HAHA! FWC are sweet!

[oly884]

Ok, first off, it kicks so much butt that it would hurt your head if i tried to explain it.

It drives GREAT, center of gravity is so low that you would think it's just a loaded down topper (no joke)

Wind resistance is there, but not too bad thanks to the low profile roof.

All in all, i would HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest this to someone looking for a camping set up for their rig. You would not believe how much room their really is in this thing!

here are some pics, many many more to come!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9984.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9983.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9985.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9986.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9989.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9987.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9988.jpg

[cruiseroutfit]

Those are really great looking cab-overs... but I am interested, what makes them a "Four-Wheel" camper? Is that just an ironic name or did them improve a standard cab-over pop up to make it more trail freindly?

Personally, I don't like the fact that the jacks are hard mounted, a removable system would make much more sense IMHO. I'd hate to see the damage resulting in ripping a jack off...

[oly884]

Those are really great looking cab-overs... but I am interested, what makes them a "Four-Wheel" camper? Is that just an ironic name or did them improve a standard cab-over pop up to make it more trail freindly?

Personally, I don't like the fact that the jacks are hard mounted, a removable system would make much more sense IMHO. I'd hate to see the damage resulting in ripping a jack off...

The jacks are removeable (i'm going to remove them after I type this)

Check out http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/ they do make their campers more trail friendly. For example, my camper weighs only 500 lbs. and the center of gravity is at the height of the bedrails.

[cruiseroutfit]

The jacks are removeable (i'm going to remove them after I type this)

Looks like they unbolt?


Check out http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/ they do make their campers more trail friendly. For example, my camper weighs only 500 lbs. and the center of gravity is at the height of the bedrails.

I spent a minute checking out their site, they do have a great product. :cool:

[cruiseroutfit]

Oh yeah, lets see some inside pics :drool:

[oly884]

Tomorrow I'll get some inside pics for every one.

And yup, the jacks unbolt, 3 on each one. Nice and easy.

[Brian894x4]

Very nice. Weight is not bad. I had thought they were a lot more, like at least 700-800lbs. I'm curious about the specs like the generator (sounds like a 1000 watt 120v unit from your sig, and the water capacity. Does it have a grey water tank too? I'd love to see interior pics too.

I'm curious what truck weighes when the camper is fully loaded with at least two passengers.

For some reason, Toyota reduced the rear weight capacity of the Tacomas verses the older trucks by about 200lbs. I wonder if part of it is the rear C-channel frame. Might be a good idea to consider Scott's frame mod. And maybe upgrade the suspension. But the Taco guys would know a lot more about those limitations than me.

I wouldn't mind seeing some interior pics too.

I really wish someone would make a camper type that could be bolted in place of the entire bed like you see in Europe a lot. But I guess that would be too model specific. Plus it is nice that you can just slide out the camper when your not using it and have full use of the bed.

One last thing. A piece of thick plastic or metal air dam that fills in the gap between the cab roof and the camper would probably go a long way in the wind resistence area.

[oly884]

Very nice. Weight is not bad. I had thought they were a lot more, like at least 700-800lbs. I'm curious about the specs like the generator (sounds like a 1000 watt 120v unit from your sig, and the water capacity. Does it have a grey water tank too? I'd love to see interior pics too.

I have a group 29 deep cycle batt that runs the 1k watt inverter. Then there is a 50 watt solar panel on the roof that charges the battery and what not. There is no water storage because I got the shell model with a couple options, so I'm going to build both a fresh and grey water tanks.


I'm curious what truck weighes when the camper is fully loaded with at least two passengers.

I'll be able to try and get that info on friday and report back.


For some reason, Toyota reduced the rear weight capacity of the Tacomas verses the older trucks by about 200lbs. I wonder if part of it is the rear C-channel frame. Might be a good idea to consider Scott's frame mod. And maybe upgrade the suspension. But the Taco guys would know a lot more about those limitations than me.

