comments solicited about Hallmark Guanella

[clikrf8]

We have just returned from a 9 day trip over to Washington state's drier side. We have a 1999 Tacoma carrying a 2011 FWC Eagle. We love our little camper. However, "little" it is for 2 people and a poodle cross plus professional camera gear. So, now, we are considering a move to a 3/4 ton truck with a Hallmark Guanella for an 8' bed. That setup will give us way more room plus adequate headroom if we want to pull over to rest w/o putting up the top. No, we are not lazy; husband has a shattered T6 vertebrae. I am too short. Also, if it is raining, when we sit at the dinette, we really can't see much besides the ground out the window. Toyota is a 4 cylinder which had some trouble making the passes over the North Cascades Hwy (20). And, the braking is a concern. I know, this will be more consumptive but we are in early 60s and won't have another chance down the road. Besides, we don't travel long distances as we get to know an area to learn its light and locations.

So, tell us, please, what do you think about your Guanella? Handling, especially in wind or curvy roads and/orsteep grades? Roominess? Dependability? Build quality? Customer service? Can it handle a bumpy backroad (like the ones in the Grand Staircase Escalante N. M.)? We will probably buy a new one as we had a difficult time locating a local FWC Eagle. Any other helpful suggestions? Any Guanellas near us in Bellingham or Seattle/Everett/Tacoma area? There is a Cuachara on Bellingham's Craigslist but it is too long (may drag on bumpy backroads), and has shower/toilet which we don't want.

Also, is there a dedicated forum for Hallmark owners like there is on WtW for FWC? They are really a helpful bunch.

Thanks,
Happy trails.

[DanoT]

If you are considering a new camper then why not go with a custom Phoenix Camper from Coyote RV? They can build a non pop-up if that is what you want. However, their pop-up system pushes up from driver side, then passenger side, instead of pivoting front to back and might be easier for a short person.

[clikrf8]

We like the lower profile and lighter weight of a pop up. Hallmark seems to have a good reputation for build quality and customer service. I checked them ut briefly may may dod a closer look. We don't want a lot of addons; simple is better.

[davidv]

What do you think about your Guanella? After looking very closely at a number of the pop up brands i purchased a K2 (basically the same as a Guanella) 3 years ago. It been the right blend of capability and comfort for us. Every camper camper is a compromise of capability, comfort and cost and from all the camper I've looked at Hallmark has balanced this best.
Handling, especially in wind or curvy roads and/orsteep grades? With the truck you plan to buy you should be in great shape. I travel with my wife and 2 young children and felt that anything less then a 3/4 ton truck was a compromise in safety. I have an F250 diesel with a the camper package, and airbags. The truck actually handles and rides better with the camper on then off. The only difference is how the boost gauge and fuel gauge read. I would like a little more approach angle clearance but have resisted a leveling lift for fear of compromising what I perceive as an ideal ride.
Roominess? We're 4 people and as my kids grow its getting tight although if the weather is bad the 4 of us frequently sit down for dinner at the dinette. As the Kids grow I think we will out grow the layout, but for 2 people it should feel very roomy.
Dependability? Build quality? For the price the build quality is superb. Our camper is 3 years old and other then some brush scratches it hasn't aged much. We spend about 30 nights in it a year.
Customer service? It's a family owned and run business and customer service is basically calling up Bill one of his sons, or Randy who's an in-law. When we first got the camper my son was only 1 year old he rolled off the dinette bed. I spoke with Matt and they made a custom net that snapped across and worked as a baby gate for no charge. So far I've broken a few items like latches etc and when I call they usually show up UPS in a few weeks no charge.

[Regcabguy]

I can't comment on the Hallmark product,but you might want to consider offerings from Northstar. Ours is going on 13 yrs on two trucks. Everything still works and the lift system is easy for anybody to operate. They're a family run biz with excellent customer I've heard although I've never needed them. A 3/4-1 ton will be necessary with aftermarket enhancements also.

[xtremexj]

Ummm, Phoenix campers are pop-ups and they will build WHATEVER you need for your lifestyle. Might be worth looking at if you're not familiar with them.

[clikrf8]

I looked at Northstar but it has more wood in it than I want, especially as we travel off-road lots. I am interested only in the Hallmark Guanella or the K2. It took a long time to get to this point even as we bought the FWC Eagle as Hallmark made nothing for our pre-2005 Tacoma. So, we went next best which we felt was the FWC. But, since we added the dog and discovered we need more room, the Hallmark is what we really want. Why not the FWC Grandby? You can't see that well out the window and we like the cassette toilet that Hallmark offers plus they are more willing to customize. I am not happy with FWC currently as they didn't properly crimp a wire on the extra battery terminal. The constant effort to recharge has now drained the battery. A few calls has got us nowhere as the battery people say it is up to FWC; FWC says otherwise. It is still under warranty. I like the reports I have read about Hallmark's attention to detail and willingness to work with their customers. Yes, they are more money, but this is our last camper/truck purchase so it will be special. I think Phoenix is too untested or would give them a try.

I made several calls to Hallmark and the people I spoke with (Andy and Mark) were very personable and had extensive knowledge about their product. I am making a list of options for the K2 and will submit it for price. Mark said today that they could add or subtract from 1 model or another to build a camper that we will be happy with. That's customer service.

Thanks for the input. Now to find that truck. Which came first, the truck or the camper? We are looking for a Ford F250, possibly diesel, 8' bed, automatic, 4x4, extra cab (not crew cab) and automatic shift. I found a few near Seattle. The hunt is on.

[Regcabguy]

If possible score a 7.3 engine with the F-250. Two friends have had decent luck with theirs.

Research the 6.0's on www.thedieselstop.com.

Very nice campers indeed!

[whiskeycutter]

I have a Hallmark Ute mounted on a 2011 diesel F250. I wanted a Guanella but couldn't find a used one. The Ute has a bathroom which I feel is not really usable. The rest of the layout is the best I think. The Ute is heavier than I wanted but the F250 handles it well . I added airbags which were necessary to prevent rear end sag. My camper is 11 years old, still in good shape and seems to to be well constructed. I am also in my sixties and my only concern is climbing in and out of the cabover since I am not quite as nimble as I once was. I am about to begin my camping season in Utah so time will tell. Cheers

Whiskeycutter

[DanoT]

Klikrf8, I think you are mistaken about Coyote RV (Phoenix Camper) being untested as his father was the founder of FWC so Rob literally grew up around pop up truck campers. I love the fact that i found Coyote RV and was able to get a aluminum framed camper built to my specs, floor plan etc. for only slightly more than a non custom FWC and way cheaper than a non custom Alaskan Camper.