Artic Fox 811 vs. Eagle Cap 811

[996Pilot]

So our "compromise" between the DW and I (she wants a 5er and I want to stay with a TC) is we get a hardside TC with a small slide. Over the weekend we had occasion to jump inside an Eagle Cap 811 (thanks Mike from Oceanside) and take a look around. DW loved it and said OK to sticking with a TC (hardside slide) and I figured it was an acceptable alternative to ditching the TC altogether and going to a 5er (it's just the two of us).

Now - I've always been partial to the Artic Fox but Mike had nothing but praise for the Eagle Cap. I'm wondering if anybody here can give me pros/cons of either or both. I think they're both respectable brands but does one have the edge over another with quality, craftsmanship, features, etc.? Seems like the Fox might have a slight advantage on fresh water tank size. We boondock more than anything so fresh tank capacity is important as is the ability to solar-up with big batteries.

Any comments regarding the two brands will be appreciated.

[S_Davis]

I think the EC 850 is a better layout but they discontinued it for 2019, you could install theater seating in the 850.

[MikeinSA]

rider997 wrote:
The Eagle Cap's driver-side slide makes it essentially useless to us. We regularly park in various locations in which it would be impossible to open the slide. We also overwhelmingly prefer the beautiful, spacious, and functional cabinetry in the Arctic Fox. Another AF plus for us was the Fox landing. The Eagle Cap is a good camper, but it just wasn't for us.

We're actually full-timing right now in the AF 811. The Fox Landing is worth its weight in gold. About my only complaint is that I wish the cargo rack was a bit more functional. I'm not crazy about putting things directly onto the roof liner, and and it's pretty hard securing things with the front open (we keep our inflatible kayaks up there).

[rider997]

The Eagle Cap's driver-side slide makes it essentially useless to us. We regularly park in various locations in which it would be impossible to open the slide. We also overwhelmingly prefer the beautiful, spacious, and functional cabinetry in the Arctic Fox. Another AF plus for us was the Fox landing. The Eagle Cap is a good camper, but it just wasn't for us.

[brholt]

I will second the advantage of having the slide on the passenger side.

When we travel we will often stop on the side of a road beside a park or school. Having the slide on the passenger side allows us to open it. If it were on the driver side we would not be able to open up the camper.

[Beau_Bo]

I've had my EC since 2016 and have no regrets, it's a quality unit. Initially narrowed my search down to the AF and EC and felt that both were very good makes with the AF being a bit heavier for comparable floor plans. Make sure your weight calculations work for your truck and then decide based on how you like the floor plan, can't go wrong either way.

[Artum_Snowbird]

I like the slide on the "passenger" side of the unit. It connects to the side that campgrounds use as "your side".

I like the sink back splash in the EC. Keeps the blankets out of the sink.

I like the storage units over the pillows better than the hanging pockets.

I like the bigger bathroom counters to put your things on.

I like the floor storage boot in the AF.

Pull out and remove a drawer of each, see which one has the best drawer hardware and full length drawers.

Can't see a pic of either with the slide in, but having full operation with it in is important.

Check the slide seals on each. I have always admired the AF seals.

Check the steps of each, must be fully usable with camper on truck and off. Also not in the way of a trailer.