Metal-framed pop-ups other than FWC/ATC ?

[olsen_karl]

Does anyone know (or can direct me to a FAQ) which manufacturers made metal-framed pop-up truck campers, other than Four Wheel Campers and All Terrain Campers?

I've seen mention of other ones over the years, but don't have a list of the manufacturers or models to search for. My inclination right now is to find a metal-framed camper, not wood-framed, primarily to avoid issues with water leak/rot.

I recently bought a 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 4WD longbed truck, and am looking for a camper for it. The FWC Grandby would be ideal, but they're hard to locate (I'm shopping for a used camper), and the campers from the more mainstream RV manufacturers are generally easier and cheaper to find.

 

[LuckyDan]

The following links are for two manufactures I know of:

http://www.hallmarkrv.com/

http://www.coyoterv.biz/

This link has other links to various manufactures that may have what your looking for. May help to identify a make and model to go look for on the used market.

http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/

 

[tanglefoot]

Outfitters are also aluminum-framed:

http://www.outfittermfg.com/

 

[olsen_karl]

Thanks - I'll continue searching.

I remember though that there were some really mainstream brands that used metal framing, but may not be in production anymore (e.g., maybe Starcraft or Forest River).

 

[olsen_karl]

Update: at least some years/models of Northstar and Coyote/Phoenix have metal framing.

I'm leaning towards one of the more luxurious ones inside (i.e. not FWC/ATC), just for reasons of wanting more space and storage, and for ease of finding a used one with the all-important water heater. So far, it looks like Northstar might be the easiest of these to find used; Hallmark and Outfitter are newer/smaller operations, and might be the hardest of them all to find.

The hunt continues...

 

[tanglefoot]

I would not say Hallmark is new or small--they've been at it for a long time. They began as Aspen Leaf in the 60's I believe. Hallmark pop-ups from the 80's and 90's show up reasonably often on Craigslist around here. They have quite a following.

 

[1stDeuce]

Hallmark's were metal framed?? I have a '94 Ute, and thus far, my snooping would indicate that it's a wood framed camper. It is very sturdily built though, which is nice!!

 

[kerry]

My Northstar (Texson) is wooden framed. I've not heard of a metal framed one.

 

[docdave]

The only metal framed (aluminium) I've found are Four Wheel and the associated ATC and Phoenix and Outfitter. Hallmark uses a fiberglass with wood, the others wood frame with metal or fiberglass skin.

 

[olsen_karl]

I've changed my search a bit, and have decided that aluminum framing isn't as crucial as is overall build quality. The aluminum-framed campers (FWC, ATC) still have plenty of wood in the body, and water leaks will cause rot there just like any wood-framed camper.

Since I decided that I'd like more creature comforts and storage than the FWC/ATC campers provide, my #1 choice right now is a Northstar TC800. I can't find any complaints about Northstar's build quality. I don't want a camper that overhangs the rear of the pickup (covering the taillights and rear bumper, etc.), and don't want an inside shower/toilet. The TC800 fits exactly what I want, and can be had with an outside shower + water heater, and aluminum exterior siding (also a preference vs. Filon-type siding).

 

[docdave]

The Northstars seem to get good reviews by those that have them, but they use quite a bit of particle board in the construction of cabinetry, has anyone had any problems with the duribility of the cabinets?

 

[CJB]

Our 2009 Northstar 850SC has plywood for the cabinets. I am not aware that they use any particle board. Everything seems to be holding up well.

 

[Regcabguy]

I haven't found any particleboard in our 2000 TC800. The cabinets are solid wood. Everything in the unit has held up well. Canvas could use replacing pretty soon,but that's understandable.