Got a New Truck Camper? 5 Things You Need To Do Right Away 

you just talked me out of buy8ing a HOST and at first I really liked this camper.

What is Radioactive road travel? If I remember right you bought a host. This is excellent advice. We bought a Northern Lite, tested everything out at the dealership, went home and in a VERY HEAVY down poor I found a very very slight leak. They said it was condensation. Next rain, no leak, rained again, no leak. Then we had ANOTHER down pour and again very slight leak. We paid 75 grand for this camper, taxes, set up and everything. So we thought about selling it back, take the lost and move on. So unless there's a massive down pour it doesn't leak, so this one is a hard one. I'm surprised Host had that many problems.

Lol. I bought a brand new truck camper and when I finally used the sink to wash dishes. I pulled the sink plug. Lol. They didn't even hook up the plumbing under my sink. Lol.

Am glad I bought a truck and camper along time ago. No problems with the camper for 40 years. No leaks ever. All appliances work. Only problem i had was, someone HEAVY climbed on my outside ladder, bending it.

Very good ideas!! Thanks for sharing !! . Enjoy your travels :) Cheers from Spain

Have a Lance 975 coming in at Princess Craft, sometime in March. I will make darn sure everything works. So sorry to hear about all your problems. You should be having fun!

Just a suggestion that might stop some of the headaches. Test and use everything on an rv before you sign on bottom line. Dealerships will work harder to fix things if you insist on things working.

Yep ! Mine too on the awning. My toggle switch for it shorted out and burnt it out. I woke up to sound of bacon cooking sound. Electrical outlet shorted out and kept burning. I'm lucky to be here today. No more of these things for me. Lessonlearned

The true reality of owning a RV unit…. Too much drama as an owner. I can relate

New subscriber. Looking forward to the journey !

That seems like a lot of problems for a new camper considering it's a Host. I would rate them in the top five as far as build goes. At least you're getting the small stuff out of the way, right away. I just sold my 36' toy hauler and put in an order for a new Artic Fox camper which should be here in April. I opted for the versatility of camper to get me in those tucked away places. Hope to run into you in the back country some day and best of luck to you!!

Hey there! We’ve had several issues on our 2021 Lance 1172 as well so you’re not alone. It’s an unfortunate reality with all new RV’s these days. Don’t get discouraged, you’ll get all of the kinks worked out and end up with a better camper. Best wishes to ya!

Wow, that's a lot to go wrong and deal with. I had some small problems they fixed before I left the dealer. And had to replace the sink faucet after I got home. Hopefully you will have better luck after the dealer is finished.

The moral of the story is never buy a host camper. You get what you pay for. I have had my bigfoot 10-4 for 3 years and it has a little over 226,000 miles on it and the only problem I have had is a door lock that got clogged up with dirt while driving thru Alaska on dirt roads for 900 miles.

Excellent video. Thank you

Hello from Canada! Yes, such things are a factor as others have mentioned. Most of us find that we just cannot afford either the time or the cost of running to the dealer every time something breaks. So, we learn to figure it out and repair stuff. Yes, there may be a warranty, but some of the problems are so simple I just fix them. However, I think it completely irresponsible of almost ALL dealers that they hand over untested RV's to their customers. I think aside from removing the wrapping I think they should be required to perform a full inspection of the RV and repair anything before they are allowed to be sold. As you say, you spend a small fortune on this and then the initial experience is disappointing. At least one dealer I know in my area has a campground at the dealership and they tell you to test everything (even though IMHO they really should be doing that) and then give them a list and they will fix all of it immediately. Good for them. I have bought from others where they say that and so absolutely nothing. That is free enterprise for you. Right now they are busy, in a few years it may be different. They will have brought this on themselves. However, as written below, I think these HOST's are very nice campers. The construction seems far better than most. When I see aluminum struts under the seats instead of cheap wood and the partitions even in the cupboards are solid material and not just thin panelling it is nice to see. Another thing that seems to happen with some new RV's is that you have to fill out the warranty cards on the appliances within like 48 hours or something stupid or they will not count. So you point of reading everything is very important and again such things should be stressed by the dealer. Perhaps you mentioned it, but do you have any solar? I can understand the situation with the air bags. If they are sealed (i.e. not dynamically adjusted by the computer) then when the load is removed, the pressure would be far less. Regardless, this should have been properly explained to you when they were installed. Anyhow, I am very keen to transition from a 35 foot class A to a Yukon and so I REALLY appreciate your channel. Travel safe. Henri (RVing with Henri)

Unbelievable the number of issues you have experienced with a brand new camper, you would like to think the manufacturer and then the dealer completed a full quality check and test all items. I seriously think I would asking then to change the unit for a new one, worries me it’s a Friday afternoon build from the factory. Looking forward to watching your adventures once all issues are resolved.

