7 replies to this topic

[natjwest]

I've been thinking that an FWC Grandby is the only camper for me, but I'm starting to wonder if an 8-foot CO Alaskan might work also. I know this is an entirely personal question so here are my considerations:

1. My truck is a 3/4 ton, 8 foot bed, airbags, diesel. In the future, I might replace it, but the new one would have the same specs.
2. Truck is used regularly without the camper so easy-on easy-off is crucial. My current TC is >2000lbs and jacking it up and down is a death wish.
3. When not in use, the camper will be stored in my driveway. Width is important since the driveway is narrow and bordered on both sides. Which one is narrower?
4. I don't go off-road, but every camping trip will have much dirt roads, forest service roads, washboards, washed-out, etc.
5. I currently have a 1975 KIT camper, 9 feet, and it's ridiculously heavy. Top-heavy, too wide, too long, I hate it. The opposite end of the spectrum is an FWC, but maybe an Alaskan will be okay? What is the actual weight comparison of an FWC Grandby, Alaskan CO 8foot, Northstar, Hallmark, etc?
6. Most of the time, the camping will be with my six year old daughter, other times with wife also. We don't need fancy features like generator, TV, microwave, etc. Very basic is best.
7. We camp in foul weather with some frequency, but both campers should be fine for that.
8. I do not want a project and can't spend more than about $2000 for a used one.
9. I have done a lot of repairs of rotten wood on my KIT and I'm kind of sick of wood-framed campers. It just seems foolish to me.

Any advice for my predicament? I saw over on Expedition Portal that user Rot Box has both and he likes his FWC more.

[pods8]

8. I do not want a project and can't spend more than about $2000 for a used one.

I'm just going to guess here that this may be a VERY limiting factor for getting an alaskan. I don't know a ton about them but there's a 88' listed on here and its listed at $6500. So to get in the $2k mark you'd likely be looking at a rather old one which might be a project which goes against your other criteria.

Even for a FWC it's a very limited window of campers that will fit your truck and be priced like that without being a project, probably only the real early 90's will be in that ball park and they don't show up everyday unfortunately.

[K6ON]

I've been thinking that an FWC Grandby is the only camper for me, but I'm starting to wonder if an 8-foot CO Alaskan might work also. I know this is an entirely personal question so here are my considerations:

1. My truck is a 3/4 ton, 8 foot bed, airbags, diesel. In the future, I might replace it, but the new one would have the same specs.
2. Truck is used regularly without the camper so easy-on easy-off is crucial. My current TC is >2000lbs and jacking it up and down is a death wish.
3. When not in use, the camper will be stored in my driveway. Width is important since the driveway is narrow and bordered on both sides. Which one is narrower?
4. I don't go off-road, but every camping trip will have much dirt roads, forest service roads, washboards, washed-out, etc.
5. I currently have a 1975 KIT camper, 9 feet, and it's ridiculously heavy. Top-heavy, too wide, too long, I hate it. The opposite end of the spectrum is an FWC, but maybe an Alaskan will be okay? What is the actual weight comparison of an FWC Grandby, Alaskan CO 8foot, Northstar, Hallmark, etc?
6. Most of the time, the camping will be with my six year old daughter, other times with wife also. We don't need fancy features like generator, TV, microwave, etc. Very basic is best.
7. We camp in foul weather with some frequency, but both campers should be fine for that.
8. I do not want a project and can't spend more than about $2000 for a used one.
9. I have done a lot of repairs of rotten wood on my KIT and I'm kind of sick of wood-framed campers. It just seems foolish to me.

Any advice for my predicament? I saw over on Expedition Portal that user Rot Box has both and he likes his FWC more.

I looked around at all kinds of campers for over a year before I settled on a FWC. It took several
months to fine a nice used Grandby that fit my budget. It was a basic Grandby (ice box, stove,and
electric water pump only), didn’t even have a heater. Over the last three years I’ve slowly turned
it into a very well equipped camper, at the same time adding quite a bit of weight. It has two Platnum Die Hard gell batteries that weigh 68lbs each, a microwave, Engel freezer, 1.5KW inverter, stereo, furnace, extra cabinets, etc. I’m sure I’ve added an extra 300lbs of “stuff” to it. As it is, it still weighs less than wood framed campers, especially an Alaskan. I take it on and off the truck regularly, and it’s easy and takes only a few minutes. Mine also lives in the driveway when off the truck and with the top down it’s not too unsightly (at least no one’s complained). While the FWC isn’t for everyone, it works just fine for me. I like Alaskans too, but they are just too heavy for how I use my truck. Good luck on which ever camper you decide to buy. Both are great in their own ways, and you’ll have fun in either.

[natjwest]

Even for a FWC it's a very limited window of campers that will fit your truck and be priced like that without being a project, probably only the real early 90's will be in that ball park and they don't show up everyday unfortunately.

Thanks pods, I am saving up my pennies to afford something more reasonably priced, but in the short-term, that's the cash I've got set aside for a camper. (Mostly because I'm selling the KIT.)

[pods8]

Thanks pods, I am saving up my pennies to afford something more reasonably priced, but in the short-term, that's the cash I've got set aside for a camper. (Mostly because I'm selling the KIT.)

Totally understandable I'm just pointing out what I've seen in terms of pricing just so you are realistic about what you should be looking for & getting.

[Overland Hadley]

#5 and #9 - make me think FWC

# 7 - maybe lean towards Alaskan if it is cold weather

[home skillet]

The Alaskans are not exactly feather weights, so if you want light you will be better off with a FWC. However, with your rig weight really isn't an issue and the Alaskan is a nice setup. Price is your biggest hurtle and I agree that IF you can find an Alaskan in your price range it WILL be old and likely pretty rough. The Alaskans have a wood frame with roll insulation. Over the years they just start to break down. The FWC is all aluminum and more advance insulation, so if you get an older FWC it will likely be in better shape.

Hunt hard and you might find a real nugget though.

Good Luck!

[John D]

Camp in a shell/cap until you have saved the money for a nice popup camper. Make the shell nice with paint, window covers, lights, soft bed liner, etc.