Forum Discussion

Ace_'s avatar
Ace_
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015

FWC v ATC

Anyone want to touch this one? :)

I have done the math and it looks like they are pretty close in price for what I want (pretty minimal t/c). They will both be less expensive then a Northstar or any of the other popups I've found (base price of a Northstar for example is considerably more than an optioned FWC/ATC).

So, at this point I am more concerned with quality of components or build quality between Fourwheel Truck Campers and All Terrain Campers. Another thing that interests me is the use of aluminum. I've always thought aluminum would be brittle and prone to cracking, but both FWC and ATC talk about it being part of a flexible frame. Seems counterintuitive to me, so school me.

I've also spent a lot of time at WTW reading, but thought there might be additional opinions/facts available here.

Thanks.
Truck Campers
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Jul 17, 2015
    I've only heard good things about Four Wheel Campers. All Terrain Campers might be ok but might not. I'd say All Terrain Campers have to be significantly cheaper to take the risk for resale, but that's just me.
  • rshrimp's avatar
    rshrimp
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2015
    Truck Camper Magazine just did a great write up and factory tour at Four Wheel Campers. Worth a read
  • Ace_'s avatar
    Ace_
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2015
    I spoke with FWC yesterday and will be going by their factory within the next week or so. The wife isn't really on board though, so I'm not sure how this is going to work out. She'd rather have a 10 year old Lance with all the bells and whistles and I'd rather have a new FTC shell. I have to remember that if the wife isn't happy, no one is happy.
  • Ace_'s avatar
    Ace_
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2015
    Wife and I looked at some hard sides yesterday. I think she's coming around to the smaller popup, but she still wants a lot of the amenities. This may end up being more costly than I wanted, since every time I see a used FWC they are very pricey. They must hold their value well.
  • _DJ_1's avatar
    _DJ_1
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2015
    Both FWC and ATC hold their values very well. I wanted the FWC Hawk for many years. But older now it is too much like backpacking to suit me. You could have a nice Northstar for the same $$ with lots more creature comforts unless you're looking at some serious off road stuff.
  • Ace_'s avatar
    Ace_
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2015
    That's exactly the conundrum. I was originally looking at the Northstar and thought it was what I wanted. Now that I found the FWC Hawk, that looks like the ticket. The wife though thinks it needs more bells and whistles (i.e., the Northstar). She has told me though that she isn't interested in camping in it much (her schedule is such that she isn't able to go more than a couple nights in any given year. So, do I get the "backpacker" model that I want, knowing I'll probably want something slightly different in 10 years; or, do I buy the Northstar even though she probably won't spend more than a handful of evenings with me. I also can't find the FWC used nearly as often as the Northstar.
  • sullivanclan's avatar
    sullivanclan
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2015
    I have owned a 2005 Northstar TC800 pop up since I bought it new. It has been a great unit and the company stands behind there product better than any company I have dealt with. I love how I can put it on my 2003 Dodge short bed and get off or road and away from everybody in Colorado and Utah. Light weight and I can carry over 30 gallons of water. Holds up great to high winds, snow and heavy rain, not once have we had a leak or felt concerned. A great unit!

    Unfortunately, the Mss wants something bigger, so we are moving to a class C motorhome soon, so I will be loosing my favorite camper.

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