Don't feel bad. My arctic fox 1150 has completely come apart underneath and insurance will not cover repairs. Customer service is everything with rv's so from my personal experience I would avoid keystone and arctic fox since they would rather be sued than do the right thing. I looked at a couple of used host campers and they do not age well. I would suggest looking at older versions of what you like to see a little into the future . I am now looking at northern lite but I also hear horror stories about them also. ATC builds nice stuff for the price of a small house.

Welcome to the camping world of if it can break its will. One thing I told this to my brother when he bought new.... Never. Never Never buy the extra warranty. He wouldn't listen to me either. Good luck on getting those extra warranty people to pay... Cheers.

Love the video and that beautiful smile 😍

Reasearch research research, that’s what I did and had great luck on the new TC first year out. Although I’m not pushing a big Host TC I bought a new Wolf Creek made by Northwood the same co that makes Artic Fox the big brother of the WC. I can’t say enough it’s been great 0 problems, but as you will see in the comments there’s things you need to research like using a water regulator for city water also a surge protector for shore power and so on. These things are not in the manual, and I agree there are lots of manuals and systems. You will get it don’t get discouraged just keep on trucking!

Add a mattress warmer and an electric blanket to your plan B list when your camper heat fails or you runout of propane.

Supplemental: 1. Are you using a pressure reducer on your water line from the 'city water supply' ? Most RV plumbing is rated for 50 psi or less and some parks can have pressures over 100 psi. This will blow all your hoses inside if you connect to such a system without a reducer. I did that once and while I was very lucky that nothing burst the pressure was so high that the water in the toilet swirled so fast it came out onto the floor ... Funny story if it is not your RV hah! 2. I recommend never connecting to city water for the reason you found. If per chance you had connected stuff and then took your dogs for a walk your camper would have been ruined with 100L's of water everywhere. This in part, happened to me. Since a failure in your plumbing when connected to city water is so serious, I never do it. Instead I use city water to fill the fresh water tank and use my pump, which I can immediately switch off and I set to off when I am outside and when sleeping as my failure happened in the middle of the night when the toilet valve failed causing it to overflow. I only caught it because I had to go to the washroom at 2am. Lucky I am getting older! It took 2 months to properly dry out the carpets. 3. FYI, it sets worse with larger rigs. I heard of a guy who had a $million King Aire and it spent the first 8 months in the shop and Newmar has a really good reputation. On my previous 35' gas unit that was 20 years old, I would go away for a week and come home with a Deficiency Report with over 20 items on it almost each time. It was becoming like one of those old military planes where for 1h of flight it takes 25h of maintenance! 4. That being said, I just retired and prior to that I had spent a sum of over 2 and a half years of the past 30 in one of our RV's and just love the hobby regardless. I think your adventure is very cool and I am very much looking forward to your future videos. Hopefully your one dog will recover from the sticker shock! 5. I want to transition to a truck camper from a 35' gas unit to vastly increase our versatility and to allow us to tow as well as carry the home. The HOST Yukon and Mammoth are the only two that really appeal to me and since you are just starting out it is very cool to see how this goes. When will you start your Big Trip? Regards, Henri (RVing with Henri)

I know its sounds big, but I'd see about trading it in for a northwood arctic fox. Northwoods quality control is second to none. I bought a brand new jayco TT in 2019 and had researched for over a year (thanks youtube) lol and before I handed over the cashiers check I spent over 4 hours pissing of the sales and service department 😂 checking and inspecting every single aspect of it. Even brought a gfi checker and checked every outlet had them hook up water and elec checked for leaks everywhere. LITRALLY tested every single thing and was amazed at not finding anything wrong. I'm one of the lucky ones lol. Good luck with your camper situation 😁

First thing I do when buying any camper (from enclosed cargo trailer to motorhome) (new or used) is reseal everything. Of course before I buy it I have it hooked to water and electric and test everything.

You should have done a PDI (pre delivery inspection) at the dealership, BEFORE IT WAS LOADED ONTO YOUR TRUCK. That would've have entailed going through all of the systems and inspecting the overall condition of the unit with a technician. However, "shaking down" a new RV is just part of the ownership process. I do believe quality control issues are worse in this time. But, I have had similar issues with all 3 of my new RV's over the last 20 years. As in previous comments, you will have to become familiar with the systems, know how they work, and be prepared to at least do make shift repairs. Welcome to RV life. Enjoy!

