Host Ind. BS

[hbski]

Does anyone know of any other truck camper manufacturers who advertise their multi-slide campers with the slides being "options".

Looking at a 2015 Host Everest and they want to charge 2940 for the rear slide and 1750 for the kitchen slide. If the rear slide isn't there you wouldn't be able to have the couch and if the kitchen slide isn't there you cannot use the bathroom. They also do not include them in the base weight.

Kind of like going to buy a car and them telling you the doors and wheels are extra.

[hbski]

FYI to all

I asked Host for the floor plan of either the Everest or the Mammoth without the kitchen slide and they indicated that you cannot order the TC without the kitchen slide.

cheers,
hbski

[KansasKen]

I purchased a new 2011 Everest in mid 2010. I can understand what I might think obvious others might feel needs to be documented,such as the "required" options. However, I do agree in principle that for the only floor plan advertised that requires the kitchen slide and the dinette slide, those should not be options. As far as their weight posting, well I knew from the get go that every thing I added or substituted changed their advertised base weight. If weight is an issue, then yes it would be nice every time you clicked an option on the "build your own" then there would be a total weight shown, but that's not how they do it, it requires actually communicating with then. It is truly buyer beware with any product, it behooves us to become both educated and discerning as we make a purchase decision involving the large sums these huge TCs cost. Lastly but more important to me, I would be much more concerned about the quality of build, the assessment of current owners and the quality of service after the sale. However, I think it is valid to consider that the thought process of how a manufacturer advertises or prices the product just very well might carry over into these important areas.
BTW my Everest is pre-split entry and I like it, and I am not caring much for the new Everest or Mammoth floor plan, but I hope they do well with them nevertheless. I respect both sides of this disc, just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in as an Everest owner.

[hbski]

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:

Actually Chalet, makes and advertises that camper as a dual slide and a triple slide DS116FB & TS116FB which is a more ethical approach. (Made actually as I understand their Truck camper factory roof collapsed last year and they haven't gotten it going again as of yet).

They also offer a triple slide version of the DS116RB floor plan with an optional rear wardrobe slide that isn't advertised on thier TC page. By your logic, do you consider this "unethical"?

No because they don't show you ONLY the 3 slide floor plan and require the 3rd slide to be able to use the bathroom all while pricing and weighing you in for a 2 slide unit. If Host showed the (probably non-existant) base floor plan and then indicated you could add another slide, that would be an entirely different thing

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:


Oh, I have inquired. Mostly here I am just complaining about what I feel is an unethical practice. The 2 Aspens, Everest, and Mammoth all require more than one slide to function.

Those along with the Chinook, Shasta and Cascade are all marketed as multi-slide campers, yet all only include one slide in both the weight and cost. Something that is unique to Host from what I can tell by visiting the websites of Lance, Arctic Fox, Chalet, and Eagle Cap for instance.

If you are dissatisfied with the requirements of more than one slide, seriously, you need to be looking at another camper. The entire point of having a big Chalet/Host/EC is for the ample space. If you desire only a single slide, buy a Lance,AF, etc...

As far as the weights go, the extra slides are OPTIONS. Camper dry weights are listed without OPTIONAL equipment. This is not some nefarious evil plan Host is using in an attempt for world domination.

Not at all dissatisfied with more than one slide. I now have two slides and would like 3 slides. However, I also want to buy one from a manufacturer and a dealer who is up front about cost and weight (I know hard to find).

I don't THINK this is an attempt to misrepresent their product, it is ENTIRELY OBVIOUS that it is and always has been for them (with very little effect on their ability to dominate even the average consumer, much less the world).

This isn't some new revelation for me either. I've known about it since I first looked at Host before I bought my Okanagan 9 years ago. I have been watching the Host offerings all these years as well, because they do develop some interesting stuff.

And Finally, pardon me for wanting to discuss a topic relevant to truck campers on the truck camper forum. I mean really is it THAT important to YOU to defend Host so vehemently for some reason?

