Four Wheel campers in 1st gens

I've seen the occasional picture of 1st gens with Four Wheel pop up campers, anyone here? We've always just camped with a tall topper when car camping, but with a family starting we're thinking of a pop up camper to make things easier with a kiddo but still mobile. They seem a little heavy (even the "shell" models) for a Tacoma but interested in people's thoughts.

 

I've camp i them before. They can be really nice and comfy. As far as towing one. Stay within factory towing specs. Don't tow with the rear bumper. Get tow hitch.Upgrade your front brakes to Tundra 13WL big brakes. If you're auto trans put trans cooler on it. There's a thread somewhere on here about towing. Towing handbook or something like that. It's very informative.

 

Thanks for the reply, I was thinking more of the slide-in style by Four Wheel, although your comments on factory specs, specifically payload, is what I'm thinking could be a problem. Like this (not my pic, found it on google):


Even the empty shell models, once you add on the few things we would want seem like they push 1200+ pounds. General consensus is they under estimate the camper weights. Seems like brakes, wheel bearings, springs...etc?? would have shortened lives.

 

how many does something like that sleep? and is it more expensive than a RTT?

 

You can sleep 2 people comfortably on the cabover area of the camper. You can find used Four Wheel Camper Fleet pop up campers for sale. Do you want an older or newer one?

 

I have an older Four Wheel Camper Fleet pop up camper which is empty of all appliances. It's fairly light as it is right now and probably weighs around 800lbs. I'm going to sell it, if you're interested. PM me.

You would have to add Firestone air bags to level out the ride. I would recommend getting a better spring pack like Deaver Springs since the stock Tacoma leaf springs are rather soft and won't handle a fully loaded camper all that well. The maximum weight that the truck can carry is around 1,350lbs. I would also get a better set of shocks like the Bilstein 5100s.

 

Oh okay gotcha on camper style. Airbags for sure and everything else i mentioned less hitch.

 

Heck yeah Man !!! I got one of those !!!! It is a 2007 Eagle. I wanna get the interior redone soon too. That's a 1996 Taco with 250K + miles on it.

 

Thanks, we're thinking about a newer one just to be able to build it out the way we want, but as long as we're going that route we're considering a bigger truck. Me = want to keep the Tacoma, I've driven one Tacoma or another for over a decade, and don't like autos which is all you can get in the 2nd gen Tundra. She = reverse facing baby seat isn't going to happen in the Tacoma (we've tried several) = always taking her CRV on trips = less camping due to the hassle of tent camping with a baby. We could still do it, but her rationale (which I agree with) is that it's going to be enough of a headache that we probably won't do it as often.

 

Thanks, that's what I was thinking, but have also read accounts of bigger problems than just suspension. I'm guessing people are running way over rated GVW and payload though.

 

That's an awesome setup! Man, your pics have me wondering why we've camped in my bed with the topper for the last 10 years!!!
Have you weighed your truck with and without the camper? People seem to think the stated weights on FWC's website are low. Looking at what we want, the options (not many, but they add up), plus passenger weight, gas, gear, etc., and it seems impossible to stay under or even really close to rated weight.

 

Actually their weights are pretty close. Packed up for my Florida Keys trip I was over my GVW by a bit. Heck 2 kayaks and 2 mountain bikes, fishing gear some food.... what ta ya expect. Pretty sure the 19 foot sail boat and 2 kayaks pushes it too. It is still running though. Usually, you really figure out what you need and don't need. Lets be real you ain't taking a flat screen TV and full size grill. Think off the grid/minimalist living but a huge step up in comfort from truck bed or tent camping. One thing I hold off on it getting is water. If I am in a camp ground I just fill up there at a site with water hook up on my way to a tent site....5 minutes and no one ever cares. My Taco is a 5 spd manual too with over 250K on it. That camper STAYS on the truck and half prepped to go at a moments notice. Just add food and water and choice of toys to fit adventure. This camper is made for these kind off trucks. I just this summer upgraded my suspension from stock to the OME with a full dakar leaf spring package. So it ran stock with that camper for almost 10 years. Including Florida Keys trip, New Port Ri. trip, countless triathlons, sailing regattas and just camping trips since 2007. Look at how they are built, welded aircraft aluminum for the most of the frame. Not glue nails and particle board. I do not have a fridge and only a 15 gallon water tank.

In short I have no regrets about it and would get another if this one were to sell. I love it !!!

 

I had a 30ft Gulfstream tow behind camper on a permanent campsite. Wife and I decided we wanted to experience new camping areas & explore a bit. I love my 1st Gen so upgrading to a bigger truck to tow the Gulfstream wasn't a option for me so I sold the big camper & bought this lightweight fiberglass camper. We love it, takes just minutes to set up & my v6/manual transmission Tacoma tows it well. I agree with the above post mentioning the tundra upgrade, big improvement specially when towing.

 

Thanks 68dave for the +1 on the brake upgrade. Really looking to stay self contained with a slide-in though

 

That's impressive! I can see the difference in your pics now that you mention it, with the rear sag. Anything you have in the camper that you don't use, or that you would definitely get if you got a new one?

 

FWC discontinued the Eagle model a year or so ago. They now have the Fleet and I believe the Finch would fit your truck. I had a fairly loaded Eagle that was 1230# empty weight.

 

What did you have your Eagle mounted in, your 2010? How'd it do at that weight?

 

Also, what were the big weight adders? Water system, dual batteries, ...?

 

Who ya asking ??

 

Those two questions; Drainbung, since it sounded like yours was more streamlined/spartan and didn't weigh as much. But I was wondering what you would add if you were to buy a new one, or what you have but don't use? Also, it looks like you didn't have the side awning on all the time, do you like having that available?