Hi, yeah. I bought a new Arctic Fox for my new Chevy 2500 Hd. I did the first two things you suggested right away. Turns out, I had a cabinet door fly open hitting the hood fan above the stove. The solid cherry door broke in half. Cabinet companies have different warranties than Arctic Fox. Etc etc. I fixed it myself. Learned to secure doors. Little things like this they don’t tell you.

We have always bought used. And we learned from experience , always text everything out. Do trial runs at home. Local campgrounds.

It’s a cold water heater!!

A complete inspection of all systems of your rv should be done at the dealership.. not at home.. I know you are excited to get it on the truck for the first time and a quick walk through is done after it's loaded with systems explained but that's not enough.. when I say everything, I'm talking right down to inspecting oil levels in generator to turning on all propane systems.. spending a few hours with your sales team going over your systems prior to leaving will prevent headaches that you had...

That all sounds pretty normal. I have a host mammoth camper Fortunately I have not had any issues. The loose hose in the cargo compartment is actually heat for the cargo compartment. As far as dumping the black tank If you can use the hose Connection To break up the solids. Also driving around does that automatically. Good luck host are hand built and probably are of the highest quality. IPhone 3 different brands of campers host by Far Is over the top in quality.

Hi before you get the camper you and the rv dealer go through the camper with a complete list so both of you can say yes or no and water test it to outside and inside

I think you got a lemon. After all that, I'd have insisted on a replacement. Host is high end, should be virtually flawless on delivery. Dealer is suspect too. I could never trust this rig on a cross country trip.

The 4" binder from Host is full of stuff that tells you how to install but woefully week on operation, care, treatment of the system. Picked up my Mammoth in August. So far the only big thing is that the a/c is eating itself. Following...

You bought a poor Quality truck camper. I can't believe the manufacture did not test everything on the truck before it left the plant. Seem's like the workers who built the thing did not care about perfection but only getting a pay check. This water leak is total bullshit I would have been pissed. Trade the camper for an Artic Fox or Eagle cap. I've been going to Alaska for 32 years and I talk to owners of truck campers all the time 98 percent of Lance owners are very happy with their camper. Better yet I would buy one used that way most of the problems have been corrected.

You obviously a very smart person and your dad seems like he’s handy. Please don’t take offense but you DO have the ability to set the very least diagnose if not fix your problems. It does that a little confidence in troubleshooting, while you can work with your dad it anyone else you know to work it out logically. This is from a self taught high school graduate that learned to fix everything because I had to. My wife and I have been full time in for a year in a seven year old fifth wheel and have been mostly able to fix issues ourselves. This includes a full solar shed inverter setup. And since I feel your pain the first day in the road our black tank fell out on i95 sixty miles from home! I ended up leaving it on the side of the road , strapped up the underbelly (glad I had old motorcycle tie down straps ) and kept going. Ended up going with a composting toilet and liking it a lot better anyway. RV life is going to throw you curves no matter what so if you sit and think about the problem you can fix it, just sit down and take a breath and think about the problem. Now my not so can side would disconnect that thing from my truck and back it through their showroom windows, their it in drive and eject it 🤪

NORTHSTAR........ IVE HAD MY NORTHSTAR TRUCK CAMPER FOR 14 YEARS. I'VE HAD 2 PROBLEMS #1. 12 VOLT LIGHT ON STOVE HOOD WENT OUT. # 2. RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT BURNED OUT. TOTAL REPAIRS AFYER 14 YEARS ...ABOUT $ 8.00. NOT BAD.

I bought a motorhome made in Italy, It was good value for money, was very lightly constructed to help keep the overall weight down. I was very disappointed with all the bad issues l had. Its very hard to get a great deal of satisfaction from RV dealers. when it comes to fixing things. The RV industry is a money milking machine . You have to learn how to fix things yourself and you will become an expert on solving all those problems. RV , campers etc, all have a lot of stuff in a small space which is bumped down a road all the time, result is breakages, There is light at the end of the tunnel and you are on a life changing journey, Sometimes the changes can be a bit painful but the end result is worth it, enjoy.

I was scanning your other videos to find out about the resolutions to your camper's problems. I assume you got them all fixed - I'm just curious about what it took to get it done. And maybe what cropped up later. Well done!

In case no one told you, once you drive the RV off the lot the warranty is out the window. You become the warranty. You are the mechanic, the electrician, the plumber, the locksmith and the appliance tech. You covered almost everything a new RV owner should except one. Take the RV home and take it apart. I'm not kidding. Every false panel take off, take pictures check everything in there. Take the microwave out. Take all the drawers out. Take picture of everything in there. Pull every access panel. Take more pictures. Check every plumbing fitting you can see and can find in the hidden areas. Essentially, finish building it the correct way. I have found tools and hardware left behind the access panels, you never know what you'll find.