I don't have my build sheet handy in front of me but IIRC, the base price was somewhere in the 30K range but with every option and slide added it ballooned up to 50K. I wasn't foolish enough to believe a triple slide camper would weigh in at 3K lbs or cost 30 grand, it just isn't going to happen. As such I wasn't surprised when I saw the final MSRP (Host Everest)

I'm not particularly defending Host, I'm just saying that *ALL* TC camper manufacturers disguise the true weight and cost of the unit by manipulating the optional equipment. A practice which you deem "unethical." It's not unique to truck campers either. It's like when you see a commercial for a new truck for 19,999 but then you go into the dealership and that price is for a barebones XL model with zero options. Step up to a King Ranch and you are looking at 50-60k. As far as "forcing" the options on you, that is not unique to Host either. Again I reference Arctic Fox. They have a package of options that is REQUIRED on each camper, you have no choice but to accept it and these options are not factored in when calculating the dry weight. You are going to find little things like this not just with TC's, but with pretty much everything you buy in the economy. It is the buyer's responsibility to make a well informed decision and not get taken by the dealer, and that certainly includes knowing how much you are paying and how much the camper weighs.

I think you need to readjust your expectations. You seem disgusted by the price of the Everest given which options are "required" on that particular floor plan. If that's the case, LOOK FOR A CHEAPER CAMPER. Simple solution.

Given your comments, I would suggest Eagle Cap. I will be upgrading to an EC1165 next season and I can tell you on the actual build sheet it will show you a dry weight pre-options and an (estimated) wet weight post option selection so you know what the thing weighs and exactly what options you are paying for. However, similar with the Everest/Mammoth, this has a split floor plan design and REQUIRES the dinette and kitchen slides so not sure if you would have an issue with that.

Yes, I am aware that OPTIONS cost extra, but that is exactly the point, the kitchen slide in the four units with the split floor plan is not optional. Thus not including it is akin to trying to sell me a truck with no seats or no rear axle or something else functional to it's use. If all slides are meant to be options, why not have the dinette slide an option as well since not including items necessary for the utilization of the camper is reasonable in the Host world.

Not surprised by the price, nor the weight, I too do my research and have never been surprised by these items. I am also not disgusted by the Host price, just dismayed that they misrepresent their product in this fashion, even though it doesn't fool anyone.

I've been looking through floor plans for 10 years and am aware of others offerings. None of them provide much over and above my Okanagan.

The only thing that is of issue is not including necessary functional items in the base unit cost and weight, a deceptive practice regardless if it doesn't surprise or fool anyone.

I've known that was their M.O. for about 10 years now. I personally I am on the fence about a new TC. The new Everest, and Mammoth are about the only units that give enough extra features to even consider selling my Okanagan and buying a new unit (more open floor plan, split access to bedroom, more external storage). However, I consider ALL things when looking to purchase a new unit and manufacturer practices are important as well. This particular practice, which is above and beyond the typical option jockeying for weight and cost goes in the con column.

I like Eagle Cap, but the floor plan on the 1160 is nearly identical to mine and doesn't really get me anything but newness. The 1165 is nice, but not quite what I'm looking for.

Good news is that I think the Host split floor plans will be popular and thus someone will copy them soon enough.

[thejustin]

hbski wrote:

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:

Actually Chalet, makes and advertises that camper as a dual slide and a triple slide DS116FB & TS116FB which is a more ethical approach. (Made actually as I understand their Truck camper factory roof collapsed last year and they haven't gotten it going again as of yet).

They also offer a triple slide version of the DS116RB floor plan with an optional rear wardrobe slide that isn't advertised on thier TC page. By your logic, do you consider this "unethical"?

No because they don't show you ONLY the 3 slide floor plan and require the 3rd slide to be able to use the bathroom all while pricing and weighing you in for a 2 slide unit. If Host showed the (probably non-existant) base floor plan and then indicated you could add another slide, that would be an entirely different thing

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:


Oh, I have inquired. Mostly here I am just complaining about what I feel is an unethical practice. The 2 Aspens, Everest, and Mammoth all require more than one slide to function.

Those along with the Chinook, Shasta and Cascade are all marketed as multi-slide campers, yet all only include one slide in both the weight and cost. Something that is unique to Host from what I can tell by visiting the websites of Lance, Arctic Fox, Chalet, and Eagle Cap for instance.

If you are dissatisfied with the requirements of more than one slide, seriously, you need to be looking at another camper. The entire point of having a big Chalet/Host/EC is for the ample space. If you desire only a single slide, buy a Lance,AF, etc...