I have air bags right now and that really helps, but I have about 1500-1600 lbs of payload. So the camper is 500, then me, then gear, and so on and I'm still safe. However, yes, I am considering scott's frame mod.


I wouldn't mind seeing some interior pics too.

I'll get plenty of pics today.


I really wish someone would make a camper type that could be bolted in place of the entire bed like you see in Europe a lot. But I guess that would be too model specific. Plus it is nice that you can just slide out the camper when your not using it and have full use of the bed.

Maybe at some point I'll do that, but with this being my DD I'll keep it how it is.


One last thing. A piece of thick plastic or metal air dam that fills in the gap between the cab roof and the camper would probably go a long way in the wind resistence area.

I'm already thinking about making a "ramp" that attaches to the windshiled or door jams that pushes the air overthe gap. Like a semi.

[Scott Brady]

David,

You must be geeked beyond imagination! I would be...

What is cool, is that this last weekend, we had BlueFly along on a trail run in their x-cab with an Eagle attached (shell model). It did great, and actually helped the truck in places as it loaded the rear axle, aiding traction and forcing the suspension to articulate more.

Cant wait to see the camper in action!!!

[DaveInDenver]

Weight is not bad. I had thought they were a lot more, like at least 700-800lbs.

Yeah, this was very surprising to me, too. I figured they'd be heavier than that, since my WilderNest weighs almost 400 lbs.

[seth_js]

I would DEFINITELY plate and/or box the rear half of the frame. I've seen plenty of Tacoma frames bent/tweaked, including mine.

http://www.demello-offroad.com//catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_60&products_id=108&osCsid=60efb03f6a4b8886467b8540a929c96b

[Brian894x4]

Yeah, this was very surprising to me, too. I figured they'd be heavier than that, since my WilderNest weighs almost 400 lbs.

Wow:Wow1: I didn't realize that that Wildernest's were that heavy. My guess is it's the fiberglass verses the aluminum frame/skin. Fiberglass canopys are really heavy.

Plus his probably doesn't have all that heavy stuff like sinks, cabinets, etc, which is cool, because you can design your interior "exactly" how you want it. If I ever were order one that's how I'd do it, so I could make the most effecient use of space and weight as possible.

Oly844, what are the two hatches on the driver's rear side of the camper for? Just curious.

[oly884]

Oly844, what are the two hatches on the driver's rear side of the camper for? Just curious.

One is actually the exhuast for the furnace. The other is the LP tank for the furnace.

Yup, the main reason I got the shell was because I have the ability to make the inside just the way I want it.

[Ursidae69]

Cool looking setup you got there! :clapsmile :clapsmile

[oly884]

Thanks man, I just can't wait to try it out.

And here's my "other" new toy :ar15:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/DSC_9977Medium.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/DSC_9978Medium.jpg

[erin]

If you are interested in some hicap mags for that new toy, let me know. I think I might have two laying around.:ar15:

[kcowyo]

Congrats David!

I know it's been a long summer, waiting. Looking forward to pics from your first outing.

Enjoy! :beer:

[calamaridog]

Thanks man, I just can't wait to try it out.

And here's my "other" new toy :ar15:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/DSC_9977Medium.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/DSC_9978Medium.jpg

Uh, I guess I won't try to steal your new camper:gunt:

[Willman]

I would DEFINITELY plate and/or box the rear half of the frame. I've seen plenty of Tacoma frames bent/tweaked, including mine.

http://www.demello-offroad.com//catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_60&products_id=108&osCsid=60efb03f6a4b8886467b8540a929c96b

Bump for this mod!!!

Great looking camper!!! Can't wait to see the action pictures!!

Nice Glock by-the-away...I got a Glock 36 protecting my homestead

[oly884]

Bump for this mod!!!

Great looking camper!!! Can't wait to see the action pictures!!

