Greetings--
Love my Eagle FWC-- Shell model. Bought new in 2009. Wanted the Shell model, since depending upon my planned trip I wanted the room to bring gear that was applicable and not have limited space consumed with unwanted gear / accessories. I spend most my time outside, so a tarp with telescope poles and folding chair and TV Tray is all I need. Don't spend a lot of time inside and have found I want the space more than sink, water tank, heater, sofa, table, etc.
I've used my TV Tray and folding chair inside a couple times when weather was really bad. Been to Alaska and camp 3 seasons in mountains. I use a portable Buddy Heater (with propane bottle, and also a outside propane tank sometimes). That and a good sleeping bag and I'm set for cold weather. Also have used my propane stove for one-pot meal heating inside. Normally take a small ice chest only (stays outside or driver seat at night (keep food out of camper to bear proof). Shell model also leaves room for porta-pottie, when the wife camps with me.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND JUST GETTING THE SHELL MODEL WITH ACCESSORIES--
Screen Door: A MUST. To pop camper need air flow, so door must be left open. In Alaska you will let in hundreds of mosquitos just to pop the camper open. Must have screen door.
Fantastic Fan: Works great. A must when hot, and since I sometimes smoke a cig inside it exhaust the smoke great.
Flood Lights-- Don't use much, but are available if I need them.
Master Elect. On/Off Switch: They don't offer this item, but I refused to buy the camper without a master switch to turn off all electricity to the camper. The outside lights turn on/off with an outside switch. So if I leave it at a trailhead and take a backpack trip, and some idiot turns on the lights, my battery would be dead when I got back to drive out. So I would not buy without the Master Switch. Kind of threw them a curve, but they finally agreed to install one.
Awning: Have not used much. I use a tarp and telescope poles. But when really hot, awning works well and is easy to use. Glad I got it.
Extended Cabover: Gives a 4inch sleep surface instead of only 2inch, and provides a large sleeping area for two people. Well worth the extra cost.
Curtains: Installed my own with some hardware from Camper's World.
Luggage Rack: Got the rear rack, but have not used. Can't put to much heavy stuff there, since you have to lift it manually so is a waste (for me). I have a canoe (kevlar), but still would be too heavy for me to pop camper without taking canoe on/off all the time. I would skip the luggage rack options.
I use portable Jacks, but would buy the attached Jacks if I had the chance again.
I also would buy the lifters to assist with opening camper. Eagle is pretty light, but I still find I wish the lift assist were attached.
Good luck with your option choices.
