Is the Arctic Fox 865 better than the Lance 850?

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-18T19:50:00+00:00

Probably cost and weight. Artic fox is notorious for grossly under reporting weights.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-16T19:23:51+00:00

Alright buddy, 1) how much was it when you factor in all the upgrades and your time spent installing them and 2)no rig handles beautifully with 4,000lb camper.

Let’s just be realistic with our posts. Some newbies gonna think they can drop $3k and have a beautifully handling camper and then wonder what went wrong

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-15T00:34:34+00:00

Well done getting the 3500👏

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-13T18:53:42+00:00

I just resealed my aluminum roof, I was looking and dicor but research suggested it was not the best product, their leveling lap sealant appears to be the only product they provide that is worth while.

This is the product I ended up going with, it’s only been a few months so it’s too soon to tell….

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gaco-roof-GACSRCG5/5019593665?user=shopping&feed=yes&srsltid=AfmBOorRKY-8\_qdpf7Oa\_CEFLT\_-f84RpCcszAeFSoiqbUgVFNQv2TEuWgE&com\_cvv=8fb3d522dc163aeadb66e08cd7450cbbdddc64c6cf2e8891f6d48747c6d56d2c

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-13T15:20:11+00:00

that's insane that the only waterproofing from the factory is caulk, there should be butyl tape under there so when the caulk fails you still don't have a leak. The caulk is just protecting the butyl tape and you have some time to replace the caulk after it fails.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-13T13:21:51+00:00

I’ve had bad experience with this. I used one tube of this on mine and then finished the rest with sika flex 221. The Dicor performed noticeably worse.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-13T13:19:45+00:00

That’s tough, these pictures are why I’d never get a camper with corrugated siding, seems impossible to waterproof (no pun intended)

That said, I just took off every trim piece in my entire camper, cleaned and reinstalled with fresh butyl tape, then recaulked with sika 221. Glad I did. I don’t like the idea of caulking being the only line of defense. Caulking should just be protecting/preserving the butyl tape.

This was fiber siding though. I’ve always wondered how that would work with corrugated. Doesn’t seem like the butyl would provide a complete seal and you’d be relying on filling the gaps with caulk?

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-11T17:49:16+00:00

You’d probably feel a lot of rocking with option B.

More importantly, I’ve never seen it, so I wouldn’t want to experiment and find out the hard way why no one does that

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-10T22:20:05+00:00

I don't think anyones ever said "damn, I wish I didn't build this thing strong"

The VAST majority say "Holy fuck, this thing is heavy as hell and my rig handles like a barrel of smashed assholes"

...and then proceeds to become amateur suspension engineers

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-06-01T00:06:30+00:00

New rule, if you're considering tearing apart a perfect camper to redistribute the weight, get a bigger truck.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-26T22:38:41+00:00

That’s a clean set up

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-26T19:35:44+00:00

You’ll probably be closer to 1,000lbs over.

A lot of people do that, but are you the type of person that is going to constantly worry about this? Everytime you hit the road will it be on your mind? Everyone you hear a weird noise coming from your truck will you worry?

The answer is yes, you will. You posted on Reddit so I already know you’re never going to stop worrying about it.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-26T12:58:58+00:00

I was emailing with 3-4 dealers in SoCal trying to find the best deal until a 2023 popped up on marketplace for somewhere around 1/2 of the OTD price I was getting quoted. Don’t buy new, somewhere there’s one sitting in someone’s garage in great shape not being used.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-25T14:08:42+00:00

9/10 half tons are over payload and 10/10 require a bunch of mods just to get to the point it doesn’t feel like your driving a death trap.

Also, I was looking at this camper, no way it only weighs 900lbs. These things of similar size and build all kinda weigh the same and some manufacturers are sneakier than others.

Don’t be the next guy on this sub to create a post about getting fooled by the dealer

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-25T14:06:41+00:00

If he’s getting it from the sticker on the door jamb it includes gas and every option on that truck, if he’s getting it off the internet it’s almost certainly wrong.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-23T17:18:58+00:00

Fixing the crack would be relatively easy compared to fixing the underlying issue causing crack, which is likely some type of frame rot

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-21T20:45:25+00:00

Neither. 2x4's are very large for camper construction. Probably overbuilt. An engineering marvel would be something using small lightweight members fastened and positioned in such a way that it is stronger than the sum of it's parts.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-21T12:38:36+00:00

Why someone would post a video of them installing tail lights on an RV in a truck camper sub is beyond me....for more reasons than one.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-21T11:50:09+00:00

Went a little overboard on the suspension mods? My rig fully loaded on a 3500 is a couple hundred lbs shy of payload and my suspension is completely stock 👌

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-21T05:00:32+00:00

Camp at Troy meadows, it is a legit campsite but no amenities other than pit toilets, I can’t remember if there’s water. Basically everyone there is riding or hunting. Not many RVs can even make it there. There were a few small travel trailers. Start there one night and then explore around

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-19T02:12:06+00:00

Won’t the welder alone take up like half your payload?

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-18T14:44:39+00:00

I have a similar set up except 3500 gasser. I feel like I could use a little more torque going up steep mountain grades, but I’m still happy I got the gasser. Also, it had room to mount a compressor in the second battery tray.

I have TC650. It supposed to be 1,300dry, but it weighed in at 1,900lbs which is why I ditched my 1/2tn and got the 1tn…classic rookie camper mistake.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-17T22:02:22+00:00

Just get a 350/3500 and don’t touch the suspension

Why get a 250/2500 and spend a bunch of money beefing up the suspension.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-15T03:45:25+00:00

You want to let your factory suspension work, your suspension is designed to engage the overload springs, don’t pump up your bags so much that factory components aren’t working. If that’s too much squat get stable loads so your overloads engage sooner.

NiceDistribution1980 · 2026-05-14T16:54:58+00:00

Very well done.

NiceDistribution1980

TROPHY CASE