eagle cap versus host

I appreciate the input about the trucks, I always assumed I would need a big, big truck, Stablelift (I did call them) said they would recommend leaving the jacks on along with the stablelift to manage the heavy weight.

However, I would also like come opinions about the campers themselves. What experience do people have with Host versus Eagle cap.

Also only tangentially related. I was looking at some slightly older campers (2015) and noted that the NADA prices seem to run about $10,000 (an even 15,000) over what the dealers seem to be asking (and those weren't the NADA lowball prices. Is that an accurate picture of the mark up on these things?

Thanks again for everyone's help.

I think it depends on how you pack etc. My 2016 RAM has a 14K GVW. Both axles add up to 15750K.

The tires are above that. But even at 14K with my wife and I in the truck with full fuel we have a payload of 5700lbs. I agree that if you pack heavy with one of these big campers you will be over 5700. Of course you could make the truck a new 2016 reg cab, 2wd, gasser and now your payload just went up to around 7K
Just some thoughts.

Bedlam wrote:
Either make will be 4500-5000 lbs dry once optioned. Once you add your gear and fluids expect to be 6000+ lbs. You may want to reconsider going with a Class 3 DRW and look at a Class 4 or 5 DRW truck.

Why is Bedlam always right??

So yes - I have an Eagle Cap 1160. An F350DRW just isn't going to cut it.

I **had** a heavily modified F350 Dually--F550 springs, StableLoads, Roadmaster swaybars, rancho9000 shocks...etc--pretty much everything you could do to an F350DRW to haul a TC. I had to get a newer F450, it just couldn't do it. My TC is over 6,500lbs loaded---then add the tongue weight of any trailer you want to haul and it's just too much for an F350. Rear axle weight was 11,000, and the Dana 80 in it is rated at 10k. Tires were rated at 2,730lbs each, and I was dead-nutz on their absolute max weight capacity.

I had multiple tire failures due to weight, and I just found out from the person who bought my truck(my uncle) it had a cracked rear outer OEM rim.

I LOVE my new (to me) 2015 F450 - Dana110 rear end is rated at 14k Lbs, and 19.5s stock. Much more stable, and tons of power.

Be VERY cautious buying F450's - 2011-2014 use the Dana80 and 17's and therefore have absolutely no TC carrying advantage over an F350DRW. 2008-2010, and 2015-2017 use Dana110 and 19.5's.

Also worth noting - you're buying a TC about as far as you possibly can from the Mfg's. Host in made in Oregon, Eagle Cap in Yakima, WA.

I agree with Bedlam. I'm currently doing it on a 1 ton dually with a Host Mammoth and researching a Ram 5500 cab and chassis to purchase in the next couple months. It's no fun trying to shave weight for a 2 week trip, let alone full time in one. With a class 4 or 5, storage is possible without thought to consequences. That includes carrying full waste tanks looking for a dump station.

Either make will be 4500-5000 lbs dry once optioned. Once you add your gear and fluids expect to be 6000+ lbs. You may want to reconsider going with a Class 3 DRW and look at a Class 4 or 5 DRW truck. There are additional costs going with these larger trucks, so you will need to decide if this is best option or to look at a Class C type RV. On that same note: Are you sure the Stable Lift is rated for that kind weight? I'm not sure these TC's are constructed so you can lift them anywhere but at the corners and would contact EC and Host about using this type of lift.

It would benefit you to go to a RV show or dealer where you can compare these models side by side. There are definitely pros and cons to each manufacturer and model in which you show interest. Since these models require a significant truck to carry them and are more expensive, there are less of them on the used market and you will need to travel anyway to find the one that is right for you.