FOUR WHEEL CAMPERS THREAD

FWC,s are super cool. i want one, but cannot justify the cost on something i can only use 2-3 weeks a year. i just use my cap, and make do, it is so much better than a tent. i have an air mattress,heat, porta potty, and a shower. but i love to look and learn. brjw your rig is the coolist set i've seen!

 

Occasionally I was removing it, but I bought another new VW to use at home so I've been leaving the camper on and using it occasionally. My whole setup fits in my garage, so it is always in there. Even in winter my garage stays 55 degrees F. The furnace stays set at 45 and runs if I'm out and about with the truck for the day. While I'm out of state working (15 of 28 days), the truck and camper stay garaged with roof vents open and the roof fan running the whole time.

Right now I have the camper unloaded in the garage with the top open and airing out, as the truck is on jack stands while new custom leaf springs are being built to carry the setup full time.

Like I mentioned in the other post I'm going to be selling it.

As other posters chimed in, a fiberglass cap and sleeping platform is great for some. If i didn't have kids I would do that again in a heart beat, did it for years with other rigs. But having a wife and young kid, it helps the family get out all year. If everyone is comfortable and happy, you can get out more! Plus I work less than half of the year, so I get a ton of use out of stuff like this. My next rig will likely be a full size ford van with 4x4 conversion and sportsmobile pop-up top. Keeping the family happy means I get to get outside and camp/explore more.

 

There are plenty of threads on them on ExPo and WandertheWest. Personally I'd like to have their new flatbed model. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/103933-New-Four-Wheel-UTE-Flat-Bed-Model-Coming-Soon

 

I'll chime in here as I have some experience with Four Wheel Camper Pop Ups.

My truck camping began with a undercover tonneau cover. The first trip was to Kelso Dunes in Mojave National Monument. Prepared I was not. I've learned a lot from those days of car/truck camping. I then discovered the Flippac and bought one. I could pack the crap out of that and it served me well on many trips. To make a long story short I came across a Finch. You can read about that in my build thread.

The Finch is awesome. It too serves me well. I've ridden out a ten hour storm up in the White mountains of California and many windstorms in the deserts. Even though I have one I'm bummed they are going to the wider models. I personally don't want that much overhang on the sides. There are drawbacks such as weight. Mine states it is 575lbs. I've never weighed it when loaded for a trip but I know it's substantially more depending on load out.

My friend has a Frontier with cab high shell and we've camped in near freezing situations and it isn't too bad. The confined space keeps the heat in for the most part. Much more than a ground tent and with more protection from the elements. With our composite beds keeping dust out is a losing battle. I used sealant everywhere with the flippac and always had dust. With the FWC it isn't an issue. If I had the money for a 2nd setup I'd have a Tradesman aluminum shell/cap that gradulally increases past the cab. That way I could leave it on all the time other than when I want to take the camper and kit it out for light/fast camping. There are pros/cons to any set up. Still wish our trucks had metal beds.

 

How do you like the Timbrens? I want to get a set and was told by a fellow FWC'r that there is a different model for set ups like ours. Thanks.

 

Sooo, 2 minutes ago I was posting how excited I was my new RTT showed up...... sigh. Now I am jealous.
I love those campers, but they are a bit rich for me. However...if they came with a turbocharged double cab taco with 456 gears...well, I could be convinced!

 

Personally I'd go with a shell/cap than an RTT. To each his own though.

 

My rtt goes on my cap....

 

Awesome truck/camper combo. The FWD rigs are definitely the head of the class.

I found an old Scamper 606S some years ago in good shape. Heavier than a FWD but for $1100 I had to give it a shot. For my purposes, highway travel, back roads and fire roads, it works well with ride rite bags. I also have a platform that goes in my Leer 180 for traveling light. The mattress out of the Scamper fits on the platform.

The Scamper on my old 2009 Sport:


The Scamper on my current 2013 SR5:

 

FWC Eagle:

 

Finally found a FWC thread!

Absolutely love mine! It's been a huge game-changer. Looking to full-time it across the US & Canada in it for a year, starting in November- right after my fiancee and I get married.

Used to love my cap and bed setup, but that felt like a coffin only for sleeping. This setup is versatile & amazing!

 

Looks great on a 1st gen. Do you always leave your jacks on? That's a lot of extra weight to be carrying around.

 

No, those are older pics from right when we got it. I've since taken them off- indeed, they are very heavy

 

Brian did you gear the truck before the super charger or all at the same time? I'm going yhis route on my truck and basically have the same suspension but it's fox. I plan on doing full armor with a fwc but was considering 488'S as its not my daily driver. Did you notice much change in the low end and top end speed? With your experience with 456's would you think 488'S be to much? My truck is not super charged btw.

 

Looking for a used FWC fleet or eagle for my 15 long bed. Located in the Northeast but willing to travel surrounding states.

 

I have been eyeing those campers for some time, definitely tempting

 

Did you post over on Wander The West?

 

Yes!
Trying to cover all the bases.

 

Here's a few from my trip earlier this month.

 

Nice area, where is that?