As far as the weights go, the extra slides are OPTIONS. Camper dry weights are listed without OPTIONAL equipment. This is not some nefarious evil plan Host is using in an attempt for world domination.

Not at all dissatisfied with more than one slide. I now have two slides and would like 3 slides. However, I also want to buy one from a manufacturer and a dealer who is up front about cost and weight (I know hard to find).

I don't THINK this is an attempt to misrepresent their product, it is ENTIRELY OBVIOUS that it is and always has been for them (with very little effect on their ability to dominate even the average consumer, much less the world).

This isn't some new revelation for me either. I've known about it since I first looked at Host before I bought my Okanagan 9 years ago. I have been watching the Host offerings all these years as well, because they do develop some interesting stuff.

And Finally, pardon me for wanting to discuss a topic relevant to truck campers on the truck camper forum. I mean really is it THAT important to YOU to defend Host so vehemently for some reason?

I don't have my build sheet handy in front of me but IIRC, the base price was somewhere in the 30K range but with every option and slide added it ballooned up to 50K. I wasn't foolish enough to believe a triple slide camper would weigh in at 3K lbs or cost 30 grand, it just isn't going to happen. As such I wasn't surprised when I saw the final MSRP (Host Everest)

I'm not particularly defending Host, I'm just saying that *ALL* TC camper manufacturers disguise the true weight and cost of the unit by manipulating the optional equipment. A practice which you deem "unethical." It's not unique to truck campers either. It's like when you see a commercial for a new truck for 19,999 but then you go into the dealership and that price is for a barebones XL model with zero options. Step up to a King Ranch and you are looking at 50-60k. As far as "forcing" the options on you, that is not unique to Host either. Again I reference Arctic Fox. They have a package of options that is REQUIRED on each camper, you have no choice but to accept it and these options are not factored in when calculating the dry weight. You are going to find little things like this not just with TC's, but with pretty much everything you buy in the economy. It is the buyer's responsibility to make a well informed decision and not get taken by the dealer, and that certainly includes knowing how much you are paying and how much the camper weighs.

I think you need to readjust your expectations. You seem disgusted by the price of the Everest given which options are "required" on that particular floor plan. If that's the case, LOOK FOR A CHEAPER CAMPER. Simple solution.

Given your comments, I would suggest Eagle Cap. I will be upgrading to an EC1165 next season and I can tell you on the actual build sheet it will show you a dry weight pre-options and an (estimated) wet weight post option selection so you know what the thing weighs and exactly what options you are paying for. However, similar with the Everest/Mammoth, this has a split floor plan design and REQUIRES the dinette and kitchen slides so not sure if you would have an issue with that.

[hbski]

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:

Actually Chalet, makes and advertises that camper as a dual slide and a triple slide DS116FB & TS116FB which is a more ethical approach. (Made actually as I understand their Truck camper factory roof collapsed last year and they haven't gotten it going again as of yet).

They also offer a triple slide version of the DS116RB floor plan with an optional rear wardrobe slide that isn't advertised on thier TC page. By your logic, do you consider this "unethical"?

No because they don't show you ONLY the 3 slide floor plan and require the 3rd slide to be able to use the bathroom all while pricing and weighing you in for a 2 slide unit. If Host showed the (probably non-existant) base floor plan and then indicated you could add another slide, that would be an entirely different thing

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:


Oh, I have inquired. Mostly here I am just complaining about what I feel is an unethical practice. The 2 Aspens, Everest, and Mammoth all require more than one slide to function.

Those along with the Chinook, Shasta and Cascade are all marketed as multi-slide campers, yet all only include one slide in both the weight and cost. Something that is unique to Host from what I can tell by visiting the websites of Lance, Arctic Fox, Chalet, and Eagle Cap for instance.

If you are dissatisfied with the requirements of more than one slide, seriously, you need to be looking at another camper. The entire point of having a big Chalet/Host/EC is for the ample space. If you desire only a single slide, buy a Lance,AF, etc...

As far as the weights go, the extra slides are OPTIONS. Camper dry weights are listed without OPTIONAL equipment. This is not some nefarious evil plan Host is using in an attempt for world domination.

Not at all dissatisfied with more than one slide. I now have two slides and would like 3 slides. However, I also want to buy one from a manufacturer and a dealer who is up front about cost and weight (I know hard to find).

