The FlipPac info thread.

Been doing a lot of web searching on the topic of the FlipPac. Figured I'd collect everything in one TW thread so I have a single point of reference.

Special thanks to Dave on the American Adventurist Forum for the below quoted information:

The FlipPac is a simple yet ingenious pop-up camper utilizing a flip open design. This feature essentially doubles the space of your living quarters, while having a lower profile than a traditional pop-up camper. Setup of the FlipPac is a breeze, taking only a few minutes to be camp ready. Once deployed you are able to stand fully upright in the bed of your truck. The interior is truly spacious, allowing the bed of the truck to be converted to a living area. The sleeping area extends out over the hood of the truck offering a comfortable mattress and six large windows for good air flow. There is also a collapsible bunk bed (180 lbs max.) made from the same material as the tent that can be used for an additional sleeping place or as a gear sling or shelf for clothes, shoes etc.

The original "FlipPac" was actually called the Barr Top and dates back to the mid 70's in San Diego. The FlipPac was an evolution of the Barr Top and used to be part of the "Six Pac" camper company until the owner died when they split it up between two sons - one took over Six Pac campers and thrived and the other son took FlipPac and ran it into the ground. FlipPac rights and molds were sold to Homer, the owner of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Products) in the early 90's, who then made them as kind of a side thing when they weren't making large industrial fiberglass items. They recently went out of business and it seems the FlipPac died with FRP.

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I added the hyper links into the quote above - looks like six-pac is now out of business (as of 9/20/16) and FRP is now merged with MGM Plastics and still produces some products in San Marcos Ca.

Some helpful items I've found available for them still are:

SLO rainfly:
http://www.slosailandcanvas.com/flippac-rain-fly-210-denier-nylon/

Sway Away Torsion Bar:
https://swayaway.com/product/flip-pac-torsion-bar/

Replacement Fastening rails:
https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Awning-Rail-90-degree-p/vts-876.htm


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Some random pics of the Flippac:



@G.T.




1st gen


Ford Ranger

 

Reserved for me.

 

Sub’d even though have a GFC on the way

 

I got this live and uninterrupted on Saturday

 

Sub'd for curiosity, since I now have a teardrop.

I was going through some old folders in my desk recently, and came across a Flip-Pac brochure from the '80s. I think they were a little ahead of their time.

 

I’d love to see that. Mind posting pics?

 

Sure.

I'll try to get some up this weekend.

 

Not sure why I still have this...

 

And of course this...

 

Can’t wait to see it!

 

A little late, but here you are.

I snapped these quickly. If you'd like, I can take better ones - or, color copy the brochure and send it to you.

 

You have it in great shape too... pretty cool piece of FP history right there

 

Seen this thing today.... it is exactly what she said....


Huge

 

It sat in a file folder for 20 years. I don't save too many things - for some reason, I never could throw this away.

 

Have you seen this page:
https://americanadventurist.com/forum/threads/the-original-flippac-prototype.217/

You can download the PDF with the patent images to get some in depth detail:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4176873.html

Some good stuff. A look into the birth of roof top tents 40 years ago.

 

In

 

Good stuff.