Nice Glock by-the-away...I got a Glock 36 protecting my homestead

Thanks, I'll definitely have to look into this, my bro is a crazy good fabricator. The problem I see with that kit is that my air bags are mounted to the frame and i would have to cut those to fit so I'll probably just talk to my brother.

[DaveInDenver]

Wow:Wow1: I didn't realize that that Wildernest's were that heavy. My guess is it's the fiberglass verses the aluminum frame/skin. Fiberglass canopys are really heavy.


Yeah, they are heavy. That 400 lbs is more of an estimate, it could be significantly lighter or heavier (I'm guessing as much as about 50 lbs +/-). I weighed the truck with it on and then rolled over the same scale with it off, the difference was 385 lbs. But I doubt the precision on a truck stop scale is all that great, so not knowing exactly the error I just figure on 400 lbs for calculations. I think the scale's resolution was 10 lbs, but with my truck at around just 2 tons I doubt the scale is particularly sensitive to a couple of 100 lb changes. If the scale can handle 80,000 lbs, a change of 400 lbs is barely 0.5% change at it's lower limit. I really should get a better measure of its weight, because I do think 350-400 is very conservative. I'd have guessed more in the 250-300 lbs range, since three guys can pick it up.

The block-and-tackle hoist I rigged to lift it on and off gives me 4:1 reduction and it's possible for me to to lift it alone. My pulleys are too small in diameter, though, so I get quite a bit of friction. I get about 3/4" of suspension sag with NWOR Stage-II springs when I install it.

[chet]

nice camper! I camped beside a fullsize with a FWC on it last year. nice setup. How hard is the door to get in and out of?

[BajaTaco]

Congrats! It is a thing of beauty :beer:

[OutbacKamper]

David;
Congratulations on the new camper. One piece of advice i would give you about finishing your shell camper interior:
Be very careful about weight, ever ounce is important. For example don't use 1/2" plywood for a cabinet or countertop, but build a sandwich panel of 1/8" plywood and foam.
Enjoy
Mark

[BlueFly]

Congratulations David! I know you’ve been waiting (im)patiently for this for a long time- wahoo!

I’m in a similar position, having just purchased an Eagle shell model 6 weeks ago (used). I’m slowly sorting through what our priorities are for outfitting the interior- perhaps we can compare notes as we go along.

Like you, I am also figuring out what to do about the pocket between the underside of the cabover and the top of the cab. The simplest option I’ve come up with is mounting a Yakima rack fairing on the nose. A more involved solution is to check out some sheet-metal fab shops to see if a shallow, light-weight box with a scoop nose could be fitted up there for storage (perfect spot for fly rods, for example).

Hope you’re out there this holiday weekend enjoying your new rig and having a grand time!

[oly884]

Before I get into the review of the camper, I have to say, there are no pictures.

The one thing that I leared was that camera batteries WILL stop working if you run them over (long story)

Onto the camper:

IT ROCKS!!!!

I earned 18 MPG on the drive from Bozeman to Ellensburg, WA. ANd 16 MPG on the way back fighting a 10-20 mph head wind.

Sleeping: Comfortable, but I plan on getting a memory foam mattress to go on top of the original mattress. I have yet to try the fold out couch, but it seems a bit more soft than the over the cab bed. With the windows closed, the noise from outside really isn't that bad. Sure, greater than a hard side camper, but far far better than a tent. I did manage to sleep in one day till about 12 (oooo yeah, that felt good) and it managed to stay decently cool while it was ~ 80-85 out side.

The heater and arctic pack: BIG PLUS. I know that I will have no issue going out in some of the coldest temps that montana can bring with this thing now.

Solar panel: Another huge plus. With my group 29 deep cycle batt powering the lights in the camper, the power inverter (used it for various things ~200 watts for maybe an hour a day), and running the fridge. Not once did I have to start the truck. The solar panel did it's job. Though, once I get the laptop and what not for the camper then I'll be looking at another 150 watts worth of solar, just to be safe.

