So I am getting an 07-11 tundra for a work truck and was thinking it would make a great platform for a family adventure rig. So I have been doing my research and think I have narrowed it down to these two options. My question is what is more suited for two adults, one child now and possibly one more in the future and a dog. So obviously I would get the FWC that sleeps 4. I also like the idea of the Flippac with an in-bed storage system with a sleeping platform on top of it. Also this all needs to be relatively easy to remove as this will double as my work truck and well with all that in the bed it will be useless for that. So how easy are each of these to be removed and stored when not in use? I am thinking the FWC is all one unit so that may be easier but something about the Flippac just seems cool. Thanks for any advice from people who have these.
FWC vs. Flippac?
- Thread starter TEETS
- Start date
ExpoMike
Well-known member
Flipac is not really "designed" to be removed and installed like a slide-in camper. Most people with Flipacs that don't build out the bed with storage and gear, typically have an empty bed and use the truck just like having a normal truck shell. In this form, you have to pack and unpack everything out of the bed between camping use and work use. Might get tiring after a few times. A FWC is basically self contained and you remove the four turnbuckles and install the camper jacks (assuming you remove them after the camper is installed). It takes me about 5 minutes to remove and 10 to install, by myself. Flipac, unless you rig up some lifting device, is going to require at least 2 people to remove/install.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Good points all.
A FlipPac is a 4 man lift in my experience, especially on a lifted truck.
The FP is great for two, and it's light. The FWC wins for a family hands down and your wife will appreciate the heater, kitchen etc.
A FlipPac is a 4 man lift in my experience, especially on a lifted truck.
The FP is great for two, and it's light. The FWC wins for a family hands down and your wife will appreciate the heater, kitchen etc.
WASURF63
Adventurer
Having owned both, I agree with both the above posts.
I loved my ATFP but after a couple years of rigorous use here in the soggy PacNW felt there was a better, less soggy solution
than putting away a wet "tent" on almost every occasion. YMMV in your climate?
>>>FP cannot be removed solo unless you have a lifting mechanism or forklift. FWC solo removal (w/jacks); not difficult.
Interior room on both can be pretty good if you don't add too many accessories. I think it depends on how much time you will
"really" spend inside vs outside, and how many creature comforts you and your family "really" need.
Be honest with your self on what you actually require. It will save you a ton of money and headaches.
I added so many interior accessories to my last two campers that there was not much room to move about on the inside.
I value having more interior space. Your requirements may differ.
Good luck!
I loved my ATFP but after a couple years of rigorous use here in the soggy PacNW felt there was a better, less soggy solution
than putting away a wet "tent" on almost every occasion. YMMV in your climate?
>>>FP cannot be removed solo unless you have a lifting mechanism or forklift. FWC solo removal (w/jacks); not difficult.
Interior room on both can be pretty good if you don't add too many accessories. I think it depends on how much time you will
"really" spend inside vs outside, and how many creature comforts you and your family "really" need.
Be honest with your self on what you actually require. It will save you a ton of money and headaches.
I added so many interior accessories to my last two campers that there was not much room to move about on the inside.
I value having more interior space. Your requirements may differ.
Good luck!
Captm
Adventurer
We loved our Flippac but with a family you are going to need a FWC or ATC.
FWC has production models were as at ATC they are willing to accommodate your needs. Check out http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/ for more info and builds.
Cheers
FWC has production models were as at ATC they are willing to accommodate your needs. Check out http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/ for more info and builds.
Cheers
Fergie
Expedition Leader
I would go for the FWC. I am able to install/remove my Mother's ATC in less than an hour, by myself.
With the mechanical jacks at each corner, sitting on top of some custom wheel dollies I made, I can back the truck in to the garage, raise the camper jack up the right level, and push the ATC into place. Removal is a bit faster.
Now, with all that in mind, we are selling the ATC as it doesn't fit my Mom's needs. The ATC was purchased by my Dad when he was still alive and he wanted more creature comforts. My Mom is fine with the basics and wants a Flippac instead.
