20 replies to this topic

[lucyfur1021]

Hi there,

I have no advice for you... But, I am seriously looking at the Panther Truck camper as well! I have a 2009 v6 4x4 access cab taco and would like to have a solid, warm, truck camper on top of that. I have been talking to their design person, he indicated that the Taco would fit (provided airbags or extra springs) and they would be able to install a wet bath in the cascade model.

I am looking to use the camper for ski bumming and surf bumming, so lots of cold and light off-roading. I want a small kitchen, wet bath, furnace, solar, and a refrigerator with no AC appliances at all.

Now I read about the concern regarding wood frame, I'll be giving the a call. But, according to their website, they say it's "fiberglass"...

Any opinions from the forum?

[pods8]

Now I read about the concern regarding wood frame, I'll be giving the a call. But, according to their website, they say it's "fiberglass"...

Fiber glass exterior sheeting is likely what they mean. Wood construction done right and sealed well from the elements is fine (many boats sitting in water and getting hit by waves last a LONG time), however whether a low cost camper company is going to take the time (and thus expense) to really use wood construction properly for long term wear/tear is another matter to look into.

[Overland Hadley]

Interesting to find this thread, as I recently found the Panther website and am interested in their campers.

They are a tad on the heavy side, and the wood frame is a concern for me. The Gen2 Tacoma's frame is so flexible, C channel and all.

[home skillet]

I think they have a niche here. Looks like a good way to go for people who are already using a camper shell for their camping. It would be a nice upgrade and give more room and storage.

I agree with Pods8. The wood frame is not a big deal if properly sealed with fiberglass skin. They sure do have some nice lines. Sharp looking campers. Still a little tall in the back though.

Home Skillet

[lucyfur1021]

How about livin-lite? http://www.livinlite...er-overview.php They are making an all aluminum camper for the tacoma...

[DirtyDog]

How about livin-lite? http://www.livinlite...er-overview.php They are making an all aluminum camper for the tacoma...

They are pretty tall but the construction and materials seem to be top notch. Do you know what they cost? I would bet twice as much as the Panther but I'm not sure.

[lucyfur1021]

... Do you know what they cost? I would bet twice as much as the Panther but I'm not sure...

Saw a listing somewhere in Michigan asking for 13K for base price... http://www.rvusa.com...k-camper-311840

Also found something else really interesting and I like more. http://www.northern-...r_lite_610.html

[DirtyDog]

Saw a listing somewhere in Michigan asking for 13K for base price... http://www.rvusa.com...k-camper-311840

Also found something else really interesting and I like more. http://www.northern-...r_lite_610.html

One thing you should be aware of is that any of these "light" campers are going to put you over the payload for your Tacoma by quite a bit once loaded up with water, dogs, beer, bikes etc. Only the truly light campers like the FWC or ATC are even going to be close. To what degree you feel this is a problem is up to you, opinions vary on that.

IMO a camper built for a small truck should be pretty basic and at least attempt to be within the payload for the truck. To have a tiny camper that is supposed to fit on a compact truck, and to load it up with things like wet baths, is just trying to do too much with too little.

[highz]

I agree that a wet bath isn't practical on a taco. I also have a small truck and found a Zodi shower (or a less expensive garden sprayer) plus a pop-up shelter are a good solution. Search on "shower" at the top of the page for some good ideas.

[DirtyDog]

I believe in the next 2-3 years we will see an excellent Tacoma camper on the market. And it will be on a flatbed.