I don't THINK this is an attempt to misrepresent their product, it is ENTIRELY OBVIOUS that it is and always has been for them (with very little effect on their ability to dominate even the average consumer, much less the world).

This isn't some new revelation for me either. I've known about it since I first looked at Host before I bought my Okanagan 9 years ago. I have been watching the Host offerings all these years as well, because they do develop some interesting stuff.

And Finally, pardon me for wanting to discuss a topic relevant to truck campers on the truck camper forum. I mean really is it THAT important to YOU to defend Host so vehemently for some reason?

[thejustin]

hbski wrote:

Actually Chalet, makes and advertises that camper as a dual slide and a triple slide DS116FB & TS116FB which is a more ethical approach. (Made actually as I understand their Truck camper factory roof collapsed last year and they haven't gotten it going again as of yet).

They also offer a triple slide version of the DS116RB floor plan with an optional rear wardrobe slide that isn't advertised on thier TC page. By your logic, do you consider this "unethical"?

hbski wrote:


Oh, I have inquired. Mostly here I am just complaining about what I feel is an unethical practice. The 2 Aspens, Everest, and Mammoth all require more than one slide to function.

Those along with the Chinook, Shasta and Cascade are all marketed as multi-slide campers, yet all only include one slide in both the weight and cost. Something that is unique to Host from what I can tell by visiting the websites of Lance, Arctic Fox, Chalet, and Eagle Cap for instance.

If you are dissatisfied with the requirements of more than one slide, seriously, you need to be looking at another camper. The entire point of having a big Chalet/Host/EC is for the ample space. If you desire only a single slide, buy a Lance,AF, etc...

As far as the weights go, the extra slides are OPTIONS. Camper dry weights are listed without OPTIONAL equipment. This is not some nefarious evil plan Host is using in an attempt for world domination.

[hbski]

jimh425 wrote:

hbski wrote:
Obviously, but in this case if you do not get the kitchen slide you physically cannot reach the bathroom. For this floor plan the kitchen slide is not an option it is mandatory.

My guess is there is an alternate floorplan. If you are interested in the model, I'd contact Host to find out if they have something else in mind or that the order form is wrong.

Oh, I have inquired. Mostly here I am just complaining about what I feel is an unethical practice. The 2 Aspens, Everest, and Mammoth all require more than one slide to function.

Those along with the Chinook, Shasta and Cascade are all marketed as multi-slide campers, yet all only include one slide in both the weight and cost. Something that is unique to Host from what I can tell by visiting the websites of Lance, Arctic Fox, Chalet, and Eagle Cap for instance.

[jimh406]

hbski wrote:
Obviously, but in this case if you do not get the kitchen slide you physically cannot reach the bathroom. For this floor plan the kitchen slide is not an option it is mandatory.

My guess is there is an alternate floorplan. If you are interested in the model, I'd contact Host to find out if they have something else in mind or that the order form is wrong.

[trail-explorer]

hbski wrote:
Looking at a 2015 Host Everest and they want to charge 2940 for the rear slide and 1750 for the kitchen slide. If the rear slide isn't there you wouldn't be able to have the couch and if the kitchen slide isn't there you cannot use the bathroom. They also do not include them in the base weight.

Kind of like going to buy a car and them telling you the doors and wheels are extra.

That's like Arctic Fox saying the slide-out is an option on the 811, 990, 992... well, ALL their models!

[805gregg]

One option you will definitely need is the biggest truck available to haul one of those monsters

[hbski]

thejustin wrote:

hbski wrote:
Does anyone know of any other truck camper manufacturers who advertise their multi-slide campers with the slides being "options".

Looking at a 2015 Host Everest and they want to charge 2940 for the rear slide and 1750 for the kitchen slide. If the rear slide isn't there you wouldn't be able to have the couch and if the kitchen slide isn't there you cannot use the bathroom. They also do not include them in the base weight.

Kind of like going to buy a car and them telling you the doors and wheels are extra.

I think most of the multi slide campers are like this. They aren't trying to disguise the price, rather, they are trying to disguise the true weight of the camper. By listing the slides as optional they don't have to calculate those into the base weight and it appears much lighter. The fellow I bought my Everest from said he looked online and the dry weight was listed at like 3000 lbs. That was of course with zero extra slides and options. He ended up having to sell it to me because it was so heavy with the weight of the triple slides.

