My Taco Phoenix Pop Up Camper

[MYTACO]

Is Phoenix the same as Coyote RV Inc?
it is a BBB accredited business rated A+ on the BBB website with no complaints in 3 years.

http://www.bbb.org/denver/business-reviews/campers-dealers/coyote-rv-in-commerce-city-co-90148693

I can't begin to imagine dropping $20+K on something with this result.

Why haven't you at least filed complaints with the BBB and whatever consumer protection/reporting agency you can think of?

So I contacted the Denver area BBB. They have two options: 1) complaint; and 2) business review. I did the latter (for the same reason I wrote on this forum--to educate others). The next step is for the business to respond. We will see what the BBB can/will do.

 

[Keyne]

Let me "up beat" the posting!

Just got back from a great weekend camping up at Canyon Lake, Texas. Beautiful weather until today--no heater needed, and condensation was low. Started to rain this morning--so far no leaks! No complaints this post--as I finally got to use the TC, even if just for a short weekend!

Awesome. Glad to hear it seems to be working now. I cringe every time I see an update to this post. I hope it all works out in the end.

 

[calicamper]

I've read lots of similar stories with small builders of sailboats also. The builders who end up stepping up to the plate and either doing major rebuilds to fix quality issues or even go as far as replacing the flawed unit always do better and typically always survive and end up being a very respected builder with lots of happy customers. The builders that just sort of fade away and don't step up to the plate end up being a failed mess in pretty short order.

Not in this case but I have also seen highly respected builders return money to customers and take back their product when the customer is just a complete nutcase and posting all sorts of crazyness about non existent issues etc. There are crazy customers out there that no business should deal with LOL. Having said that I hope they get your rig all sorted out!!! You deserve a nice camper and it sounds like your really using it a bunch.

Say hows the little Tacoma do with the weight and towing? I'm honestly curious given I have a really hard time seeing how I could ever make a full size truck work due to its size granted today its only a few inches here and there but those seem to be very large couple of inches when it comes to limited parking options etc. I also like to travel light and not pack the whole house with us and toys I'm a fan of smaller toys and more of them is more fun than big toys.

Thanks for your honesty! I'm biased for FWC given they are near where I grew up and have seen so many of them all with owners who rave about them that will be the route I take some day.

 

[Regcabguy]

I'm on year fifteen with the Northstar. Breakdowns to date has been the CO2 detector,a water pump and some pinhole leaks at the corners.
I'm fond of the lift mechanism,build quality and I guess take a hit on the offroad worthiness. So far so good.

 

[MYTACO]

So I contacted the Denver area BBB. They have two options: 1) complaint; and 2) business review. I did the latter (for the same reason I wrote on this forum--to educate others). The next step is for the business to respond. We will see what the BBB can/will do.

So I got the response back from Phoenix last week. I hesitate to post it since I was asked to delete their emails to me from this posting. It's just sad... I am not sure how this business stays in business. Next step was to respond again--and then wait to see if the BBB changes or posts the review on it's website.

 

[brianjwilson]

So I got the response back from Phoenix last week. I hesitate to post it since I was asked to delete their emails to me from this posting. It's just sad... I am not sure how this business stays in business. Next step was to respond again--and then wait to see if the BBB changes or posts the review on it's website.

Good luck buddy. It is clear why they don't post any longer.

I actually feel bad recommending them to others in the past. I love the idea of a custom built camper but I'm gearing up to make an expensive order with four wheel campers finally. It isn't custom but it is strong and reliable and they stand behind their product. They do not need to hide from past and future customers.

 

[Durango]

I was super close to writing Phoenix a deposit check after visiting them last year. They seemed a bit disorganized at their shop but hey- my shop isn't a thing of beauty either! Then I literally stumbled across this thread the night before I was going to send the check off!

Sad for them but the internet is a two-edged sword- live by the sword (free promotion and marketing for a small company) and die by the sword. (Unhappy customers that now have a voice.)

