20 replies to this topic

[whybother]

Anybody have any input/experience with Panther Truck Campers? (http://panthercampers.com/Panther.html)? I have been researching truck campers and searching the internet for units for sale. I am leaning towards either an ATC Bobcat or FWC Eagle, preferably the shell model.
But, I just stumbled upon Panther Truck Campers, and can't find much user feedback. They are very light, and have an interesting design: not as much headroom as a FWC/ATC when open, nor does it have a cab-over bed (cab-over storage instead). But there seems to be great storage room, there wouldn't be any issues with fabric wearing out/ripping/leaking, and it doesn't need to be popped up, which is nice for the occasional urban/stealth bivy. I also like that they offer the camper with very little creature comforts. I'm curious if anyone has any input? How would the aerodynamics/effect on gas mileage/handling compare to ATC/FWC?
I have a 2004 Tacoma xtra-cab, V6, so the Panther model I would be looking at would be the Cascade Compact. Weight starts at 622 lbs.

Thanks for the advice!

[DirtyDog]

I hadn't heard of the Panther campers until now. This unit is interesting:



They don't mention anything about the frame construction so it must be wood. If that's true, you aren't going to have the same long life and great resale value you get with the FWC/ATC campers.

[Argonaut20]

Looking at the Australian Connection, the frame is wood. You can see the assembly process in one photo. Nice shape for a hard side, though.

[whybother]

Thanks for the reply Dirty Dog. I do think that they use a wood frame in the Panthers; I'm not sure if this would have a big effect on longevity or not. I do not need the camper to be uber-off road worthy. I am a mountain guide and most of my four-wheeling is just getting to climbing/skiing areas, so nothing too rugged. They shell model FWC/ATC interest me, as does this Panther design. I like the simplicity...somewhere to sleep/change/store and dry gear/ cook simple meals/etc... I currently spend lots of nights in my truck w/ normal topper, but I need to upgrade. I do not think I would want a fridge, stove, furnace, etc... because the weight and space savings are significant.

[pods8]

Their site pretty choppy for anyone else?

I never noticed they had a camper line before but when someone pointed out they were carry the SMEV stoves in their parts store I noticed they had good pricing on the atwood 8012 heater, kaper led lights fixtures, etc. so I'll probably source a few items from them.

[BSS]

Bummer there is no pass-thru window on the cascade to see out the back door window while driving. Cool layout though.

And does that cabover berth seem MIGHTY small, or is it me?

[brianjwilson]

I don't know anything about them either, but I stumbled upon this Panther camper while searching the net one night.

http://www.ourpanthercamper.com/

[DirtyDog]

The price is certainly right on those Panthers.

[whybother]

Bummer there is no pass-thru window on the cascade to see out the back door window while driving. Cool layout though.

And does that cabover berth seem MIGHTY small, or is it me?

The cabover is storage space, not a bed.

[craig333]

Its still tall. I like being able to hit the drive throughs.