Northstar flatbed popup

[haven]

American manufacturer Northstar ships flatbed-style popup campers to Australia. I don't have a good photo of the popup model. Northstar also makes a full height hardwall camper for a flatbed on a full size pickup:



This photo of a standard slide in camper shows the amount of enclosed storage space you gain when the side walls of the camper are extended down to the flatbed.



It's also possible to add several storage compartments below the flatbed.

You might have to change the shore power inverter from 220V to 110V for North American use, but otherwise I think the Northstar export models could be sold for use in USA.

Chip Haven

[boblynch]

Chip,

I've contacted Northstar several times on this issue. They have confirmed that all models sold in the US may be ordered as a flatbed model from US dealers. All the interior floor plans stay the same. They simply enclose the sides and create exterior storage compartments (as shown in your picture).

The two downsides to this method IMHO are (1) the flatbed truck doesn't have the storage boxes when the camper's off and (2) locating the storage boxes on the outside does not provide the interior improvements that a "true" flatbed design would offer.

However, I still like them alot. I'm leaning heavily towards a Northstar hardsided model with 12v fridge and acrylic windows.

Any other forum members with Northstar experience please send me PM with thoughts.

Bob

[The Adam Blaster]

A flatbed model camper is exactly what i would be looking for.
That's unfortunate that they don't expand the interior room though, because i see that as the primary benefit of this setup.

And is there anyone out there that makes a flat-bed model with a pop-up top?
That would be the ultimate setup IMO...

[boblynch]

As far as I know, the only North American company that will build a custom flatbed popup is Alaskan. The others will do varying degrees of customization of existing floorplans. Check out the build thread of this Alaskan...

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9502

[haven]

An intriguing new flatbed camper is under development in California. See
http://www.xpcamper.com/pages/about.html

and also
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=10126

Chip Haven

[The Adam Blaster]

An intriguing new flatbed camper is under development in California. See
http://www.xpcamper.com/pages/about.html

THAT!!!! is pretty cool looking.
I will have to add my name to that list of people interested in infor.

[Four Wheel Tom]

Hi All...

Four Wheel is exporting flat bed campers to Australia now. Basically, we've widened out the floor pack and added in cabinetry for more storage. The Aussies are manufacturing excellent flat bed units, called "trays" to replace the American style "tub" truck beds. Very well made, and very cool.

We have made flat bed Grandby, Eagle, and Ranger models for them - and they look good on a flat bed. The lower portions are "skinned" out in white sheet metal.

Don't confuse this with a utility bed American truck bed - totally different creature.

Thanks...

Tom

[boblynch]

Tom, thanks for the FWC update. Please post a few pics.

[Four Wheel Tom]

Hi, Dave...

For the moment, check out the pics on the topic "new Four Wheel model" alsoonthis forum. They are of the unit built for the Americanmarket - and the unit is almost completed in these pictures. Cabinet doors haven't been installed, but otherwise complete. As you can see, the kitchen cabinet reaches to the front wall, as opposed to the Eagle where a short gap provides a bit of storage space for stuff bags, etc.
I'll see if I can snap a few pics tomorrow while I'm at the plant.

Tom

[Dave]

Don't confuse this with a utility bed American truck bed - totally different creature.

Thanks...

Tom

Hi Tom,

Do you have any more details on the Aussie made "trays"? With a smaller box like on my truck, I think it'd be better off to build a tray and have a flat bed FWC then try to compromise with a Finch or a Falcon.

Thanks and welcome to ExPo!

Dave