If you look on the Host web page it lists the dry weight of the Everest @ 3295 lbs... but they also conveniently note (with 1-slide). This makes it look much more appealing than listing the dry weight @ ~5,000 lbs which is closer to the true weight when you factor in all 3 slides and option upgrades (AC, Generator, Awning, etc...) Easy way for dealers to make a fat pig look like a supermodel so they can say "SURE THIS TRIPLE SLIDE WILL WORK FINE ON YOUR F150!" 🙂

On another note, just about all of the multi slides are fully optioned out. I've seen probably 35-40 Host Everest/Mammoth campers and have only seen *ONE* camper (Host Everest) that did not have all 3 slides. It was an Everest without the rear slide which had an enormous wardrobe closet in the rear corner of the camper. Similarly, with the Chalet TS116, virtually every one is going to have all 3 slides. I have seen a double slide of that particular floor plan without the Kitchen slide however, but again, that is not the norm.

As far as the new Everest design, I'm not quite sure how the options would work. I'm fairly certain you would be required to have at minimum the kitchen and dinette slides because of the split floorplan design. On the older Everest design the dinette slide was required and the kitchen and rear were optional.

Actually Chalet, makes and advertises that camper as a dual slide and a triple slide DS116FB & TS116FB which is a more ethical approach. (Made actually as I understand their Truck camper factory roof collapsed last year and they haven't gotten it going again as of yet).

[hbski]

jimh425 wrote:
Obviously, not all options of any product are compatible. Campers are the same.

You can order them any way you want from Host. I bought my Rainer as a Double Slide, but there are singles as well.

Sounds like you only want the option of the heaviest camper with least storage. Or, do you want Host to have more model names?

Obviously, but in this case if you do not get the kitchen slide you physically cannot reach the bathroom. For this floor plan the kitchen slide is not an option it is mandatory.

[thejustin]

hbski wrote:
Does anyone know of any other truck camper manufacturers who advertise their multi-slide campers with the slides being "options".

Looking at a 2015 Host Everest and they want to charge 2940 for the rear slide and 1750 for the kitchen slide. If the rear slide isn't there you wouldn't be able to have the couch and if the kitchen slide isn't there you cannot use the bathroom. They also do not include them in the base weight.

Kind of like going to buy a car and them telling you the doors and wheels are extra.

I think most of the multi slide campers are like this. They aren't trying to disguise the price, rather, they are trying to disguise the true weight of the camper. By listing the slides as optional they don't have to calculate those into the base weight and it appears much lighter. The fellow I bought my Everest from said he looked online and the dry weight was listed at like 3000 lbs. That was of course with zero extra slides and options. He ended up having to sell it to me because it was so heavy with the weight of the triple slides.

If you look on the Host web page it lists the dry weight of the Everest @ 3295 lbs... but they also conveniently note (with 1-slide). This makes it look much more appealing than listing the dry weight @ ~5,000 lbs which is closer to the true weight when you factor in all 3 slides and option upgrades (AC, Generator, Awning, etc...) Easy way for dealers to make a fat pig look like a supermodel so they can say "SURE THIS TRIPLE SLIDE WILL WORK FINE ON YOUR F150!" 🙂

On another note, just about all of the multi slides are fully optioned out. I've seen probably 35-40 Host Everest/Mammoth campers and have only seen *ONE* camper (Host Everest) that did not have all 3 slides. It was an Everest without the rear slide which had an enormous wardrobe closet in the rear corner of the camper. Similarly, with the Chalet TS116, virtually every one is going to have all 3 slides. I have seen a double slide of that particular floor plan without the Kitchen slide however, but again, that is not the norm.

As far as the new Everest design, I'm not quite sure how the options would work. I'm fairly certain you would be required to have at minimum the kitchen and dinette slides because of the split floorplan design. On the older Everest design the dinette slide was required and the kitchen and rear were optional.

[jimh406]

Obviously, not all options of any product are compatible. Campers are the same.

You can order them any way you want from Host. I bought my Rainer as a Double Slide, but there are singles as well.

Sounds like you only want the option of the heaviest camper with least storage. Or, do you want Host to have more model names?