Are They Worth It?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 76
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Also, in addition to the question I ask above, do you mind if I ask what you're hauling your Eagle Cap 1200 in? My F350 has a cargo capacity of 6,114 pounds. Fully loaded, all gear, the wife, the boy, and the dogs, we'd be overloaded by a few hundred pounds. I figure that'd be okay with StableLoads and airbags. What do you think?
My only complaint is that the bottom step of the camper is too far off the ground so I bought a step/platform with folding legs that makes that first step a little more comfortable for us.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 11
From: Fairbanks, AK
I haul an Eagle Cap 1200 with essentially the same truck as you (F350, CC, DRW). I added air bags and Upper Stable Loads. It handles the camper nicely. It corners well, stops well, and clears the bed rails and cab by several inches. I have also towed my ATV trailer behind it. That trailer has it's own brakes.
My only complaint is that the bottom step of the camper is too far off the ground so I bought a step/platform with folding legs that makes that first step a little more comfortable for us.
My only complaint is that the bottom step of the camper is too far off the ground so I bought a step/platform with folding legs that makes that first step a little more comfortable for us.
1. Do you have the 6.7L or the 6.2L engine? With the EC 1200, we're not even talking about half of what the F350 w/the 6.2L can tow, but I'm still curious which engine you have related to the driving experience you shared.
2. Do the upper Stable Loads create any extra road noise when truck is unloaded? I am really not interested in drilling holes in the lower overloads. I was going to do exactly what you did but read a review of someone saying that with the truck unloaded, the upper Stable Loads can still come into contact with the springs going over bumps and create some noise.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
I haul an Eagle Cap 1200 with essentially the same truck as you (F350, CC, DRW). I added air bags and Upper Stable Loads. It handles the camper nicely. It corners well, stops well, and clears the bed rails and cab by several inches. I have also towed my ATV trailer behind it. That trailer has it's own brakes.
My only complaint is that the bottom step of the camper is too far off the ground so I bought a step/platform with folding legs that makes that first step a little more comfortable for us.
My only complaint is that the bottom step of the camper is too far off the ground so I bought a step/platform with folding legs that makes that first step a little more comfortable for us.
Did you change your truck antenna? We went with a 24"
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Thanks, Mike! 2 quick questions:
1. Do you have the 6.7L or the 6.2L engine? With the EC 1200, we're not even talking about half of what the F350 w/the 6.2L can tow, but I'm still curious which engine you have related to the driving experience you shared.
2. Do the upper Stable Loads create any extra road noise when truck is unloaded? I am really not interested in drilling holes in the lower overloads. I was going to do exactly what you did but read a review of someone saying that with the truck unloaded, the upper Stable Loads can still come into contact with the springs going over bumps and create some noise.
1. Do you have the 6.7L or the 6.2L engine? With the EC 1200, we're not even talking about half of what the F350 w/the 6.2L can tow, but I'm still curious which engine you have related to the driving experience you shared.
2. Do the upper Stable Loads create any extra road noise when truck is unloaded? I am really not interested in drilling holes in the lower overloads. I was going to do exactly what you did but read a review of someone saying that with the truck unloaded, the upper Stable Loads can still come into contact with the springs going over bumps and create some noise.
Yes, the upper Stable Loads can add noise and harshness when not hauling. The rear ones are mighty close to the upper overload springs when unloaded and touch when any significant bump is encountered. I put mine to a miter saw and cut off about 1/2 of the rears and it improved the ride. I also keep about 15 pounds of air in the air bags to increase the gap.
Do not even think about the lower Stable Loads! I rented the drill guide from TorqueLift and purchased the ultra-hard carbide drill bits. I managed to drill *one hole* about 3/4 of the way through one spring. I went through 3 bits and it took 2 hours. I gave up totally pissed off and tired. I am pretty mechanically inclined but that job was just too much for me.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Where did you purchase the 24” antenna?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 11
From: Fairbanks, AK
Thank you both, again, for the shared experiences and advice. Did you both buy yours brand new? Are the 1200's durable and holding up okay? With the discovery of having to replace the roof on the house, the wife and I are considering looking at used but that can really be hit or miss with TC's.
Thanks again guys. And thanks again to the OP for asking the initial questions!
Thanks again guys. And thanks again to the OP for asking the initial questions!
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Thank you both, again, for the shared experiences and advice. Did you both buy yours brand new? Are the 1200's durable and holding up okay? With the discovery of having to replace the roof on the house, the wife and I are considering looking at used but that can really be hit or miss with TC's.
Thanks again guys. And thanks again to the OP for asking the initial questions!
Thanks again guys. And thanks again to the OP for asking the initial questions!
