Regular Shell V/S Expensive pop-up camper
#1
Posted 24 May 2013 - 08:30 PM
Just wondering if the Expense and Less MPG's are Really Worth it ?? Because I usually Backpack more than sleep in my TRK...
#2
Posted 24 May 2013 - 08:34 PM
What do you mean by "normal camper shell"? Like a truck canopy?
#3
Posted 24 May 2013 - 08:40 PM
Moved to an appropriate place....
What do you mean by "normal camper shell"? Like a truck canopy?
Just a Regular camper Shell... (topper) :-)
#4
Posted 24 May 2013 - 09:06 PM
So if all you are going to do is camp in campgrounds and at trailheads then you probably don't need an aluminum-framed popup.
#5
Posted 24 May 2013 - 09:43 PM
Well first of all not all pop-ups are "fancy". The ones generally discussed on this board I suppose are fancy as they cost more than others. The fancy part is that they are aluminum framed and are designed for years of use in off-road conditions. Whether you want or need a pop-up depends on where you go. Many off road areas have low clearance that won't allow a tall camper to pass.
So if all you are going to do is camp in campgrounds and at trailheads then you probably don't need an aluminum-framed popup.
What i really mean't was.... I can pretty much get by in my Reg-Topper shell... but it would be Nice to have a full-size bed.. an stove. Iv'e done the Rubicon 4 times in my 85 Yota X-tra-cab... just-sayin.. :-}
Was thinkin about buying an Eagle... but i could also save 10-K
#6
Posted 24 May 2013 - 10:41 PM
The Eagle is a good choice if you want a real bed and are tired of sleeping on the ground all of the time. Since you seem to be a minimalist like myself I'd recommend a basic shell model. My wife and I spent a few years camping in our Frontier with just an ARE topper then decided to get an Eagle. Having built and lived in a popup camper for a year I had a good idea of what I wanted. The Eagle fit the bill because it is rugged and light weight. If I'd had the time to build another camper myself it would have been very similar to the Eagle. The cost does seem high but given that I expect to use the camper for 10+ years I feel that I'll get my monies worth. If you are not in a hurry then I'd look for a good used one and you could save yourself several thousand. Good luck however you go.
-Bill
Billm
2008 Frontier with a 2010 Eagle shell
#7
Posted 24 May 2013 - 10:41 PM
Heck when I was a kid we camped out of a datsun pickup with a camopy. A piece of plywood across the front on the rails is where I slept and parents were on the bed floor. Talk about tight...
I don't think any camper is really a necessity but it sure is nice tho'...if you have the resources.
2022 F350 DRW Lariat Ultimate CC, LB, 4x4, 7.3L
2005 FWC Grandby
2023 Rockwood 2720IK Travel Trailer
#8
Posted 25 May 2013 - 04:02 AM
You mean like get comfortable? Age has a lot to do with your answer. I used to sleep in the back of a truck with a topper and wondered why anyone needed a camper. The older you get, the more you need/appreciate creature comforts.
I've done the Rubicon a few times and there is no way I would take my Four Wheel camper on it. It might work with a Tacoma and a FWC shell...maybe.
#9
Posted 25 May 2013 - 08:48 PM
A year or two ago I posted some photos to the forum showing the very basic changes I made to my shell. And there are also several threads showing what others have done. I've seen some pretty impressive "do it yourself" shell builds on the forum and they are worth checking out.
Good Luck
TGK
#10
Posted 26 May 2013 - 03:13 AM
Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5
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