comparing Phoenix and FWC grandby

[Brushbuster]

I am trying to make a decision from ordering a new Grandby or a new Phoenix 8' with skirts. I have read and searched this site and got some good info but am wondering what problems and longevity do people expeirance with these these campers. Also how about resale values. And what is better aluminum siding or fiberglass. any other input would be nice I am putting the camper on a 2010 f150 6.5 foot bed with air bag self adjusting suspension system.

 

[docdave]

Phoenix offers custom construction, which could be a major factor, depending on whether or not you like the layout of a Grandby. Where you live might be a factor as well, with Four Wheel on the west coast and Coyote RV in the Denver area. I've met Rob and was impressed with his products and ingenuity, but don't have first hand knowledge of Four Wheel.

 

[GreginSocal]

I would have to disagree with the resale values. The people that own a Phoenix campers, hang on to them. The ones you are referring to maybe the Pulse where they did a custom on their Jeep. Yes hard to sell a 2 person smaller camper. You definitely need the right buyer for them. When I was comparing the two campers,(18 months worth) I saw many FWC for sale. What does that tell you. FWC still uses Aluminum siding. I know you can pay more for gel coat, but seriously, we are in the 21st Century, do you want' your camper looking like it just came out of the 80's? Remember if it wasn't for Rob's Dad at Phoenix, there wouldn't be a FWC. Everybody that I called that had a used FWC told me the there was a small roof leak. It was after talking with the previous FWC owners that I decided to go with Phoenix.

 

[Overland Hadley]

The ones I saw for sale were for mid to full sized trucks.

As far as the number of units that are for sale, you have to consider how many units are made. :ylsmoke:

 

[NothingClever]

Well, my current FWC camper's three years old now and we've been in some Gulf Coast rain that rivals any downpour further south in the Western Hemisphere. Verdict? Snug as a bug in a rug and I've never done any annual maintenance on the roof (old version).

I'm no FWC fanboy...my wife and I have our pick and choice of whatever camper we want coming up in 24 months from an XP to an EarthRoamer up to a full-size Euro-manufactured African Tribe Crushing Colonialmobile with custom interior but we're pretty content with FWC. A lot of that has to do with Stan, Terry, Chicali and Tom's accessibility. If I roll into an exclusive manufacturer's office/plant, I expect to get premium service. Tom and team gave me premium service when I was kicking tires and asking noob questions.

Anyways, getting back on topic for the OP.....I think the only real way you're going to be able to make a decision you can sleep with is to look at two comparable models from both manufacturers or spend a lot of time on the phone with them and looking at their photo stash since both websites fall short of the product (IMO). Both manufacturers are so busy making them that mounting a jazzy webpage has gotten stuck in the 'round tuit box. I suspect Tom will tackle that next quarter or so now that he has moved into the new shop.

And NO, I'm not compensated in any way for posting nice things about FWC on a forum. If they were to dork something up (after concerted efforts to work something out), I would be equally vocal about poor customer service if necessary.

At any rate, best of luck in your hunt.....don't forget to enjoy obsessing over the details :ylsmoke: .

 

[Overland Hadley]

Anyways, getting back on topic for the OP.....I think the only real way you're going to be able to make a decision you can sleep with is to look at two comparable models from both manufacturers or spend a lot of time on the phone with them and looking at their photo stash since both websites fall short of the product (IMO).

Good advice.

And NO, I'm not compensated in any way for posting nice things about FWC on a forum.

Same here, I am not compensated in any way.

I just have done a ton of research, and I have figured out that a FWC is the best camper for my needs.

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

. . . Remember if it wasn't for Rob's Dad at Phoenix, there wouldn't be a FWC.

X2 !



His dad came out with a GREAT camper design back in the 1970's.

We are still using some of the original designs and concepts even to this day.

I met Rob & his wife last year at the Denver show for the first time.

They are a very nice couple.

He makes some really cool campers over there.

If there is anyway you can see both, that is always best.

Then you will find out with YOU like the best.

No one camper manufacturer makes a camper that fits everyone needs.

We all have our own niche in the market and continue to plug along each year doing our thing. It is good for the customers out there to have several choices of what they like best.

. . . Everybody that I called that had a used FWC told me the there was a small roof leak . . .

In some of the old campers there were.

Some of the small leaks simply came from customers not checking or resealing the roof from time to time.

Other small leaks came from the way the roof was sealed up.

When FWC changed ownership in 2001, the way the campers were built started to change.

10 years has past now and we seal the roof very differently, attach the pop-up soft sides differently than they used to, and even better, we have a one piece, no seam, no screw roof now. The leaks the old FWC's used to have from time to time seem to be a thing of the past.






.

 

[pods8]

Everybody that I called that had a used FWC told me the there was a small roof leak.

My roof is from ~2003 (was replaced under the previous owner because it got bent when someone tried to lift it without all the latches undone. Anyways it sits out side my house on the wet side of the cascades all year and I've not a single water issue. (I get a little black gunk over the winter on the top that needs a scrubbing in the spring but that's about it).

 

[Mts2Sand]

Got my Phoenix Pluse in July and have put it through hell this fishing season off road on the rock and sand beaches on Long Island. I'm very happy with it. I'm also not compensated for my opinion. I went with the Phoenix because I wanted it custom, the build quality, and 5 year warranty.

 

[Mts2Sand]

correction - PULSE

sp

 

[Brushbuster]

thanks for all of the input we just need to make a decision soon. Glad to hear nothing really negative about either product but it doesnt make decision easy? Thanks everyone

 

[GreginSocal]

So what does everyone think about the aluminum siding that FWC offers? Does this appeal to anyone?

 

[Redline]

I don't know what it costs, but I would prefer a fiberglass sided FWC if I was buying new.
However, old-school aluminum is fine, and that's what most appear to be, used is less expensive.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I don't know what it costs, but I would prefer a fiberglass sided FWC if I was buying new.

X2

 

[rotti]

Don't know anything about the Phoenix campers but I did buy a new Granby back in 1983 when they were built in Lakewood, CO. I had that camper for over 20 years and covered a lot of the 4wd roads in WY, MT and CO with it. A great, tough, proven unit. No leaks and the only real problem I had was the rear door finally disintegrating after 10 or 15 years.

Resale? I sold it on CL in less than three hours for more than I paid for it, inflation did help.

Thanks, but I will take the aluminum siding. Doesn't look as pretty as glas but a lot easier to repair and if you have to have it you can pay FWC $500 more. I would buy another FWC in a heartbeat but they have got expensive!

I wish FWC would compensate me for my opinions.