It is traditional stick built with aluminum skins, iirc. The quality overall seems much higher than standard, however. They are willing to do a lot of customization and their products seem really well built. I spoke with them a lot before deciding to go with a TC camper body. I chose to go with TC because I think composite construction is better and I liked the idea of starting from an empty box. However, I don’t think that the Bundutec is an inferior choice and is the best non-composite camper on the market, IMHO.
Hard side decisions
- Thread starter Hunts
- Start date
I build building for a living and one of the most challenging parts of any design is protection against water intrusion.
That’s one factor pushing me towards Supertramps. Single mold top and bottom. One seam on the pop up and no seams on the HT due to their bonding techniques, no fasteners, or other parts to come loose.
I can’t imagine the shell failing until it’s user based damage etc.
I don’t want something I have to constantly repair, maintain, or troubleshoot. That’s a big reason I’m getting a truck camper over toy hauler or trailer…. When I’m off work I just want to go enjoy the outdoors with my family.
Not sure what the best decision is but I definitely am getting closer….
I agree, which is why I didn’t get one. The Supertramps seem ok but not being a flatbed would dissuade me immediately.
Blackdogvan
New member
Many differences in panel construction, insulation type, R value and panel engagement topology. All different for reasons they believe in so a deeper dive into the differences is recommended to see which of their respective design features you believe makes the best overall structure. Of course, they will all say theirs is best
I agree. It’s not an easy decision for me at all.Many differences in panel construction, insulation type, R value and panel engagement topology. All different for reasons they believe in so a deeper dive into the differences is recommended to see which of their respective design features you believe makes the best overall structure. Of course, they will all say theirs is best
Many differences in panel construction, insulation type, R value and panel engagement topology. All different for reasons they believe in so a deeper dive into the differences is recommended to see which of their respective design features you believe makes the best overall structure. Of course, they will all say theirs is best
There's no way of me to know every manufacturers specific specs, materials and methods. That's not the argument here. My comment was more addressed to the OP who had concerns about composite camper builders who use panels, extrusions and adhesives versus single or two piece fiberglass campers. Point is just because you see joinery at every edge or corner doesn't meant it's worse than fiberglass baked out of a single or two piece mold.
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rruff
Explorer
It's a structural joint and very solid, and no way it can leak.
Traditional camper seams between panels appear to just be cracks with a cover and sealant, and these do not give me a warm feeling at all. Of course on any camper there will be some penetrations for vents, panels, etc... which is why it's also nice to have materials that don't rot or absorb moisture if they get wet.
All the deep sea boats ive owned have been old and faithful. They are/were build similar with fiberglass 2 part construction with top and bottom joined together with a clamshell type groove with a resin that bonds them.... components and motors get old and need to be replaced, but the hull is good.. This is the only reason id spend that kind of money on a Supertramp Camper. I want something that will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. I dont know for sure, but i trust the resin injected fiberglass method to last a long time.
I went to and Overland expo this weekend and finally got to see the Alaskan Campers in person, they are build incredibly well but they are a little to heavy pushin 2300 dry for the buildout im looking for.
I went to and Overland expo this weekend and finally got to see the Alaskan Campers in person, they are build incredibly well but they are a little to heavy pushin 2300 dry for the buildout im looking for.
Which camper did you decide to go with after going to the show? Personally I’m not a fan of the Alaskan campers. The interiors look like they were built in the 70’s and looks like they have stayed that way. There also isn’t much sitting space in the smaller model either.
rruff
Explorer
There is a lot of wood in the walls.
The only downside I see to foam core/FRP skin panels is that they are kinda ugly and not aero... and they are also lacking hard points inside the walls, but that can be dealt with.
I'd want detailed specs on the foam, skins, joints, and adhesives used... as they are definitely not all the same, and it's too easy to cheap out on stuff that isn't visible.
He uses wood construction. I know many people prefer aluminum over wood but wood is easy to fix and doesn't transfer heat like metal.
I'm not sure what you mean by seams. As with any RV, the sealant dries so I have resealed anywhere that needs it. Initially, I had a small leak in the roof but they fixed it and its been solid since.
We are pretty set on the Supertramp. Now im stuck between hardside and popup lol Im waiting for info to see if they can figure out a king bed extension for the popup. If they cant, hardside will be our choice.
Side by side photo I took over the weekend. Hard top is an easy choice for camp, I assume the pop up will make the drive better and the ceiling height is 3” more in the popup.
We shut all the windows and door in the hard side and it was nice and quiet though… just gotta decide which model will be best for us.
We shut all the windows and door in the hard side and it was nice and quiet though… just gotta decide which model will be best for us.
Correct. I've had mine since 2018 and put 120k miles and 350 nights in it. It's been from Tuk to Cabo, cross country multiple times and toured Nova Scotia and PEI. Never an issue other than the normal ones on something that bounces down the road.
Check out their pricing -- one of the best deals in the industry and their customer service is top notch..