pop up camper for Nissan Frontier quad cab short box (new to this)

[jbv]

Greetings.

in doing the usual and necessary interweb research i came across this curious site. some great info here already so thanks to the posters over the years. i got a lot of info from the curiously long and poignant thread about the FWC.

at this point, the FWC Finch is looking like my best bet for my needs and i see they have a strong following. i've seen a FWC on a vehicle around town and it sure looked minimalist and cool compared to the weird monstrosities that spoil the landscape around here. all i'm seeking is some additional info, or perhaps stuff i'm missing, other quality product offerings that would fit this vehicle, and further insights into the weak spots of FWC products. all seem to agree that they have a strange Achilles tendon at the rear door window that is likely to shake loose over time on rough roads. does anyone know if they've rectified this?

as long time dedicated back country travelers (remote canoe tripping, sea kayaking, backpacking, bikepacking) we're most interested in sleeping quality and economy. hence pop ups on our little truck. we'd be going full spartan mode- shell types only. we're most interested in long term quality, water proofness, durability, and practicality. stoves, fridges and the like are not a part of the equation for us. more like backpacking with the truck. (to which some of my purist friends would be coughing hard right now...)

clearly, if you're thinking, buddy you have to go see one personally, and you got that right! given the cost of these things, that's the next step, but it's not like a dealer is within a quick drive for me, so like so many, i rely on the miracle and wisdom of the oracle for The Truth, ha ha.

so if you are so inclined, please educate me on other high quality brands i may be missing and any insights into the strengths and more importantly, weaknesses or concerns about the FWC, or even the Frontier as a truck for these units. and thanks.

cheers, James, Comox, Vancouver Island, BC

 

[jbv]

nothin'? really? Beuller? Beuller? tough crowd. or no crowd.

 

[docdave]

The manufacturers all fit a niche....FWC and ATC are evolutionary designs, they seem sturdy and popular with minimalist types. Phoenix is built by the guy who's dad started FWC, and represents a bit more inovation, and the flexability of custom design. Outfitter makes a lighter and more "minimalist" model, but their niche is the basement camper popup. Hallmark has a wide range of models, well built and innovative, but scewed toward more full featured highly equiped campers. Northstar differs from the above by using conventional wood frame construction, but most posters seem to have had good luck with their campers. Palomino, likewise is wood framed, and there are a lot of them, but I don't have any first hand knowledge. The two latter companys offer campers quite a bit cheaper than the others. Finally there is Alaskan, which builds a unique hard side popup, and has been doing so since the 60's, but these are heavier, although can be configured pretty much however you want.

I have visited Hallmark, Outfitter and Phoenix, as they are all located in the Denver area. All three companies have a great deal of experience building campers, and offer good customer service, and build a quality product. If you are looking for a shell type unit, you may be limited to FWC/ATC and Phoenix. I think that the other companies may be able to build you a shell type unit, you'd have to call them. Personally, for a lightweight custom unit, I like Bob at Phoenix. It's a small company, offers a pretty good price for custom work, and will build you anything you want.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Personally for a Nissan Frontier I would go with a Four Wheel Camper, and that is why I bought a FWC myself. And in my opinion FWC's are the best built of the three, but that is just my opinion, whatever thats worth.

 

[Clutch]

I would add, Flip-Pac in there too, if you want a bare-bones approach.

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/flippac.html

There were issues with the original rainfly's for water-restance, but have been addressed.

The campers mentioned above ATC, FWC, feel a bit claustrophobic to me, even the fullsize versions, a Finch
would amplify that effect. The Flip-Pacs are quite airy, and have more of a treehouse tent effect.

Also be easier getting gear in and out, since it is a topper and not a slide-in, and you won't loose precious storage space, that you do with a slide-in.