I am very impressed with the build quality of ours. We have only had it for two years but no problems that are related to the structure or manufacturing. We had a minor problem with the DC converter electronics that, once identified, was quickly replaced. The factory responds to questions. I asked about hooking up my own solar panels and quickly received detailed instructions including pictures.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 11
From: Fairbanks, AK
You will be hard pressed to find a used Eagle Cap 1200 as it is quite new to the market. The 1165 model also has 3 slide-outs and has been around for more years so there are a *few* used ones that pop up now and then on RV Trader. FYI, I paid $48K for our 1200 with all the options except solar. The 1200 has a king bed which was important to us -- the 1165 has a queen bed. We also preferred the floor plan of the 1200. That said, I am told the 1165 is the more popular model of the two.
I am very impressed with the build quality of ours. We have only had it for two years but no problems that are related to the structure or manufacturing. We had a minor problem with the DC converter electronics that, once identified, was quickly replaced. The factory responds to questions. I asked about hooking up my own solar panels and quickly received detailed instructions including pictures.
I am very impressed with the build quality of ours. We have only had it for two years but no problems that are related to the structure or manufacturing. We had a minor problem with the DC converter electronics that, once identified, was quickly replaced. The factory responds to questions. I asked about hooking up my own solar panels and quickly received detailed instructions including pictures.
We have looked at the floor plan for the 1165 but honestly, we really like the looks of the 1200 more. I don't know what it is but that model appeals to us much more. It's difficult though, that we can't physically go see them first.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
I have not changed the truck antenna. I had not considered that option but that is a great idea. The stock antenna definitely smacks the cab-over of the Eagle Cap. I had mused about sticking some kind of rubber buggie thingy on the camper where the antenna hits it but never got around to it.
Where did you purchase the 24” antenna?
Steadfast Auto 10369
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
You only paid $48K? Nice! If you don't mind saying, how the heck did you get such a good deal? Fully loaded, the newest ones are going for almost $60K. You also hit on one thing we have to factor into our decision - no dealers anywhere near here. If we end up needing warranty work, what's that look like, etc, etc. Good deal on them sending you plans and all - that's great customer service.
We have looked at the floor plan for the 1165 but honestly, we really like the looks of the 1200 more. I don't know what it is but that model appeals to us much more. It's difficult though, that we can't physically go see them first.
We have looked at the floor plan for the 1165 but honestly, we really like the looks of the 1200 more. I don't know what it is but that model appeals to us much more. It's difficult though, that we can't physically go see them first.
Yeah, not having a dealer close by is kind of a problem. That said, I am driving from my home state, Oregon, to South Carolina because a dealer there gave me a smoking hot deal on a new 5th wheel.
You could buy the camper here in Oregon where there is no sales tax . . . just a thought.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 11
From: Fairbanks, AK
I purchased it from Apache Camping Center in Portland, Oregon. I got that price by simply walking in, telling the salesman exactly what I wanted, and that is the price he quoted me. Zero negotiation. Good people and obviously competitive pricing.
Yeah, not having a dealer close by is kind of a problem. That said, I am driving from my home state, Oregon, to South Carolina because a dealer there gave me a smoking hot deal on a new 5th wheel.
You could buy the camper here in Oregon where there is no sales tax . . . just a thought.
Yeah, not having a dealer close by is kind of a problem. That said, I am driving from my home state, Oregon, to South Carolina because a dealer there gave me a smoking hot deal on a new 5th wheel.
You could buy the camper here in Oregon where there is no sales tax . . . just a thought.
*edit* In all seriousness, thanks to both of you for answering all my questions. Truly appreciated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 84
From: Rainier OR
We bought ours at Apache Camping also, we paid a little more. Ours is a 2018 though.
I recommend Apache, there is one store in portland and two in Washington. We first went through Portland, then picked it up in Puyallup WA.
We delt with Chuck in portland. Then finished up with Dan in WA.
Stanbro, are you on the Eagle Cap Facebook page?
I recommend Apache, there is one store in portland and two in Washington. We first went through Portland, then picked it up in Puyallup WA.
We delt with Chuck in portland. Then finished up with Dan in WA.
Stanbro, are you on the Eagle Cap Facebook page?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
We bought ours at Apache Camping also, we paid a little more. Ours is a 2018 though.
I recommend Apache, there is one store in portland and two in Washington. We first went through Portland, then picked it up in Puyallup WA.
We delt with Chuck in portland. Then finished up with Dan in WA.
Stanbro, are you on the Eagle Cap Facebook page?
I recommend Apache, there is one store in portland and two in Washington. We first went through Portland, then picked it up in Puyallup WA.
We delt with Chuck in portland. Then finished up with Dan in WA.
Stanbro, are you on the Eagle Cap Facebook page?