For the water leak... Did you use a water regulator to prevent the city water pressure from causing leaks?

I could say something.... but I won't. Just surprised no one else pointed it out😅

Cute Bostons!

I’m sorry you’ve had such a bad experience with rving. They definitely keep you busy with fixing things!

Pretty sure the bed of your truck is aluminum. Hope you have better luck. Remember its a rolling earthquake so things can go wrong. Looks like a sweet set up !

Wow, you are a patient person. I would be quite unreasonable if I'd paid a lot of money for a camper, and these issues arose. Why are manufacturers not testing their work properly? Safe travels. Thanks for sharing.

Your warranty issues and comments here are making me think used ... enjoying the series so far.

Any buyer remorse?? / waiting for delivery on a cascade in January

Just curious, but is there an RV company that offers a 2-year warranty versus a typical 1-year warranty.

Tiko, overall how do you like your 1172? We have a 851👍🏼🇺🇸

You seem pretty self reliant. Maybe just go simple. Take a look at MAV’s channel. Maybe you need or want luxury. After watching your video I don’t think I’d ever do anything except build my own set up. Had the idea of getting a truck RV, thanks for the information. When I’m ready I’ll build my own. Too much drama lol

If it doesn't go wrong it's not an adventure:)

I’d of called them folks and return it for another one because that’s dumb smh…why did you choose this type of camper vs a 5th wheel or bumper pull

I live in Rockport too so if there is anything I can do to help just let me know.

Host ( Oregon), will take your Yukon and make it right. I suggest you contact Dave at Host.

I thought the same exact thing. Spend alot of money and thought it would be good for a while. Lol. Yeah. Junk

Really like the thought of a truck camper, after watching this I'm having second thoughts. I don't want to drop that amount of money for things to go wrong. Considering Host are supposed to be top quality this is very poor.

Did you know if you sell your camper before the 5-year extended warrant has expired you can get a refund for the unused time remaining. The dealer won’t tell you this

Shitty dealership you bought that from you should have had them test all that stuff in front of you before you took it home

Okay you got me! Number 534...

You do realize that your inverter does NOT work when you are plugged in. Are you talking about your converter?

#1 go to the scale and weigh

I'm hoping someone at some pointee out to you that the bet on that truck is aluminum so no rust ✌️

Sounds like Host is producing Junk. For the price of this truck campers one would expect very few issues.

This is almost depressing to watch. While I’m not even close to being ready to purchase a camper, in my lifetime it’s something I plan on doing. Host seems to be the camper I like the most and now hearing this I don’t know. It does seem like this is a common thing with all RV’s no matter the size so it just might be “working the kinks out.” With that said do you regret buying Host? Or have any regrets at all?

I would file a lemon law claim

It’s not a hot water heater it’s a hot water tank or a cold water heater!

This is absurd. A new camper and all these things braking? I would bring it right back to them. Aren't they suppose to as a dealer make sure everything is running etc. Fan, inverters, tanks draining etc. Etc. Wow, that's Not good news. Sounds like you could never trust to go too far from home... and that's not how this should work. You Wan a travel far wide and have a dependable well made camper. This one is not. Would you buy it again?

Piss poor build quality by the sound of it

No host for me... Lance please....

now I know not to buy a Host camper thanks!

So, the take away...don't buy a Host

What happened to you ? Give up? On rv life ?

That's Bull... U R MORE PATIENT them me, Some where along the line I would be demanding a new one,,, That's crap.

I’m with you…I understand there will be things that break…. But … 1st time using it…???? That is inexcusable…. And the amount of things that went wrong….Terrible job by Host…. 👎🏻

These RV manufacturers are an amateur friggin joke. Anyone who would pay their friggin ridiculous prices for the structural crap they put out is foolish. Most of the roofing components are inferior, and that Dicor crap is a farst. These RV'S should have commercial grade components and materials/structures should be code regulated to protect consumers. This saying of standards is a friggin joke.

Your kinda cute

DO NOT BUY A HOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, if you buy a Host, you're toast?

She’s a nuclear engineer?

The first thing you're doing wrong as you're making a video while driving down the road that is wrong and itself you should be parked while making the video you are not completely paying attention to where driving you looking at the camera more than you're looking at the road 🙄

How ironic considering the world is on the brink of nuclear war 🤔

Sorry but with this many problems your camper is a piece if crap!😳

Seems like a mixture of a simply bad product, and being too lazy to read the materials and learn how to use this complex thing you just bought… 😂

You should be driving and not discussing camper details you need to be a safe driver

another RU-vid channel that waste time with their useless intro's!

Alot of RV's are just cheaply built junk....just that simple