Comparing Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 to FWC Hawk

MikeP

New member
I'm looking to buy a pop up camper for my F-150 6.5' bed crew cab. I like the FWC Hawk, but am having a tough time finding a used one, and may have to bite the bullet and get a new one. I like the light weight of the FWC, and they seem to be basic but well built.
I've seen the Caribou Lite and was wondering if anyone has an opinion on how they differ from the Hawk, other than a couple of hundred pounds difference in dry weight. Are they equivalent in quality, leaks, or ease of use?

Thanks
Mike
 

1stDeuce

Explorer
Hmm. I was going to say that what you're doing is like comparing a BMW X5 to a Jeep Cherokee... But it looks like Outfitter is making a really nice light and durable camper now at a fair price. There are probably not many out there, since it's new, but it doesn't seem like a bad deal at all. It'll be interesting to see how they hold up! Hopefully there will be some nice used ones available in a few years!! :)
Chris
 

kylekai

Observer
If you're buying a new one, also consider customer support. I've read bad things about Outfitter and good things about FWC. FWC seems to be well supported on this forum.
 

MikeP

New member
It does look like Outfitter is trying to copy the FWC, and I like that FWC has been at it longer. I may just buy a new FWC to get what I want if I can't find a decent used one. Customer support is definitely important to me.

Thanks for the comments.

Mike
97 Eurovan Camper for now.
 

ethergore

New member
If you're buying a new one, also consider customer support. I've read bad things about Outfitter and good things about FWC. FWC seems to be well supported on this forum.
I was wondering what bad things you have heard about their customer support because I am considering this camper. I have a thread going on Wander the west and nobody seems to have much input good or bad on the caribou lite. I did find a few comments saying they have good service and have had great service from them so far but I'd like to hear anything to the contrary.
 

ethergore

New member
I'm looking to buy a pop up camper for my F-150 6.5' bed crew cab. I like the FWC Hawk, but am having a tough time finding a used one, and may have to bite the bullet and get a new one. I like the light weight of the FWC, and they seem to be basic but well built.
I've seen the Caribou Lite and was wondering if anyone has an opinion on how they differ from the Hawk, other than a couple of hundred pounds difference in dry weight. Are they equivalent in quality, leaks, or ease of use?

Thanks
Mike

Here is a link where Outfitter compares their camper to the Hawk.
http://www.outfittermfg.com/campers/new-campers/competitive-comparisons/41-outfitter-vs-fourwheel

In addition to that I compared the exterior measurements of FWC Hawk, ATC Panther and the Caribou. They are all very similar in size.

The biggest differences seem to be in the frame, sidewalls, pop-up material and finishing touches. Also the Hawk is a lot more expensive.

The frame of the Hawk is FWC's tried and true(according to most) "flex" design. ATC has a mostly full welded frame with flex points and Outfitter has a completely welded frame with no flex points inside of a vacuum bonded Lamilux wall.

The sidewalls on FWC and ATC are a vinyl while Outfitter uses a 3 layer Weblon. The Manufacturer went as far as telling me that this sidewall is equivalent to using an Artic pack but I have no way to know if that is true. He even said that because of the material used on the camper as a whole, you will not get the common condensation under the mattress like others seem to get quite often.

The finishing touches are also a little different. Outfitter has a fiberglass, granite looking, counter while ATC and FWC have I think a Formica.

The lift system in the Caribou is kind of ugly compared to ATC and FWC but seems like it might be easier to lift.

As far as weight goes its quoted as 850# with the standard options like the frige and hard side walls. I think FWC and ATC can be optioned to come out lighter without hard walls(instead of aluminum) but to get the FWC with those walls you would have to add 250#.

So with all that said, the camper seems great at a cheaper price but I can't find one person who has one of these campers to give some non-biased experience. I haven't even found someone who has went to the factory and seen one in person.

One last thing to keep in mind is that they keep inventory. You can buy one today if you wanted.
 

contento

Observer
Does the photo gallery for the Caribou Lite 8 no work for anyone else? Or maybe there just isn't any pics of it?
 

Stan@FourWheel

Explorer
We like it when other companies are comparing their campers to ours.

We are trying to set the standard.

:)

Our campers are not for everyone.

There are probably features on their campers that are really nice, and maybe some features on our campers that are also really nice.

For a big purchase like this, you might want to consider spending $200 - $300 bucks and flying in to Colorado for a day and renting a car.

You might be able to visit a few of the pop-up showrooms all in the same day to see what camper you like best and what suits your needs.

FWC has a showroom in Arvada, Phoenix Campers is out there, Outfitter, and Hallmark are there too.

:)

It really helps most people make an educated buying decesion after seeing the campers up close & in person.

:)




.
 

kylekai

Observer
I was wondering what bad things you have heard about their customer support because I am considering this camper. I have a thread going on Wander the west and nobody seems to have much input good or bad on the caribou lite. I did find a few comments saying they have good service and have had great service from them so far but I'd like to hear anything to the contrary.

Awhile back I was looking at Outfitter and Hallmark campers. I planned a trip to Colorado for this purpose. Outfitter just redid their web page, but it had some issues. I emailed them about it, and Brian, the owner, said something to the effect that "I'm an ***." I've heard other truck camper owners say similar things. But it made my trip to Colorado much easier; I just had to visit Hallmark. Ended up buying a new Hallmark Everest.
 

ethergore

New member
Awhile back I was looking at Outfitter and Hallmark campers. I planned a trip to Colorado for this purpose. Outfitter just redid their web page, but it had some issues. I emailed them about it, and Brian, the owner, said something to the effect that "I'm an ***." I've heard other truck camper owners say similar things. But it made my trip to Colorado much easier; I just had to visit Hallmark. Ended up buying a new Hallmark Everest.

That sucks to hear. I have only talked to Bob so far. I try to call often with lots of questions to kind of test people's patience. Ill see if they snap at me. FWC hasn't answered one of my emails and about 4 of my calls so far. Surprising since everyone seems to say they have the best customer service. They were very nice when I went to the factory though. I honestly think I was just talking to the wrong employee. They are really busy there too. Seems like Stan is the best person to talk to.

After viewing the link by Rotti, I wish Hallmark had a camper closer to this profile.
 

STREGA

Explorer
My experience with outfitter's was a disaster. The build quality was poor and customer service was even worse, I would steer clear of them. I wish I would have bought the FWC instead but thought I needed the bells and whistle the outfitter had, I was wrong.
 

BCHauler

Adventurer
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