Phoenix or Four Wheel Pop-Up

I believe the AC on the Phoenix is a standard home AC, not really an RV AC.

Look hard... I wrote a fairly extensive piece on Expedition Forum regarding my experience with Phoenix. I will follow up more on that site. I think I learned the hard way...and the warranty is only as good as the company makes it.

In 2004, after looking at Hallmark, Outfitter, and Lite Craft, I judged them too heavy for our 2003 Tundra. My final two candidates were Four Wheel and Phoenix. Phoenix was willing to build to my specs. Four Wheel was not. Moreover, I did not want to travel from Denver to California to look at Four Wheel. So I chose Phoenix.

After several years of travel in our Phoenix, I met the proud owner of a new Four Wheel. After he showed it to me, I was glad I had decided to go with Phoenix. Moreover, as I was exiting his camper, I sliced my hand open on a sharp edge of the door frame.

Now, nine years and tens of thousands of miles later, DW and I are still OK with our decision. Yes there have been cons as well as pros. PM me if you have specific questions.

We own a 2011 Northstar TC 650. It is our first pop up so we have no first hand experience with other brands. This being said we are very satisfied with the fit and finish of our rig.

If you're going to visit the FWC plant outside of Sac, ATC is nearby and they are quite similar to FWC. Check them out too!

I bought a Phoenix in 1987. They are cheaper for a reason. Men our age should know that by now. But since this is your first truck camper. Let me give you my advice. Spend all the money that you can to get the best camper available. You are buying a nightmare. Just think of Groundhog day the movie.

I purchased my first FWC back in 1983, a new Grandby. After over twenty years of use I can say they build a great camper. It is simple, rugged, minimalist and as the name suggests, a four wheel drive back roads type of camper. I recently purchased a new FWC Hawk and after two years of back country use I can say the new ones are even better, with more amenities.....but as I said leaning more the minimalistic side of things.

This probably isn't the best place for reviews of back country campers. I would suggest, in addition to Expo, http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/17-truck-campers/

As far as a comparison to the Phoenix campers, I looked closely at all the major players at the show here in Denver before my purchase. Honestly, the fit and finish on the Phoenix was a non starter for me.

As a side note, the reputation and resale value, I think, is unparalleled in the market.....
In any case I sold my over 20 year old FWC for more than I paid for it in less than two hours on CL.

My new one:

I'd buy a Four Wheel since it is much more well known.

Interesting thread over on Expo right now if you are considering Phoenix it is worth a read...

Good luck,
Bill

In todays TC Magazine, there are several follow-ups to people who own 4 wheel campers, very interesting to read their original stories. Also one who camps in a Phoenix. Driving my hardside in the windy Great Plains is not much fun. Sometimes I wish I had gotten a pop-up style.