Transition to XP

V1, the big one, on a 3500 dodge. Sorry I think I had posted it was a V2. It was trouble from start to finish.


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Sioux and I really like a lot of Marc's innovative concepts.

 

But what swayed us away (this time) from XP was a) the weight, (sure you can get the capacity with a one ton but weight is weight!)   the need to buy a different truck (diesel and 1 ton) and c) the small nature of the enterprise which can POTENTIALLY lead to quality control problems. (We came within 24 hours of buying a Phoenix camper too and then backed out for the same reason.)

 

So we wound up again in the (occasionally frustrating but very reliable and "drama free") FWC camp.  (Flatbed Hawk this time.)

 

Florida, I (and probably many others) would be interested in your issues. Not to bash Marc (who I respect a LOT) but just to help us (and maybe him too) for future buying decisions. I "never say never"!

Edited by Durango1, 11 January 2016 - 02:53 PM.

I agree with the weight issue.  Since the camper is vacuum infused composite with molded cabinetry etc.. the weight should be less than the older tech campers most of us have.  The increased water capacity and their big heavy batteries (mine are lithium) add weight, but to require a one ton for a high tech composite camper is silly.  I will add that I do a lot of composites work on my own time.

I was asked to explain why I was so unhappy with my XP that I sold it at a considerable loss after only six months. However, my reply went into too much detail and violated the rules of the forums. Therefore it was deleted by a moderator. I understand, but it is a shame. If I had read a review of the product as honest as my deleted post, I would have been a smarter shopper when it came time to buy a camper. If anyone wants to know what went wrong with my XP, and how I was treated by XP when those things went wrong, the moderator told me that it has to be done privately. You are welcome to email me at bobbinan2@yahoo.com.


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Edited by Florida, 11 January 2016 - 07:42 PM.

WTW members can also communicate through Private Message. Click on the User name in the upper left hand corner of the post, then click on "Send Me A Message".

The builder/customer experience can be difficult in any custom or limited production product.  I've had difficulty with custom bicycle frame and windsurfing board builders over the years.  It is part of the reason I'm reluctant to purse custom building as a business myself.  

 

Customer complaints shouldn't be silenced and the internet is a great place to voice them.  Maybe just tone it down a bit?  I'm not sure what the problem is.  A great example of a customer thread is the MyTaco camper thread http://www.expeditio...x-Pop-Up-Camper   This thread was very useful for me in seeing the kinds of issues that may occur and how poorly some campers are constructed.  The irony is that XP was started due to Marc's experience with his Phoenix.

The moderator objected to the emoting in the post. Ok.
I transitioned from a 24 year old Syncro Westfalia that I had owned since new. I was looking for something more reliable. I wanted to be able to travel without the nagging worries that come with an old VW. I was willing to accept the inconveniences of a pop top since I had lived with one so long. The XP was definitely not the answer. (For details, bobbinan2@yahoo.com. ) One of the transition issues that I had went beyond the unreliability of the XP. The fact that you cannot access the camper unless raised is touted as a plus. For me it was a minus. In my Syncro I could get into the fridge, cabinets, get a warmer jacket, etc when the top was down. I really missed that convenience in the XP.


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X2.

 

I'm an admin on a very active FB page (3300 members with passionate opinions) within my industry. We allow honest, non-profane posts on any manufacturer/distributor (including negative comments toward our own company) while also encouraging the attacked business (and its Cheerleaders) to defend itself.

 

Marc has benefited greatly from internet bulletin boards and more power to him. But the internet is a knife that cuts both ways...

 

Florida's post (which I cut and saved before it was deleted) seemed very reasonable and valuable for a prospective purchaser. I don't really have a horse in this race (I really like Marc's ideas) but do really appreciate this forum and the people who post on it.

 

Steve

 

PS And BTW, I was one of the prospective Phoenix purchasers who bailed out after reading 30 or 40 pages of the pro and con Phoenix posts on the Expo thread that enelson references. I literally was writing my deposit check out to Rob when I saw that MyTaco thread. I'm grateful for that honest discourse. (I still have my custom Phoenix flatbed camper drawn out on my garage floor and yes, it would have been a great design!) 

Edited by Durango1, 11 January 2016 - 10:40 PM.

X2.

Customer complaints shouldn't be silenced and the internet is a great place to voice them.  Maybe just tone it down a bit?  I'm not sure what the problem is.  A great example of a customer thread is the MyTaco camper thread http://www.expeditio...x-Pop-Up-Camper   This thread was very useful for me in seeing the kinds of issues that may occur and how poorly some campers are constructed.  The irony is that XP was started due to Marc's experience with his Phoenix.

 

I'm an admin on a very active FB page (3300 members with passionate opinions) within my industry. We allow honest, non-profane posts on any manufacturer/distributor (including negative comments toward our own company) while also encouraging the attacked business (and its Cheerleaders) to defend itself.

 

Marc has benefited greatly from internet bulletin boards and more power to him. But the internet is a knife that cuts both ways...

 

Florida's post (which I cut and saved before it was deleted) seemed very reasonable and valuable for a prospective purchaser. I don't really have a horse in this race (I really like Marc's ideas) but do really appreciate this forum and the people who post on it.

 

Steve

 

PS And BTW, I was one of the prospective Phoenix purchasers who bailed out after reading 30 or 40 pages of the pro and con Phoenix posts on the Expo thread that enelson references. I literally was writing my deposit check out to Rob when I saw that MyTaco thread. I'm grateful for that honest discourse. (I still have my custom Phoenix flatbed camper drawn out on my garage floor and yes, it would have been a great design!) 

Do you think MyTaco's review has impacted otherPhoenix camper sales? Seems like the Phoenix didn't really care if it did or not.

I took the Taco thread to heart and took Phoenix off my list of prospective campers. I have no doubt they can build a good product as many people seem satisfied but I also see that the opposite can occur and with the outlay required there are just better options.

I am a big believer in support. I know that things break or some things can be overlooked. That does not worry me as long as the overall quality is good and the service is there to fix the occasional issue. Multiple quality control issues with one camper before it is even broken in are not on the list of things I tolerate.....

I also really hate the "we just install it we don't make it" excuse. If you are going to use a product in your construction you need to know how it works and what issues may arise after installation......