FWC vs Northstar?

[LimaMikeMike]

I've been lurking here watching for a while now and I'd like some expert opinions regarding a camper purchase in the coming months.

I've narrowed it down to two choices a FWC Granby or a Northstar 850SC.
I've decided on these two because A) excellent reputation B) off roadable C) Dealers in Canada.

C) unfortunately rules out Hallmark and Outfitter as well ATC

My questions are to you guys in the know, who have owned or own now one or both of these brands to describe your feelings regarding their strengths and weaknesses.

-I`ve seen lots of used older FWC in the states for sale in various conditions but in mostly decent shape, will the the Northstar last as long?

-As far as off road ability is Northstar as durable as a FWC? I've decided that I will not be taking my new camper the types of places I have taken my old one as it`s taken a toll on it (but the option is still there).

-I haven`t physically seen a FWC to compare campers, can the FWC be used off the truck?

I`m sort of leaning a bit towards the Northstar because of creature comforts compared to the FWC without too much weight penalty, but as fuel prices will rise I can see myself possibly wanting something lighter in the future (FWC).

Thanks in advance

 

[Desert Drifter]

Well, I'm no expert but I own a 1988 Northstar in excellent condition. They are excellent campers and as much as I would like to replace mine with a new 650 I am going to go with a FWC Hawk.

True, the FWC has fewer creature comforts but saves several hundred pounds. You having a 2500 may not care as much as I do with an F150.

Also the FWC with a flexible aluminum frame is second to NONE for serious off roading. The Hawk is also considerable more money than the 650. But with the weight savings and superior off roading capabilities the Hawk is my next camper.

JMHO

 

[davidshourd]

"can the FWC be used off the truck?"
you should not use the FWC when it is off of your truck unless you have it sitting on a park bench or some saw horses, or something to support the floor. due to the floor construction and the leverage you would be putting on the jack attachments its really not a good idea.

 

[zidaro]

"can the FWC be used off the truck?"
you should not use the FWC when it is off of your truck unless you have it sitting on a park bench or some saw horses, or something to support the floor. due to the floor construction and the leverage you would be putting on the jack attachments its really not a good idea.

thats a BIG one! I MUST be able to pull my camper and be independent.

I just picked up a used 05 Northstar TC650. there is a thread on here about it if you are interested.
I found a GREAT deal so i swooped on it. My first choice would have been a NEW Hallmark, but i could not get the $ together. This one is paid in full.

I have a bunch of friends with various FWC models and they all love them. Although FWC seems lighter and may be more durable??? I was not completely sold on them. They seem sparse on features and finish. I have a wife and 5y.o. and we wanted something a bit more luxury- a grey water tank, a bed that does not intrude living space, more storage, nicer living area, more windows, bed made with top down, EASY up/down, etc.... The FWC is certainly smaller in size, and that being said, it must be more nimble offroad.

I hope the Star can handle the abuse i am about to give it. That is my primary concern. We live in an area of variable weather all year, with tons of snow and well below 0deg.F temps. multiple days every year- the Eastern Sierras- I can camp at 10K' or be in Death Valley the same day. Lots of washboard road and rocky trails. So far, the Star seems fine on mild trails but i have no long term experience to tell you of.
It is very comfortable camping for the 3 of us, we LOVE it. No setting up camp. It is warm camping in freezing temps :wings: The soft walls dont flap in 30mph winds. I pressure washed the softwalls and got no leaking inside- how i do not know. No leaking or freeze issues in rain and snow so far. It is heavy and my 1500 Tundra will need airbags, but it can "handle" it with the stock springs- its got plenty of room before its sitting on the bumps and i have not bottomed it out yet.
Hope this helps. their both great choices- ya gotta love America

 

[LimaMikeMike]

Well, I'm no expert but I own a 1988 Northstar in excellent condition. They are excellent campers and as much as I would like to replace mine with a new 650 I am going to go with a FWC Hawk.

True, the FWC has fewer creature comforts but saves several hundred pounds. You having a 2500 may not care as much as I do with an F150.

Also the FWC with a flexible aluminum frame is second to NONE for serious off roading. The Hawk is also considerable more money than the 650. But with the weight savings and superior off roading capabilities the Hawk is my next camper.

JMHO

I was looking at pics of your camper and it looks to be very close in design to mine. I'm wondering if in the eighties there were a bunch of pop up clones of northstars out there, I've also seen a shadow cruiser brand form the 90's that is also similar.

Anyway after begining to disassemble my current one for repair, I've come to the conclusion that mine was not a very good clone job.

 

[kerry]

I've got a 1994 Texson TS1000. This is essentially a Northstar under it's former name. It's still in good condition and I like it.