sstan
Martinez California
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Joined: 09/15/2008
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Last week was my trip to Longmont to pick up our new Apex 9.5 so I thought I'd share. Many of you helped me plan it with a lot of good suggestions on my options and they payed dividends.
Apparently RV parts are in very short supply now due to the economy. Manufacturers are scaling back production and reducing inventory. So prior to my leaving California for the trip Bob warned me that the Dometic Seitz windows were not available at this time. I did some searching and found some in Canada from a private party that happened to be within an inch or two of being the right size. Still can't believe the luck on that one. The Smev stove was also delayed but Bob was working hard on getting it in time.
So I rolled the dice and hit the road with my fingers crossed knowing that the Apex might not be ready for me. I had a graduation to attend in Colorado anyway. When I arrived on Tuesday the windows were there and installed along with the stove. Bob then told me the Thetford casette toilet was delayed from Europe on a ship and might be here by mid-June. I spent most of the remainder of that day and night calling retailers and wholesalers of Thetford for the toilet. Finally Wednesday morning a retailer in Houston came through with a toilet for us. Bob had it shipped overnight and Thursday we had all parts staged for the final assembly.
Thursday and Friday morning they did the final build and I got to help check things there in the shop. Overall I spent 3 1/2 days with Bob and his crew and feel like I helped build it. I now know most of them on a first name basis and came away with a real respect for the talent in this group of craftsmen.
Friday morning I left Longmont for my sons graduation the next day. But we made it to Gunnison in time for his celebration.
The only downside to the trip was coming home someone shot out my windshield. Maybe we passed the secret campground of Brand X pop-tops....
Here's the pics I remembered to take in the excitement. Thanks to you all who helped me. I look forward to seeing you on the road.
Steve.
Off with the old.
Day 1 of visit still under construction
Here's Adrial working his magic. This guy is one top fabricator.
Here's a shot of Bob sending Cheryl (travelinglane) on her way with her new Apex 8
Here's my new camper loaded up and ready to roll.
Here's Bob checking of the fit and finish. I think he was almost as excited as I was.
A shot of the interior. These guys sure do nice work.
Here's what the Italian Smev stove looks like installed.
And the Seitz windows. These are fantastic dual pane, top hinged, with built in screens and shades.
The Heki Skylight sure does give a lot of light and air.
And finally the top. We used almost every square foot. I can't wait to try out the electric boat loader.
* This post was
edited 05/16/09 06:11pm by sstan *
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weymard
NORMANDY
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Joined: 11/07/2008
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Congratulations ! What a nice camper !
FORD F450 LARIAT 4X4 DIESEL 2008
France, Normandy
I'm searching an used camper for my big truck
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Skipper Rod
Bellevue Nebraska
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Joined: 07/10/2007
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SWEET, Nice rig!!!!
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cewillis
Tucson, az, usa
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Joined: 01/24/2005
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Electric boat loader?!?!? Are you serious?
Obviously, you are. That is a fantastic looking camper. Excellent decisions about the Tundra frig and cassette toilet, too.
Did you lower the cabover height somehow, or is that an optical delusion?
Did you get big battery boxes?
Yes, they do good work. But Bob excited? That I'd have to see.
(oh, maybe not)
Cal
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BroncosFan
USA
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Joined: 06/23/2006
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Great photos thanks for sharing. Yes those boat loaders do work good. I have used the hand crank one before with no problems.
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whazoo
Arizona
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Joined: 10/12/2007
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Holy Smoky Joes, that is a great looking camper. I want one! Wait, I have one. The little brother though, Apex8. Your camper sure looks nice and does make me want a new one. You'll have a blast for sure.
Thanks for the pix Steve.
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magic43
Brookhaven, Ms.
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Joined: 07/28/2004
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Congratulations on a great TC. Now you can enjoy.
magic43
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BradW
Flat Rock, Alabama
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Joined: 10/29/2001
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cewillis wrote:Electric boat loader?!?!? Are you serious?
Yes, we need some photos of the electric boat loader in operation. 
Nice looking camper.
Brad
Internet forums only exist to serve their members; never the other way around.
1996 Lance 500 and 2006 F-350 PSD 4X4 DRW
Our Truck Camper Photos........Visit the RV.net Blogs
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sstan
Martinez California
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Joined: 09/15/2008
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If you want to see the boat loader in action check out here Eide Boat Loader
Steve
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Murgatroid
Nevada City, CA
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Joined: 04/15/2008
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Awesome! I love your option choices! We'll have to take our Apexes out camping some time this summer!
-steve
2009 Northern Lite 9.6Q Classic
2009 Outfitter Apex 9.5 (for sale)
2009 Sundance 2800RLS
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 QC LB CTD 2WD
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