Plans: Build a sink, fresh and grey water storage, some more cabinets, and some kind of wind deflector for the camper.

If you have any other things you'd like to know about the camper, then by all means let me know and I'll gladly fill you in.

And the one thing I did notice. It's A LOT bigger on the inside than I originally thought (not bigger on the outside than I thought though) 2 people could easily live in there without really getting in the way, and 3 people would make it cozy, but by no means bad. My 2 other buddies and I are going to go camping this winter a lot and from being in there, it should not be an issue to cook/eat/sleep in there with 3 people. For one person, it's a palace.

[Brian894x4]

I'd like to see interior pics when you get a chance.

[oly884]

I'd like to see interior pics when you get a chance.


Before I get into the review of the camper, I have to say, there are no pictures.

The one thing that I leared was that camera batteries WILL stop working if you run them over (long story)



The battery got ran over this weekend by a boom truck. Long story. So it's going to be a while before I get some pictures.

[The Swiss]

:drool: Congratulations! :drool: Keep us posted...


...what exactly happened to the batteries of your camera? Was the camera still attached to the batteries when it happened?

[oly884]

:drool: Congratulations! :drool: Keep us posted...


...what exactly happened to the batteries of your camera? Was the camera still attached to the batteries when it happened?

I'm happy to say that the camera and battery were not coupled together when a truck decided to run it over.

I was in a parade on the back of a huge boom truck taking pics of the float. The battery was about to die, so I pulled it out to warm it up in my hands to make it last a bit longer, and ended up dropping it between the bed and the cab. Then the boom truck ran it over with all 6 of its tires.

[surfponto]

Ok, first off, it kicks so much butt that it would hurt your head if i tried to explain it.

It drives GREAT, center of gravity is so low that you would think it's just a loaded down topper (no joke)

Wind resistance is there, but not too bad thanks to the low profile roof.

All in all, i would HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest this to someone looking for a camping set up for their rig. You would not believe how much room their really is in this thing!

here are some pics, many many more to come!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9984.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9983.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9985.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9986.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9989.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9987.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86/oly884/Truck/DSC_9988.jpg

Nice.
I know this post is a bit old but we are looking into purchasing a 4-Wheel Pop Up Camper to put on our 2007 SR5 tacoma 4x4 with the 2.7 liter 4 cylinder.

Be curious as to what options you went with etc. and since it has been a year what is your feedback on your setup.

Thanks,
Bob

[kcowyo]

Hello Bob -

David/oly884 hasn't been around here much lately. He's either off on some trip or buried in work I'm sure. It would be nice if he'd pop back in sometime.

Anyway, you can see more of his set up and other Four Wheel Camper owners and All Terrain Camper (similar to the FWC) owners at Wander the West.com (http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php) It's a great website primarily for FWC owners with a lot of nice folks and good info.

There are a couple of new Tacoma owners and lots of differently equipped campers to check out. There are also reps from FWC and ATC that log in regularly there for tech support and answering general questions. Take a look, it will be a great resource for you.

Best of luck and keep us updated here too -

[surfponto]

Hello Bob -

David/oly884 hasn't been around here much lately. He's either off on some trip or buried in work I'm sure. It would be nice if he'd pop back in sometime.

Anyway, you can see more of his set up and other Four Wheel Camper owners and All Terrain Camper (similar to the FWC) owners at Wander the West.com (http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php) It's a great website primarily for FWC owners with a lot of nice folks and good info.

There are a couple of new Tacoma owners and lots of differently equipped campers to check out. There are also reps from FWC and ATC that log in regularly there for tech support and answering general questions. Take a look, it will be a great resource for you.

Best of luck and keep us updated here too -

Great thanks for the info.
I have been looking at theses campers for quite a while.

Can't imagine a much better set up for camping and light/moderate 4-Wheeling. :-)
Of course if our taco was a diesel, well....:)

Bob