Hello, I have been reading the forum and researching TC's for a few months. I have finally decided to buy a Hallmark. I am looking a buying a EXC 9.5 or would I be better off with a Everest?Here are the options I want and plan on adding to the EXC. I plan on living in it for 6 months while I go to school in RI. Then using it for trips with my wife and two kids. Any thoughts on what I might be missing is aprciated. The cost the EXC built out compared to the Everest is almost the same.9.5' foot EXC Mylar insulation Furnace Cassette Toilet Hot Water & Outside Shower 4 gallon LED lighting package Power Fan hide a bunk R4500 Compressor Fridge Yakima track & Ladder 6 volt AGM X2 generic 120 watt pure signsolar pre wire (might add portable cell later)4 post manual jacks cook top & back splashsingle sink choicework box system 2 X 20lb. LP system

You might consider getting the electric jacks if you plan to remove the unit from time to time. I have manual hydraulics, and they are a pain to keep pumping then go to the next, then to the next....just to keep the unit even.

I would think that if you are adding that many options you might get more bang for the buck with the Everest. Have you visited the Hallmark factory yet as it seems every time we go there we see more custom options, each camper is a custom build to some extent. The truck you are going to carry it on could be a deciding factor on the camper choice. This is our second Cuchara and we are very happy with it and the people at Hallmark.

From what I can see on the Hallmark site the Everest is 8'6" and EXC is 8'.I am considering the Cuchara with a north south bed as my next camper and I have been to the factory.

Thank you for your suggestions. In emails from Hallmark they do offer a EXC in 9.5 and that is why I am considering it vise the Everest. I am in the military in Japan and going to order the TC before I transfer back to the states so I am not able visit the factory. Thanks again for your help

Dcpac, thank you for your service.Will you be attending the Naval War College in Newport?Right down the road from us. Contact us when u get here I can help you out...Bill

Hallmark EXC vs Everest | Good Sam Community

slickrock_steve
Explorer
Dec 20, 2015
You might consider getting the electric jacks if you plan to remove the unit from time to time. I have manual hydraulics, and they are a pain to keep pumping then go to the next, then to the next....just to keep the unit even.
ISBRAM
Explorer
Dec 20, 2015
I would think that if you are adding that many options you might get more bang for the buck with the Everest.
Have you visited the Hallmark factory yet as it seems every time we go there we see more custom options, each camper is a custom build to some extent. The truck you are going to carry it on could be a deciding factor on the camper choice.
This is our second Cuchara and we are very happy with it and the people at Hallmark.
ejfranz
Explorer
Dec 20, 2015
From what I can see on the Hallmark site the Everest is 8'6" and EXC is 8'.
I am considering the Cuchara with a north south bed as my next camper and I have been to the factory.
dcpac
Explorer
Dec 22, 2015
Thank you for your suggestions. In emails from Hallmark they do offer a EXC in 9.5 and that is why I am considering it vise the Everest. I am in the military in Japan and going to order the TC before I transfer back to the states so I am not able visit the factory.

Thanks again for your help
billtex
Explorer II
Dec 22, 2015
Dcpac, thank you for your service.
Will you be attending the Naval War College in Newport?

Right down the road from us. Contact us when u get here I can help you out...

Bill
dcpac
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016
I Ended up ordering a Hallmark Everest built out as a 9.5. I am so excited and Matt at Hallmark was super easy to work with. I don't pick it up until June and I plan on living in it for 6 months while at school. I will let everyone know how it works out this summer.

Any advice to must have items to pack in the camper is aprciated.
DieselBurps
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016
congratulations dcpac! I would suggest a wifi booster so that you can pick up the schools wifi while in your camper.

I half-time in truck camper for work at various hospitals and use their wifi while I am staying there in the parking lot.
dcpac
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016
DieselBurps wrote:
congratulations dcpac! I would suggest a wifi booster so that you can pick up the schools wifi while in your camper.

I half-time in truck camper for work at various hospitals and use their wifi while I am staying there in the parking lot.

Thanks I have been looking at wifi boosters. Can you recomend and particular model.
GeoBoy
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016
Definitly the electric jacks. What about the Coosa frame, it is impervious to moisture and wood rot.
dcpac
Explorer
Jan 08, 2016
GeoBoy wrote:
Definitly the electric jacks. What about the Coosa frame, it is impervious to moisture and wood rot.

Thanks for the advice. I thought about both. I did not go with electric jacks because I do not plan on taking the camper off that often, just another electrical thing to possibley break and try to keep the cost down. I did not go with the Coosa frame because of the costt as well.

When I was adding options to the camper I kept telling myself I need this and that and the price just kept climbing and I had to draw the line somewhere.

Thanks,
Steve