Why did you choose ATC over FWC

I have bought and built out two ATC campers (well, still building out the new Cougar we bought in March). If you like to do your builds or have custom work done, then ATC is the way to go. Spot on customer service and you can get exactly what you want even if they do the full build. Last I heard I think ATC is doing most of the warranty repair for FWC now.

Adding my 2 cents,our Bobcat has served us well  since 2009.
Over 55k miles,many trips to Yellowstone and two long trips to Alaska
plus a lot of local west coast trips enjoyed it all.
 
The quality and reasonable price makes us "happy owners".
 
Enjoy many great trips with your Panther.
Some photos would be great.
 
Frank

Thank you Frank, same to you too! The life is so relaxing and beautiful while boondocking
The colors in the desert/ocean are insane https://www.wanderth...r/10940-mykiss/

After 9 years now, Julie is the same. She used to refer to it as "our home away from home". That has changed to now calling our residence "our home away from home." "I love our camper!" is a daily statement from her.

It's not easy to boondock, but when the spouse enjoys it too, it makes it that much more memorable.

Anyone with an ATC esp Bobcat coming through Moab/SE Utah? I would love to see one in person before I make up my mind on ATC vs FWC.
Thanks

If you want a modern look, smooth graphite aluminum siding,modern euro colours option for interior, more money, my suggestion would be 4WC.
If you were looking for custom work, support, better value for your money, I would go with ATC.
Quality is very tightly controlled by ATC due to their small operation.
Either option is a great option.
My2c

I got my Cougar shell w/furnace about 5 years ago and it has been great with just a couple of problems. Marty was ok to work with and they were overwhelmed back then so it was basically a good transaction but nothing extraordinary. I could have gotten a shell from FWC, but the ATC was less expensive so that's what I went with. I prefer the wood paneling but others may feel it is out of date.  I would have skipped the rather lame curtains and made my own. My rear door has always been weak with screws coming loose and now some water ingress. I think the rounded top of the FWC rear door would be stronger/better than the ATC square design. The thermostat for the heater sucked so I replaced it.  I'm considering getting a cold weather pack so I sent an email with a few questions about the new material being used and got no response. So I called and got a few "yup" and "nope" with not much help. No photos/info one the web site. It is a $750 purchase, so I asked for a sample of the new material and he sighed and took my address and said he'll try to get a sample sent. I've never dealt with FWC but I doubt it would be much different. It is a small business and they work hard. There's always room for improvement but only so much time in a day. I think if you get a full camper instead of a shell there would be many more decision points that would sway you one way or the other. There are many more companies now turning out some really cool truck campers. I would love one with the whole rear panel that opens up, that would be cool has hell.

Had a friend who bought a Project M and he could not keep the dust out of the back since it did not seal well. Not sure what others experience has been with them from that standpoint

Julie and I ordered our All Terrain camper in 2013 right at the time FWC was switching to the thin, off a large roll, non-rigid aluminum sheet for their roofs. I saw the ATC corrugated (makes it much more rigid) roofing sheet as superior. Yes, it is screwed to the roof frame, as roof sheets have been for years. I see that as a plus. The roof sheet can be easily repaired or replaced. We drive on narrow mountain roads, many times with narrow corridors through trees. I expect, someday, I may put a branch through the roof. We've owned - and heavily used - our camper for over 10 years now. We've not had a water leak or problem with our roof. I have not tightened or resealed the screws. No need to, thus far. It is solid construction. It is quiet in the wind. It never "oil cans." We sleep well.

 

For reference -

 

FWC Single Sheet Roof "Tin Canning"

Julie and I ordered our All Terrain camper in 2013 right at the time FWC was switching to the thin, off a large roll, non-rigid aluminum sheet for their roofs. I saw the ATC corrugated (makes it much more rigid) roofing sheet as superior. Yes, it is screwed to the roof frame, as roof sheets have been for years. I see that as a plus. The roof sheet can be easily repaired or replaced. We drive on narrow mountain roads, many times with narrow corridors through trees. I expect, someday, I may put a branch through the roof. We've owned - and heavily used - our camper for over 10 years now. We've not had a water leak or problem with our roof. I have not tightened or resealed the screws. No need to, thus far. It is solid construction. It is quiet in the wind. It never "oil cans." We sleep well.

 

For reference -

 

FWC Single Sheet Roof "Tin Canning"

I was one of the folks who had a FWC roof that oil canned. Neither my ATC Bobcat or my ATC Cougar have had any semblance of noise in the night.  

When you choose quality that's what you get.

Go ATC. IMO, amen.

Frank