Flippac owners, some questions

[matt s]

Hey there, new to the forum, but have been lurking for a while now. I am really pretty sold on the flippac idea and had a few questions.

1) Anyone have one for long bed F150 they want to sell?

2) Can the tent be removed/replaced by owner? I am concerned that with our winter here in Alaska, going from heated garage to sub zero and back all the time would cause moisture problems. It would be nice to remove the tent portion for the winter and store it dry and warm. Sure I could yank the whole thing off the truck, but that requires much more storage, and is a pain to boot.

3) Are there any major issues I should be aware of? I have read pretty heavily on them and not heard anything, but better to ask.

Thanks in advance,

Matt

 

[bigreen505]

At the risk of hijacking, let me add ...

4) How do they do in wind? I was in one a little at the Overland Expo and was surprised how much the support hoops move/bend in the wind. This was a brand new one.

 

[VikingVince]

IMO, the tent could not be removed for the winter. As far as replacing it yourself at some future date, I think that would be challenging.

Other issues...you need a storm cover when it rains...either the one they sell or you can make your own. And as bigreen mentioned and like any tent, you'll get some movement and noise in strong winds.

 

[Martyn]

I think there is going to be a certain amount of "give" with all in all tents in high winds.

I know there was in the RTT I slept in at the show, and all the other ones I looked at.

I saw a similar amount of movement in the EarthroamerXP which has a similar design to the FlipPac.

I don't think the FlipPac is out of the "normal" range.

 

[ddawson]

I have only had mine in light/moderate winds and it does give a little. As for removing the tent, I agree with VikingVince and it's probably not something that you could do for the winter.

 

[matt s]

Thanks everyone. I figured it would be tough to remove, but had hopes I was wrong. I guess if I get one I will pull it for the winter and suspend it in my garage and run the regular topper for the winter time. I did read that you can buy a replacement tent for the flippac for around $600, but perhaps it needs to be dealer installed.

As to the storm fly, I would get one. I have done a lot of tent camping and have never had success with a single wall tent holding out our nasty storms. A rain fly is a given around here. I don't like the fact that there are no welded plastic "windows" in the fly. I might take it to a marine upholster and have that fixed. Or depending on the cost just have them build a custom fly for it.

For the wind, I am sure it moves. I did read somewhere on this forum that someone had one out in 50 mph gusts and it held up just fine. As long as it doesn't collapse I am happy. Also on real nasty rainy and windy nights I would likey drop it and sleep in the bed of the truck. I would also do the same thing in bear heavy areas anyway.

 

[VikingVince]

One last thing re wind...I've been in 80 mph gusts and the hoops supporting the structure held up fine, although they moved quite a bit. After that, I fashioned a 2x3 with notches in each end that I wedge (high to low) between the middle hoops in really strong winds. (the low end on the frame of the flippac, not on the hoop) It really cuts down on the movement although access to the bed is a bit "funky." It's simply a bit of the old adage...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

 

[Rexsname]

Vince,

May I ask that you either measure and sketch the 2x3 or photograph it please? The simpleist ideas are always the best.

REX

 

[VikingVince]

Vince,

May I ask that you either measure and sketch the 2x3 or photograph it please? The simpleist ideas are always the best.

REX

Well, I'm still "behind the times" as far as posting pics..but I'll be coming up to speed soon. It's 61 inches long but that measurement would change depending on your truck and the size flippac you have. It's just wedged diagonally in the opening to the bed area.

 

[Rexsname]

I know what you mean by being behind the times . I have been trying to post up picture for quite some time but so far no luck. I think I can imagine how it should look.

REX