Hi all - thanks for the many, many great and helpful thoughts! Much appreciated. :-)
I’ll reply to all the questions in one post, here.
joerg68 said “Why is Hallmark not on your list? Too expensive? They are just around the corner from Outfitter. They will use whatever material you are willing to pay for.”
I do prefer the idea of an aluminum frame. I thought they were simply wood… I see that they use balsa for part of the construction, however there are some choices about interior cabinetry framing, for extra charge. Good info here… I’ll have to dig into it. Thanks!
http://www.hallmarkrv.com/factory/
joerg68 said: A popup with an indoor shower and sleeping capacity for three is not going to be at the small/lightweight end of popups. You will be pushing the payload capacity of the truck. Are you planning to pull a trailer or carry sports gear? Bicycles?
No towing planned… the really nice thing about the Four Wheel Camper Granby indoor shower is that it is simply a floor grate and pan, with a curtain that tucks into it, so it is minimal weight, and doesn’t really eat up any space nor much weight inside.
TxGearhead wrote: I don't understand you saying a F150 is nicer than a F250. In what way?
I know it is personal feelings, but i prefer the interior / size / drivability of the F150 over the F250. The F150 drives a bit more like a car. (a bit)
Also I *really* like the 3.5 EcoBoost, having driven one quite a bit. It is not available in the F250 as far as I know.
JD5150 wrote: “I personally don't like the window flaps on the outside of an ATC.”
Yeah that seems like a very odd design choice, to me.
Thanks Geewizard for the kind offer of “You are welcome to PM me for details on my Outfitter experience. “
GeoBoy said: I find it hard to believe that the F150 has a 2,690 lb. payload.
It totally depends how it is configured (engine, and if it has the Heavy-Duty Payload Package, and wheels, etc) but the complex chart on the Ford 21 page specs document clearly says: 2019 4x4 F-150 SuperCrew, 156.8” WB, with Heavy-Duty Payload Package and 18" wheels payload is 2,690 LBS.
Note that on the dealers lots… pretty much none of the F150’s will have the Heavy-Duty Payload Package, so I’ll have to custom order and wait for it. I have read multiple places. I’m fine with that.
s1214 said: Have you considered NorthStar?
I recently checked out a NorthStar, and I wasn’t impressed with the esthetics and ‘fit and finish’ of the interior. Subjective, but it was a long way from how the interior looked as compared to FourWheel Campers, for example. I also know what my “better half” would like and she would much prefer the interior of the FourWheel Campers. (I have been in a few, and she hasn’t been in any yet.)
mkirsch said: I really think you should look at them and get the one you like best. Cost should really be at the bottom of your list of considerations, especially based on the small differences you've stated. It is foolish to pinch a few pennies to end up with something you don't like.
Very good advice (as are all posts) - thanks for the reminder! :-)
Thanks again to all for all the fantastic thoughts here. Much appreciated!
