Looking for some Flippac input!

[xlcaferacer]

I have been shopping for a camper for my '89 Toyota Pickup since I regrettably sold my Wildernest. There were a few things I didn't like about the Wildernest; mainly, it was a bit difficult to set up and take down by myself. I really like the Flippac. I feel that this is the more modern and more user friendly version of the Wildernest. The crank setup of the Flippac is way better than how the Wildernest sets up.
I have looked at; and would love to have, either an ATC or FourWheel campers shell model but the weight is still a little bit much for my 4cylinder motor and they are hard to find used. These campers are also a little bulky. I also have a hard time spending more on a camper than what the truck is worth. While I really like the idea of a hard roof in the rain and weather, and the ability to just slide the camper out and store it outside, the reality is that it will live on the truck most of the time and I don't mind letting it dry out after a trip. The most important consideration for me is the weight. This is what I did like about my Wildernest. I could run the trails that I wanted to run while hardly noticing the camper was there. I have also considered building out an aluminum camper/contractor shell but I feel like this won't give me the room that I would like to have. I have also considered a rooftop tent but I camp primarily with my wife and dog and I do not want to haul the dog up a ladder every night. In the Wildernest it was nice having him sleep in the "living area" while we had a bed of our own. The "living area" is also key so that we have a place to hang out in crappy weather.
In reality; I don't need any more luxuries than what the Wildernest offered. This is where the Flippac comes in, but I have some questions for those out there that have had them and know about them.
Question 1: Are you happy with your Flippac?
Question 2: I am on a "used camper" budget and I was wandering what the difference is between the original Flippac and the new AT Flippac? I know the price went up a lot on new Flippacs over the last several years. The base price now for one that fits my truck is around $6,500. A couple years ago they started at around $4,000 new; give or take. They look to be virtually the same camper. I know you have to account for inflation; but, a few grand increase in price over a couple years seems like a lot of $$.
I have pretty much decided that a Flippac is in my future. I have seen the older styles listed used from about $2,000 - $3,000, and used AT versions starting around $5,500. I will spend the fall and winter months looking for a used one in good condition. I realize that the tents and fiberglass can and will wear out over time but I also realize that many of these older campers are hardly used and most don't see off-road wear and tear.
Please help educate me on the old vs. the AT version as I want to make a wise purchase in time for next year's exploring season. Thank you for any input you may have.

 

[billy bee]

Q1: I love my FP. It has some serious drawbacks, none of which diminish my enjoyment of it. There are several threads on possible improvements to the design. Those threads discuss the shortcomings. I'm sure you've searched FlipPac in this forum. Lots of guys offering very thoughtful insights to the FP experience.

Problems in a nutshell:
Camping in the rain
Torsion bar
Water intrusion into the lid

Even with these few foibles, I am very happy with mine. However, I bought it used and paid very little for it. Not sure if I'd be as happy if I were buying a new one for $5k...

bb

PS: I also have Buell Ulysses...

 

[xlcaferacer]

Are the torsion bars that bad? and if they break, can you still use the camper?

 

[austintaco]

Question 1: Yes, we are very happy with our Flippac. We bought it used through EP and I had some work on it at AT before picking it up.

Question 2: There has been much debate on what the difference is. I do not think that the fiberglass on an AT is thicker, except in the area where the window would be. If you get one with windows, it won't matter. That's my opinion from what I have read, and heard from other owners and from FRP in a phone conversation.
The SLO rain fly would be the way to go. Mine came with a stock one, and it's fine, but it does not let enough light in due to the lack of windows and its ugly.
The torsion bar is on a case by case basis. There are bad ones and good ones.
It's great for what it is. If I had the room, and the money, I would probably get a FWC and leave it in a garage space when not being used. I think that's part of the problem with the FP is that once its on, it stays on, and gets weathered even when its only being used as a regular camper. Just my opinion.
Use dailylister to search CL and don't be afraid to drive to get one.

 

[billy bee]

Are the torsion bars that bad? and if they break, can you still use the camper?

Mine is fine. However, I have a spare just in case... There is a mod to use the lid w/out the torsion bar. Again a search for FlipPac here would be very helpful to you.

bb

 

[Jr_Explorer]

Flippac's have been $6'ish for quite some time (at least 6-8 years). There is no difference between the "AT version". They are all made by FRP in Riverside CA. We love ours but IF you live in a rainy area I's look at something else. Putting it away wet and not being able to open it up to dry would lead to issues (IMHO).

EVERYTHING about a camper is a compromise. A 40' 5th wheel toy hauler pulled by a F550 diesel is my ultimate dream machine for comfort and long term living in a location other than home. But it's not going to go where a built Jeep JK with a Habitat is going to go. Then again you aren't going to sleep 10-12 in a Habitat either! LOL!