Steve

PS I still have my proposed Phoenix camper outline chalked on my garage floor. Just a crying shame. I loved the design as we were going with a 8' long aluminum flatbed on a one ton with north-south sleeping. Darn I wish those folks could deliver as I LOVE the concept of a custom camper. And I know some people love their Phoenix campers. But the older I get the more I hate "drama" in my life. So I finally decided it just wasn't worth the risk- SAD!

So I'm still trudging along with my 2012 Hawk (which has been absolutely bomb proof) and I'm going to "remodel" it with side dinette seating, a PlatCat heater and a lot of other modifications. And who knows, for the future I'm now torn between a Malayan Tiger and an XP Camper... or maybe just stay with the renovated Hawk. Too many choices and I just wish they included a possible Phoenix. (I still go out and admire the camper design on my garage floor!)

 

[IdaSHO]

So I got the response back from Phoenix last week. I hesitate to post it since I was asked to delete their emails to me from this posting. It's just sad... I am not sure how this business stays in business. .

From where Im sitting, they shouldnt.

Put up or pack up.

 

[IdaSHO]

I'm on year fifteen with the Northstar. Breakdowns to date has been the CO2 detector,a water pump and some pinhole leaks at the corners.
I'm fond of the lift mechanism,build quality and I guess take a hit on the offroad worthiness. So far so good.

Just an FYI in case you didnt know....

The CO2 detector failure isnt a failure.

That's general maintenance and the unit should be replaced every 5-7 years.

 

[MYTACO]

Since I didn't hear back from the BBB, I looked up the site. They still have an A+ rating. Go figure. My review--and surresponse is posted, as well as Rob's. Also, imagine to my surprise a "positive" rating done within days of my negative review. I just have to chuckle...they keep smearing lipstick on the pig. In the end, I just hope that NO ONE has the same experience that I have had.

http://www.bbb.org/denver/business-...e-city-co-90148693/customer-reviews?cacheit=y

 

[Sgt.Kilroy]

Ha! Its funny how companies, including the pop up truck camper companies, can advertise their products on the Internet and Forums to solicit sales. But once a PAYING CUSTOMER speaks to quality, especially bad, everybody gets a little squeamish. Freedom of speech. Funny a Canadian needs to mention this immediately after Remembrance/Veterans Day! MYTACO is communicating with the same medium that the camper companies use to advertise. Free Market, Capitalism, Globalization, call it what you will. Its all good, and we are lucky to have it. Customers need to watch what and where they spend their money, and companies must consider "word of mouth when producing their product"

IF Phoenix produces good campers - they have nothing to worry about.

I applaud MYTACO, Victoria Palmer, RUNT, LONGHORN et al. for communicating their experience. Its good for everyone.

Most intelligent post of this entire thread, other than the OP's kind/honest reviews - I commend you Ramblinman for educating the ignorant ones!

Being a fellow servicemember I can tell that Mytaco also learned fortitude and determination in the service as I (and many more) have. Thank you for posting freely so others may be informed - I've never read a hint of "bashing" in this thread as I've followed since day one, just information.

Keep positive, enjoy your travels and Godspeed brother!

Sent from my Galaxy S5 - fat thumbs, short message!

 

[Super Doody]

Since I didn't hear back from the BBB, I looked up the site. They still have an A+ rating. Go figure. My review--and surresponse is posted, as well as Rob's. Also, imagine to my surprise a "positive" rating done within days of my negative review. I just have to chuckle...they keep smearing lipstick on the pig. In the end, I just hope that NO ONE has the same experience that I have had.

http://www.bbb.org/denver/business-...e-city-co-90148693/customer-reviews?cacheit=y

MyTACO,

Hate to say this but BBB is not really going to do anything for you. The next step is court. I think you have exhausted all other options.

 

[toyrunner95]

After reviewing your thread, and the experience of building my own camper. It seems that they cut A LOT of small corners and have added up to some BIG issues. Like the under bed storage, Ive' never seen pin barrel hinges on that thin of materiel. Ive only seen piano hinge for exactly that reason, its spreads the load.

