The straight popups definitely give you more room on the interior but the wedge popups handle wind better and don't flap as badly. Compare the roof capacities as well if you think you'll open it with stuff on top. I've also found the side opening doors on the GFC to be really handy for accessing stuff at the front of the bed, but they're not as dust/weather tight as the solid wall and window of say a Project M. You might appreciate the lower level windows on the Project M if you plan to use it a lot with the top popped up.
We've primarily used our GFC in Colorado which generally isn't buggy. We usually have the lower level wide open at camp (what they call cabana mode) but keep the upper level sealed off from bugs by keeping all the floor panels installed.
We run a bed mat and I installed a foam gasket around the tailgate. These both helped a lot but you're still gonna get some dust or water intrusion. It's not a huge deal though, just use totes for your stuff that have good quality lids.
And yes, Ed Abbey should be required reading on this site
I'm definitely gonna give the GFCs another look. I really like that "cabana" mode. Would love to crawl around in one to see how easy it is to get in and out of the upper bed area. Thanks for the info. And agreed about Abbey! My favorite author (along with Vonnegut).
I have a long bed extended cab and it gets me where I need to go. But my camper shell sleeping setup does not work for my 50+ back. So bought an 22' RV it is only 6" longer than my truck. If I were to do it over, I would likely get a Project M and build in cabinets that could be removable for using the truck as a truck but having a heater table and kitchen area in the back.
That sounds like a great idea. I'm hoping to achieve something similar - spare, easy, and quickly convertible.
@Stringer44 Springfield, Mo. The Heart of the Ozarks.
I'm from Joplin! Howdy, neighbor.
I like the idea. F150 is a great option too. Highly customizable if you order it. I think the project M would be a good option.
There's a new company in San Diego called ORU Designs that has a nifty tilting bed. My brother in law has one on his f150 and loves it. Only has like a 2 month wait time too. Not sure if they make for an 8 foot bed however. It's mostly similar to a OVRLDN, minus the wait time. Like others have said, dust control is difficult without a full slide in camper but that doesn't seem to be too much of an issue for you from what I cant tell. From what I've seen, it seemd FWC would have the best fit per model.
I dont think you could go wrong with any of the camper options.
I will definitely give those ORUs a look.
Do you have any recommendations when it comes to F150s? I'm new to Ford, so I'm just starting to find my way around.
I like the idea of the 2.7L. I've heard great things, and I think for my uses, it would work great. Having said that, I'm tempted to "future proof" it by buying something with a bit more towing capability and payload. While I have no plans for it currently, I wouldn't hate the ability to tow an RV or large cargo trailer down the road. Or potentially go back to a pop-up slide-in in the future. Again, no plans for that, but I like keeping options open. Then again, I like the fuel efficiency of the 2.7L and would hate to give that up just on the off-chance that later on I might want to start towing something.
Both of these issues are easily solvable.
Dust: Spend an afternoon
before you get the camper on obsessively sealing your bed and your tailgate. The tailgate seal kits are real helpful and you can use buytl tape/caulking in other voids and holes. Put a bedrug in. They’re highly durable, make the camper, much more comfortable and insulated, and they block a lot of dust. Finally, a lot of us with Ovrlnd‘s are using positive pressure vents. These really help prevent the vacuum formed in the camper from sucking dust in through micro openings. you can buy these as an option or install your own. I honestly get almost no dust in my camper and I go on some terrible red dust Utah roads a lot. Also, having on board air really helps if you can blow off the back of your vehicle and camper before you open it.
Check out our Cabin Hatch/Vent & Trim Kit and more from West Marine!
www.westmarine.com
Bugs: Buy a magnetic, closing, sliding door screens from Amazon. I was able to find one that perfectly fit the back of my camper. Also, using some bug color lights in the rear is helpful.
Great info - thank you. I saw those positive pressure vents being offered on OVRLND's website. I would definitely pick that as an option. I initially thought of using just a DeeZee bed mat, but I keep hearing enough good stuff about the bedrugs that I'm thinking I should give them more consideration.
On the bug issue, when your camper is fully closed, do you notice any bugs still making their way inside? I have one of those magnetic bug screens, and would definitely install it in the camper if I intended to keep the tailgate and barn doors open - but what about with everything closed up? Do you find that that keeps the bugs out pretty well, or do they find a way in through the bed drainage holes and areas that aren't completely sealed (this is assuming you haven't yet sealed all these openings, of course). Thanks!
