Posts: 8
Threads: 3
Joined: Oct 2019
about to buy a 1200 upgrading from Lance 650. Just upgraded to F350 2019 w 14,000 GVWR package and I’m ready to go.
I have some nagging questions and concerns which is why I/m up at 4 am. 
1- is EC a good quality manufacturer? The 1200 I found is a 2016 built 10/2015. I want something that is built to last. Hate reading about slider and cap delam issues.
2- new to slides. Are they full of issues in general? Closure, seal, motors, rubbing?
2- do they all come with power jacks?
Hope this newbie can get some help. My neighbor and RV mentor has the 1165 EC and I was impressed. I now have a gf and more dogs so the plan of riding the 650 into the sunset has morphed into a 1200
I have the truck now. Is the EC 1200 a good buy. Assume I love the layout and features.
Thanks so much. Ryan
Posts: 8
Threads: 3
Joined: Oct 2019
Just FYI for responders I just requested to join the EC FB group. Looking forward to networking with this owner family.
Question: does anyone find a significant disadvantage in not being able to enter a camper at all without opening slides? Sometimes that’s helpful in my Lance 650. In practical terms, how does this shake out when traveling?
Thanks,
Ryan
Posts: 50
Threads: 16
Joined: Jan 2019
Ryan,
I hope you get all your questions answered and you are happy with decision. I too had a few sleepless nights wondering if I made the right decision. We moved from a 42' 5th wheel to a EC1165. We looked at the EC1200 but the only thing the wife didn't like was the bathroom. As far as your questions.
1. Eagle Cap is a very good company in my opinion. I have reached out to them many times with questions and some issues and they have answered everything promptly. Even when I had a problem with my Heki skylight they just sent me a BRAND NEW one. Those are very expensive and not a question asked. If I had to buy again from Adventurer, YES...
2. The slides on our unit (2019 EC1165) work just fine. Yes it is brand new but over time we shall see. All I can say is stay ahead of any issues that come up. Keep the tops clean of debris and spray lubricate on the guides and rubber seals. Our 5th wheels had 5 slides and never had a problem.
2a. Power Jacks. I can't answer that one because the one you are looking at is a 2015 and I'm not sure. Ours does have power jacks and works well.
In closing, we picked up our unit April 3rd and have used it until last weekend and have gone from coast to coast. We were in a hurricane, heavy winds and scorching heat and everything has worked great. One thing I say to my wife is that a camper, any RV at any price tag is a rolling earthquake and something will break over time.
Hope this helped a little.
Joe
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Joined: Oct 2019
Hey Joe. Super helpful post. Can’t thank you enough. It does have power jacks. I think they all do.
Got my truck ready. Just ordered tie downs. Can’t wait!
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Joined: Oct 2019
Congrats on the new truck! I just bought a 2020 EC1200 I found online (good deal, I think). Going to pick it up in a few days, so I have just seen pictures so far. Bought it sight unseen by me in CA, but had a truck-camper-owning relative (and friend) check it out and take delivery. At first, I’m mounting it on my 2015 F350 CC LB 4X4 dually. Recently added upper and lower overload spring blocks, bigger front/rear (anti-)sway bars, extended hitch, frame-mounted tie-down anchors, SS fast-gun tie-downs, all Torklift stuff. Already had airbags on all corners, dual adjustable remote-reservoir shocks, travel limit straps, and leveling kit on the fronts, for pulling my 5th wheel TH, same model as another here: 2014 Dutchman Voltage 3818.
Much cheaper than the Host Mammoth (also a triple-slide) I was considering. I like the two cab-over entries (why I did not get the 1165), but looks like a tiny bath and sink as a result of that floor-plan. Life is a compromise.
We plan a short shakedown camping trip with both truck campers soon, then I’ll bring it home to TX. But, I have to remove my 91-gallon aux diesel transfer tank/toolbox to make room in the bed first (and bed side-steps, high-rise camper-shell). (Going to miss that).
Future plan is to trade-in my 5th-wheel, and current truck(s), for a 2020 F-450 next year (aluminum body, 10-speed tranny, 48 gallon fuel tank, TPMS, bigger brakes and stronger axles, much stiffer boxed frame, etc. Thinking of a custom order with dual larger alternators, no moonroof, massaging seats, etc.
Should be a lot of fun! Enjoy, and hope to see you on the road.
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Joined: Oct 2019
Hey thanks for your post. The 10 speed F-450 is interesting. I wonder what the mpg will be.
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Joined: Oct 2019
Excellent question. Wondering that myself. Must be better than my Ford 6-speed. I just completed a 4000+ mile trip, at slightly over max weight limits , in the West (including the mountains) while towing an medium sized aluminum trailer whith a 1/2-ton pick-up (etc) inside. We averaged just under 10 mpg, but my parents in very similar set-up rig, got slightly better than I did.
Only problem is trip is over, and it is back to work time, to save up for the next one. Camper did very well, comfy. I did manage to trip generator breaker trying to run coffee-maker, microwave, etc at the same time.
I do not find opening slides to get in (and use bathroom) much of a problem. It is just necessary to have the ample room when expanded. 3 of us inside was not crowded. They move slower than other mechanisms I have seen. I do not know if there is a back-up way to retract them. I have not done it yet on this camper, but spraying silicone on slide seals, makes them move easier, and quieter. I have also used WD-40. No leaks noticed so far.
The HappyJack jack-legs on the corners move slow also, but the wireless remote control is nice, and on the 2020 models, they are rated strong enough to lift about twice the weight of the camper.
I bet you will like this camper if you get it. No regrets here, happy with my choice. EnjoyIng the new options and features, like solar panels, LED lights, new color scheme, back-up camera, etc. Lots of looks and comments from others on the road. It is huge, but so much easier to live with (and park) than my 44’ toy-hauling 5th wheel camper.
Best of luck, there.
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Joined: Jan 2020
Hello all, just registered apologies for hijacking but looking for factory contacts.
I had a lance, (and currently have a 43' Newmar) going back to a camper, 1200/1165/1160 or Host.
I contacted both companies via email and facebook.
in 24 hours GM at Host gave me direct, clear answers and provided 3 off grid options with warranty.
I still have no response from E/C but like E/C better cosmetically and floorplan.
E/C dealer (Apache) gave me vague answers and low level "come on down" flea market approach.
I am just trying to order 12v fridge, larger inverter/cables, Lithium batt, and hi cap solar panels.
I will be scheduling a factory tour but in the meantime any factory contacts?
Thank you
Ken
Posts: 38
Threads: 2
Joined: Jul 2017
We have a 2018 1200.
We run two or three slide outs at a time with no problems.
It saves some time.
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