits of the new RAM, I know some are very heavy. Any recommendations? Any negatives to the side door TC's (other than size and weight).

All the brands above are nice. Had a 2012 adventurer 86 fb. Should not have sold it . I did physically look at the triple slide host model and must admit I was very impressed. Close to 5000 pounds though.

I have a 2010 Eagle Cap 1160 and we love it. We bought it in 2011. Went to Alaska in 2012 lived in it for 5 months had no problems with it. Would recommend IG to anyone.

We have a lance 830. It is not made any more, but we like it quite a bit. Wife is on the short side and is able to climb in the camper easier than a rear door one. I am pretty sure it would not overload your dually as I have it on a 2500 Silverado.

I currently have a Fleetwood 11x side entry and it's been a good camper. I do look from time to time what I might replace it with someday. I tow the boat behind so really want to stick with that design. I like the Lance 1191 because it allows entry into the camper and the bath without moving slides.The EC 1160, Host Everest, and Chalet campers are all really nice but really heavy and require moving slides out to access the interior or bathroom. We make a lot of quick stops on the road for bathroom breaks or snacks so I really don't want to have to operate slides all the time.

I think that the Lance 1191 is the only one in production that can be used with the slide in. Full use with the slide in is very important to my wife and I (we have the older 1161 with essentially the same floorplan as the 1191)We can get to the bathroom without putting the slide out as we stop along the highway for a quick pit stop.We can stealth camp... we can shower, prepare meals, and sleep without putting the slide out... we look like we are just parkingWhen the wind is pounding us we pull the slide in... and we do get hit with stormsIn the winter... we pull the slide in at night... less cubic feet to heat.If I were personally buying a new TC today it would be the latest model of the Lance 1191... all aluminum frame, Adsel outer walls... note: No one should buy a camper without seeing it with the slde (slides) in... you'll be surprised.Good luck with your search.Sleepy

Best Side Entry Camper?? | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

Boatycall
Explorer
May 24, 2014
Jaxom wrote:
Towing seems to have been forgotten. With a 3500 DRW and a long camper, what kind of weights can you expect to tow? 48"-60" extension needed?

I have no problems towing my 7,000lb car trailer.

Superhitch

They are DOT approved----
"Extension towing capacity up to 12,000 lbs. with 48” SuperHitch SuperTruss receiver extension. SuperTruss Extensions available in 7 different lengths from 21” to 48”.
Jaxom
Explorer
May 24, 2014
Towing seems to have been forgotten. With a 3500 DRW and a long camper, what kind of weights can you expect to tow? 48"-60" extension needed?
Cadillac_Jack
Explorer
May 24, 2014
AidenJ wrote:
The nicest side entry I've seen is the 11' S&S. Unfortunatly I don't think they are producing. The fit and finish on that unit was the best I've seen in a while.

Times 10. by the way, looks like you can order one factory direct right now.

http://www.s-scampers.com/index.php
Rettrooper
Explorer
May 24, 2014
Boatycall wrote:
gpascazio wrote:
I have a 2010 Eagle Cap 1160 and we love it. We bought it in 2011. Went to Alaska in 2012 lived in it for 5 months had no problems with it. Would recommend IG to anyone.

x2...
Mine's a 2012. In fact, I'm in it right now at the Packwood Flea Market for the weekend.
I just added carpet to mine last weekend. I put a post up on that just the other day.

X3 We have a 2013 EC 1160 and LOVE IT! Cannot believe your standing in the bed of a pickup truck.
Gary3
Explorer
May 24, 2014
Checkout the Lance closeout site you could most likely find an 1191 somewhere we also love ours and would not buy any other model or brand.Your wife will love the low side entry when its on or off the truck.
Fastbrit
Explorer
May 24, 2014
Chalet campers should be on your list also. All aluminum sturdy construction. incredibly strong. Opening the rear slides to access the camper is not a problem for us. Flip the switch next to the entry door 10 sec the rear sofa is out to get to the bathroom. Open all slides at the same time 25 sec total and you have a dance floor. lots of storage in and out. almost 3 months since delivry and no problems.

20140327_080948 par steevesdbs, sur Flickr

20140327_080447 par steevesdbs, sur Flickr

20140327_080611 par steevesdbs, sur Flickr

20140327_081023 par steevesdbs, sur Flickr
AidenJ
Explorer
May 24, 2014
The nicest side entry I've seen is the 11' S&S. Unfortunatly I don't think they are producing. The fit and finish on that unit was the best I've seen in a while.
travelnutz
Explorer II
May 24, 2014
sleepy,

You are right on with the 1191 Lance side entry TC. Full TC use with the slide in or out! Ultra important to us also as it's a PIA to have to open the slide just to enter the TC or go to the bathroom or fix a sandwich or get a beverage or you name it. Forgot something? Open the slide again and then reclose it again, yuck! Insane!

There's a lot more to it also. Lance uses Azdel instead of wood/Luaun/pressed wood fiberboard like the others which soaks up water/moisture from sweating and rot so quick and mildews/molds and Azdel means ZERO rot capability and added insulation/sealing/soundproofing. True tight fitting CNC cut foam insulation everywhere, Lite-Ply cabinetry which is what is used in expensive airplanes and corporate jets etc, the patented Lance lock system which doubles the frame thickness in high stress areas and where else it's needed. Nothing to rot or that will support mildew and mold! Lots of other differences that means TC integrity and the resale/retained value will be much higher after aging. Lance annually and for several decades has sold many times the TC's than their next nearest sales competition has and there's many real reasons for it. Buyers aren't stupid and what they are buying, they know the real answers and show it with their purchases and who sells many times more than the next manufacturer in second place?
Boatycall
Explorer
May 24, 2014
gpascazio wrote:
I have a 2010 Eagle Cap 1160 and we love it. We bought it in 2011. Went to Alaska in 2012 lived in it for 5 months had no problems with it. Would recommend IG to anyone.

x2...
Mine's a 2012. In fact, I'm in it right now at the Packwood Flea Market for the weekend.
I just added carpet to mine last weekend. I put a post up on that just the other day.
sleepy
Explorer
May 24, 2014
I think that the Lance 1191 is the only one in production that can be used with the slide in.

Full use with the slide in is very important to my wife and I (we have the older 1161 with essentially the same floorplan as the 1191)

We can get to the bathroom without putting the slide out as we stop along the highway for a quick pit stop.

We can stealth camp... we can shower, prepare meals, and sleep without putting the slide out... we look like we are just parking

When the wind is pounding us we pull the slide in... and we do get hit with storms

In the winter... we pull the slide in at night... less cubic feet to heat.

If I were personally buying a new TC today it would be the latest model of the Lance 1191... all aluminum frame, Adsel outer walls...

note: No one should buy a camper without seeing it with the slde (slides) in... you'll be surprised.

Good luck with your search.

Sleepy