Outfitter or Hallmark?

[davidv]

A distinct difference between the 2 campers is their profile. The Outfitter has basement storage increasing its height and center of gravity reducing one of the biggest advantages of a pop-up. I looked closely at both and bought a Hallmark.

[theMec]

I would buy a hallmark as i have never seen a used outfitter that aged well. 2 of those units were for sale on their lot.

18seeds - didn't you own an Outfitter at one point? I think I've seen you on the RV.net forum.

I've visited both companies since they are local. I have a short bed so I looked at the Hallmark Milner and the Outfitter Apex 6.5. They were both nice! Expensive & heavy too. I can't say why exactly but I liked Hallmark better but if I were to buy one - I'd have to visit both again - after reading all the relevant posts at the rv.net truck camper forum
->http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...s/forum/27.cfm Lot's of Hallmark vs. Outfitter there.

The weight of either one would greatly reduce my off road travel - even w/ my 3/4 ton. I'd think a Tundra would be at max payload (at least) after adding water, gear and people.

[deminimis]

I spent a ton of time trying to decide between the two. Talked with mfrs and actual owners. When all was said and done, Hallmark got the nod. Of course, I bought something totally different because it was too good a deal to pass up, but if my current camper does not work out for us, I'll be buying Hallmark without a doubt.

[18seeds]

18seeds - didn't you own an Outfitter at one point? I think I've seen you on the RV.net forum.

Nope I've owned a Palomino, 3 Lite-Crafts, and a northstar. I am pretty sure Lite-Craft is out of business. If I were to buy now it would be a Northstar, hallmark or FWC.

Right now it's a tacoma and topper. Keeping it simple for the next few years.

[Colby Jack]

Sorry to hijack
I just got a PM from Northern Explorer mentioning Hallmark as a possibility for my situation. I had already read this thread, but Hallmark somehow didn't get on my list.

@Davidv-- which Hallmark did you go with? On what truck?

Thanks.

Colby Jack

[davidv]

I bought the K2 and put it on a '08 F250 diesel. So far I'm very happy with both purchases

http://s890.photobucket.com/albums/a...1.jpg&newest=1

I had always assumed that smaller and lighter was better of road but am amazed at what 5 tons does for traction.

I looked at the Tundra also and came to the conclusion it wasn't enough truck. Fully loaded your over payload and then to make it work off-road. I think your asking for trouble putting anything more than a FWC on the Yota.

The twin turbo Ford is a beast and now that i have airbags i have to look in the mirrors to remember the campers is there.

[zidaro]

Good bud of mine has an Outfitter with a serious roof separation with leak, was used but not in an abusive way. He now hates his and for good reason.

I happen to have a new Tundra 6.5'bed and am seriously torn between the Northstar TC650 and the Haulmark Milner.
Haulmark appears to have better construction durability and nice features.
Northstar has the extended bed area and the rear bumper wraparound that is nice.
FWC gets in there too, but really seem to be BAREBONES in design comforts and weigh the same once you add on any features.

All poptop options will be at MAX rated capacity of 1575# or just above for my Crewmax . The quandary!!!!!

[Regcabguy]

In our local Craigslist here in San Diego there was a 2005 TC650,loaded and in like new condition for $7,000,asking price. My 2000 Northstar TC800 has been on my old '98.5 CTD and now in it's second life on my '07. It's weathered 33 Baja trips(admittedly basic Baja service roads) and several desert runs. No leaks,every component still works and it's home away from home. My Thuren/Carli suspension allows an excellent controlled highway ride and sucks up the bumps offroad.

[NothingClever]

I've never been in an Outfitter.

I've been in one of Hallmark's full size rigs....their comfort and finish work are quite nice.

[Togwotee]

I'm local here in Colorado and have been to both factories. The service at Hallmark was much better. Outfitter also undersells the weight. An Apex 9.5 used locally was actually close to 2800 lbs when weighed. The Hallmark had a more finished look and feel. That said, the Hallmark has almost NO storage space nor were they excited about modifying the unit. The Apex 9.5 I looked at had almost as much storage as an Eagle Cap 950 and Outfitter says they are willing to modify their campers. Lastly, aluminum is a conductor of heat while wood is an insulator. My $.02