My wife and I used the ATC(an Ocelot model) for a few trips with our young kids(3&5) and while it was nice to be that sheltered, it was cramped. Maybe a larger model would be better, but the quarters were a bit too snug for us.
And as a shameless plug, check out my ad in the FS section if you are interested.
With the mechanical jacks at each corner, sitting on top of some custom wheel dollies I made, I can back the truck in to the garage, raise the camper jack up the right level, and push the ATC into place. Removal is a bit faster.
Now, with all that in mind, we are selling the ATC as it doesn't fit my Mom's needs. The ATC was purchased by my Dad when he was still alive and he wanted more creature comforts. My Mom is fine with the basics and wants a Flippac instead.
My wife and I used the ATC(an Ocelot model) for a few trips with our young kids(3&5) and while it was nice to be that sheltered, it was cramped. Maybe a larger model would be better, but the quarters were a bit too snug for us.
And as a shameless plug, check out my ad in the FS section if you are interested.
ETAV8R
Founder of D.E.R.P.
Do you have pics of the wheel dollies? I was thinking about doing something similar in the future.
Fergie
Expedition Leader
I'll snap a few photos of them tomorrow and send them to you.
Roaming Robertsons
Adventurer
When stowed, the Flippac is essentially like any other camper shell, you can use all of the space up to the roof. If you need to use it for work items that stick up or out past a normal Leer, or similar shell, then it's not for you. You could fashion a lifting device but they are designed to generally stay on. When I had an empty shell, I took it off once or twice for some odd use. Similarly, I've had the Flippac off a couple of times.
Regarding the number of campers in a Flippac, we've camped comfortably with 2,3,4,5, even 6! You tend to sleep in it and live around the rig whereas with a truck camper you can live in it more easily. On a rainy evening we were able to comfortably play cards and games as a family of 4.
So how did we sleep 4,5,6 in our Flippac?
For 4, we sleep two in the bed, one in the hammock, and one on a sleeping platform below the hammock. Or, we lay the seats flat in the truck and the kids have some measure of privacy in the cab as we have a little in the bed.
For 5, our Flippac walls happen to be exactly 72" wide so when we first got the Flippac, we simply laid two 6' folding tables across it, stored gear underneath, and had three little ones on top. We've also had two in the bed, two in the cab, and one on the hammock.
For 6, it's two in the bed, one in the hammock, one on the sleeping platform I built, and two in the cab. With a little more creativity, I could sleep 7 but the truck only holds six people so I'm not sure how the 7th would get to the campsite.
My truck is a full size truck, so not all of these configurations are possible with smaller trucks or trucks whose front seats don't lay flat. My point is you can really pile people comfortably into a Flippac with a little creativity. But if you need to remove your camper for a completely open bed, the pop up easier.
Regarding the number of campers in a Flippac, we've camped comfortably with 2,3,4,5, even 6! You tend to sleep in it and live around the rig whereas with a truck camper you can live in it more easily. On a rainy evening we were able to comfortably play cards and games as a family of 4.
So how did we sleep 4,5,6 in our Flippac?
For 4, we sleep two in the bed, one in the hammock, and one on a sleeping platform below the hammock. Or, we lay the seats flat in the truck and the kids have some measure of privacy in the cab as we have a little in the bed.
For 5, our Flippac walls happen to be exactly 72" wide so when we first got the Flippac, we simply laid two 6' folding tables across it, stored gear underneath, and had three little ones on top. We've also had two in the bed, two in the cab, and one on the hammock.
For 6, it's two in the bed, one in the hammock, one on the sleeping platform I built, and two in the cab. With a little more creativity, I could sleep 7 but the truck only holds six people so I'm not sure how the 7th would get to the campsite.
My truck is a full size truck, so not all of these configurations are possible with smaller trucks or trucks whose front seats don't lay flat. My point is you can really pile people comfortably into a Flippac with a little creativity. But if you need to remove your camper for a completely open bed, the pop up easier.