Outfitter Camper Apex 8

[Wyoming Shooter]

Greetings from the Big Empty -

I'm very strongly considering the purchase of a used 2005 Outfitter Camper Apex 8. Here's the link to the 2008 version: http://www.outfittermfg.com/Campers/...x_8/apex_8.htm. I would appreciate the comments of past and present Outfitter Camper owners. Thanks much and best regards. ELN

[haven]

The folks at Offroad.com purchased an Apex camper for use on a Ford F350 Superduty. The article describing the project is here
http://ford.off-road.com/ford/Projec.../detail/198442

The six-month followup is here
http://ford.off-road.com/ford/Projec.../detail/198441

The conclusion was that the weight of the camper was a poor match for the custom offroad suspension on the truck. This is not a criticism of the camper, but rather a reminder that the suspension should be chosen after the full weight of the vehicle is understood.

The company website is http://www.outfittermfg.com There the dry weight of the Apex 8 is listed as about 1500 lbs. Options can easily add 300 lbs to this amount. Add a load of water, propane, food, gear and passengers and the weight carried by the truck would exceed 2500 lbs. So you'll need a pretty serious truck chassis to carry the load.

One useful feature of the Apex is extra storage beneath the cab-over bunk. There's a large compartment 11 inches high below the bunk mattress.

Chip Haven

[Wyoming Shooter]

I'd previously read that article and found it very informative. My truck is a stock '00 Ford F250 V10. I really like the concept of the Outfitter and hope that present or previous owners can comment on how it works "in the real world". Thanks again and best regards, ELN.

[VikingVince]

The conclusion was that the weight of the camper was a poor match for the custom offroad suspension on the truck. This is not a criticism of the camper, but rather a reminder that the suspension should be chosen after the full weight of the vehicle is understood.

The company website is http://www.outfittermfg.com There the dry weight of the Apex 8 is listed as about 1500 lbs. Options can easily add 300 lbs to this amount. Add a load of water, propane, food, gear and passengers and the weight carried by the truck would exceed 2500 lbs. So you'll need a pretty serious truck chassis to carry the load.

Chip Haven

Chip,

I stumbled across those articles/links a couple weeks ago and read them with interest. Fill me in here if you would: If I recall correctly, the payload of a Ford 350 is ~4000 pounds. So I'm a little confused as to why the above approx 2500 pounds wouldn't work out...especially after customizing the suspension. I couldn't really garner an answer from the articles. Maybe something to do with the way the weight is distributed? Thoughts...???

I just reread the 6 month follow-up again. He said that he wasn't satisfied with the balance of the load...so I guess that answers my question. BUT, they were doing pre-races down in Baja with the rig. That's a different set of expectations and demands than one would normally encounter in going offroading here. So it leaves me thinking the rig would be a pretty viable choice...some compromises, yes...but a low profile popup truck camper with all the amenities on a 350 with winch, lockers etc has appeal to me.

Just reread the followup again...I guess he pre-ran Baja without the camper on the truck...but then says he'd buy the camper again but with a stock suspension...so I guess the modified suspension for Baja racing didn't work with the camper.

Wyoming Shooter...I hope you get one. Do you have a long bed? I think that would be my choice so there'd be no overhang in the back...then I could still carry my KLR 250 in the receiver hitch.

[VikingVince]

Thanks alot Kalahanie...that clears it up

Your name sounds like it has Hawaiian influence. ???

[VikingVince]

That's interesting and cool...keeping language traditions alive!
(enuf said...don't want to go off topic)

[mwoods]

I visited Outfitters facility last week and looked at their campers for the first time. I am curious about how they perform (insulation-wise) in extreme heat. I have contacted a few owners that have only used them in mountain climates.

If you don't mind, I'd like to hitch-hike a question onto this thread --

Does anyone have experience with an Outfitter camper in hot climates... if so, how does it's insulation qualities perform compared to other pop-ups...or how does it compare to hard sided campers?

Thanks,

[boblynch]

Try posting on the truck forum at rv.net. One of the owners (sorry don't remember the name) took an extended trip to Central and South America in an Outfitter. They should be able to provide 1st hand info on hot weather.

[Rhode Trip]

Bob-
I think this is the guy you are referring to:
http://www.jesseslife.com/

[mwoods]

Guys, thanks for pointing me to Jesse--definitely someone with considerable experience in an Outfitter. I dropped a note to Jesse this evening.

Mike