The door latches are just cheap. The laminate bubbling is a result of water damage. The water ingress i can guarantee is from the center of the roof. Its draining back to the rear and finding a way out. You will need to take down the whole roof and look for evidence of water. I think its either from a bad vent seal OR from the front. It may very well be a design flaw.

I'm sorry that you have had such a bad time with this product. Have you tried talking with other pop up camper manufacturers? Maybe they have a solution or even have fixed these issues before.

If you notice this is a divergent from typical pop up camper designs. The bull nose on the front looks like a addition for aerodynamics but it could be causing the issues. The tradtional sandwich style seems to work exceptionally well so why change what works.

 

[MINO]

MyTaco,
Some interesting notes from our 3 nights of camping. We received a good foot of snow. Temps in the 20-30F° range. Wave 3 was on most of the time, as was our bunk warmer.
We use Reflectix against the tent sides around the bunk to retain some heat. As usual, condensation is all along the tent sides and parts of the roof.

But here's the interesting part; I get home and air out the camper, the sun hits the tent sides just right, and I see a lot more condensation in between the liners (outside shell and inside liner). More than I ever noticed on the inside of the camper. The inner liner feels dry to the touch. I think it just builds up in that air pocket. But because the inner liner is somewhat hydrophobic, and takes time to saturate, the moisture can just sit there. - unbeknownst to the user.

It's my opinion, that this is not a leak issue, but a design flaw. I plan to cut one or 2 small ports into the inner liner so I can pump some warm air from a hair drier.

 

[MYTACO]

MyTaco,
Some interesting notes from our 3 nights of camping. We received a good foot of snow. Temps in the 20-30F° range. Wave 3 was on most of the time, as was our bunk warmer.
We use Reflectix against the tent sides around the bunk to retain some heat. As usual, condensation is all along the tent sides and parts of the roof.

But here's the interesting part; I get home and air out the camper, the sun hits the tent sides just right, and I see a lot more condensation in between the liners (outside shell and inside liner). More than I ever noticed on the inside of the camper. The inner liner feels dry to the touch. I think it just builds up in that air pocket. But because the inner liner is somewhat hydrophobic, and takes time to saturate, the moisture can just sit there. - unbeknownst to the user.

It's my opinion, that this is not a leak issue, but a design flaw. I plan to cut one or 2 small ports into the inner liner so I can pump some warm air from a hair drier.

Mino, we just got back from a second trip to Big Bend. First two days was pouring rain...Good news, I think I have conquered the leaks! Only thing that would have kept the water out completely would've been a back door awning.

We had severe condensation issues. I shut off the Wave 6 and used an electric heater. That helped drop the humidity below 50%. I also invested in the hypervent padding to go under the cushion--and for the first time, the mattress bottom stayed dry. It was a little pricey, but I think worth it in the long run. I do agree that the "arctic liner" has some significant design flaws. I think it would help if there was a way to put some breather eyelets in various locations. I am thinking of those vented grommets like on some of my old jungle boots. It seems that the vinyl, reflectix, and then a plastic-like cloth is more conducive to a green house, not a truck camper. If I were to do it again, I'd actually consider a treated canvas.

Anyway, the trip was a success. Was great to get out again. I am glad winter is over!!!! (although it was downright chilly at night)

That all being said, I am seriously thinking of moving into another type of camper, possibly the Class B. I'm torn--I have more than $60k invested in my set up and don't think I could get a fraction of that back. The Tacoma has just over 17k miles on it. KBB has the value at about $33k--and that's without adding in the extras, like the airlift system, weather tech mats, extra back up camera, etc. The TC is another story... I know I will never get anywhere close to what I paid (in excess of $28k). As I look back, I didn't think it all out very well...I guess I could've gotten that XP! I've never taken it off road, despite being attracted to the expedition look.

Any idea on how to find out the value of the TC? I added just about every option that was listed on their website...also added leather cushions (kat skin) to match the inside of the Tacoma truck. Or do you think I should sell the two separately? I know the Tacoma would go fast down here in Texas..., but not sure of the TC.