 

[dman93]

There are various posts, including mine, on torsion bar delete mods. I got mine with a broken bar, and have only tried pivoting a "good" FlipPac with the crank one time. It was easy. However, if you usually camp with one other reasonably strong/coordinated person, flipping it over without the torsion bar isn too hard. And it is 100% reliable that way. The big danger, I expect, is if the torsion bar breaks as you are cranking it and you have the crank in your hand. Ouch! All that said, I sort of have a love/hate relationship with mine. Mostly 'cause it's ugly and poorly detailed. And it's just heavy enough that it's not easy to remove by myself if I want to fill my truck with gravel or tall loads. But unless you really need year-round rain and cold protection, I think the FlipPac is a great compromise. Honestly, it seems a much better value than an FWC, since it is lighter and is roomier, and for much less than the difference in cost, you can outfit the inside of an FP with everything you would have in an FWC. And if you are a light camper like me, there's lots of room to fill it with mountain bikes or anything you would stuff under a normal shell.

 

[Arclight]

I bought mine just before our kid was born. Mom wanted more room out of the rain/cold/sun, and I wanted to stay light and mobile.

Pros:The Flippac does work as advertised. It will stay together just fine in a 40mph wind. It will protect you from the elements. You get an honest Queen-sized bed that goes the long way, and you have 7' of clear span between floor and ceiling. You can fill up the back with junk and not have to laboriously reshuffle everything when it's time for bed. My wife can deploy it by herself.

Cons: New ones are expensive, and they seem to hold their value pretty well. The fit and finish could be better for a product at this price point. I also have to remember that it's a low-volume, specialist item that I'm lucky exists at all. They are all basically handmade on a few adjustable molds. Some people have had the torsion bar break, and FRP never has them in stock. I have had no problems with either the company or the bar, but it seems to be hit-or-miss. They are easiest to deal with in-person. If it's really cold and windy, the rain fly is really recommended. A Mr. Buddy heater will warm it up nicely, but not if the wind is robbing all of the heat. If you like driving around with an open bed, this isn't really the best solution. If you like to have a covered area in back, it is as roomy as an commercial Fiberglass shell you'll find.

With that said, I would buy it again. It's expensive, but lightweight slide-in campers are even more expensive. Hell, trucks are expensive now.

Here is my build of a homemade interior:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/128820-Flippac-build-out?highlight=t100+flippac

Arclight

 

[mtnbike28]

Q1 - yes I love mine and use it a lot!

Q2 - no difference that would make me "wait" for an AT version.

All the main issues are listed above, but I have over 40 nights in mine this year.
I will say, I have a SLO fly and it still leaks when faced with heavy rain (liek several trips this year) so I have started using a Kelty Noah Tarp over the fly and stay bone dry now!

Good luck with the search.

 

[dman93]

There are various posts, including mine, on torsion bar delete mods. I got mine with a broken bar, and have only tried pivoting a "good" FlipPac with the crank one time. It was easy. However, if you usually camp with one other reasonably strong/coordinated person, flipping it over without the torsion bar isn too hard. And it is 100% reliable that way. The big danger, I expect, is if the torsion bar breaks as you are cranking it and you have the crank in your hand. Ouch! All that said, I sort of have a love/hate relationship with mine. Mostly 'cause it's ugly and poorly detailed. And it's just heavy enough that it's not easy to remove by myself if I want to fill my truck with gravel or tall loads. But unless you really need year-round rain and cold protection, I think the FlipPac is a great compromise. Honestly, it seems a much better value than an FWC, since it is lighter and is roomier, and for much less than the difference in cost, you can outfit the inside of an FP with everything you would have in an FWC. And if you are a light camper like me, there's lots of room to fill it with mountain bikes or anything you would stuff under a normal shell.

 

[larryqp]

I have a flip pac that was just posted for sale on this site. Have had some great trips in and have spent up to 3 weeks at a time in Montana flyfishing. This one will fit a 6' truck bed, currently in a Ford Ranger. Have used a small Coleman propane heater in it which did a fine job, condensation is not bad at all if you ventilate. We also had the factory rain fly modified with 2 clear marine vinyl windows, these are great because they let light inside when the fly is on. Let me know if you are interested, can send pics. I will be in Texas Hill Country until 4/21/16. Price $2000.

 

[austintaco]

Larryqp, I have a neighbor that is looking for a flippac for their Tacoma with a 6' bed. I'm in Austin, and I will pass this info on to them, if you don't mind.

 

[Martyn]

Just a note for clarification, AT has not supported the Flippac product for a couple of years now. In the past we had FRP make Flippac's for us that were more heavily glasses in stress areas to help with off-road usage.

We on longer offer this product and do not support it, we do not carry any spare parts for the product, please contact FRP directly for all your needs.

As many of you know we have designed and built a camper of our own The AT Habitat, there is a thread on the product here.

 

[larryqp]

Great! Thanks a lot!!