trails2004 wrote: And some pop-ups (Hallmark) have an electric motor to raise and lower the top- nicer feature..
Outfitter also offers this option, however, it is too slow for me. I haven't challenged anyone to a race as of yet, but I could probably raise and lower my top three times with my manual crank in the time it takes for the electric lift to raise the top (basically using a jack motor).
Outfitter does indeed offer the electric lift. I have it on mine and can verify that while it is indeed no speed demon (it takes just over a min to raise the top) it makes operating the roof totally effortless. Don would indeed beat it in a race since I had the manual lift on my previous Apex and would be drinking a beer already by the time the electric completes its cycle but this is much easier for my wife to work if need be, regardless of the load on the roof. One nice feature of the electric lift is that you can stop the process at any point without having to have someone hold the crank.
2007 F350,SC,LB,4x4,6.0/Auto,35" tires,16.5 Warn,Buckstop bumpers
2007 Outfitter Apex9.5,270W solar,SolarBoost2000e,2 H2K's,2KW inverter,2 20lb LP on slide out tray,4 Lifeline AGM bats,Tundra fridge
95 Bounder 28' ClassA sold
91 Jamboree 21' ClassC sold
I've been following this forum's topic closely ...
What factors should I look for when considering dealerships ...
Thx in advance...
North Star I think they already have dealers in Alstraila or New Zeland or some place like that.
Thx for pointing that out and also to your reply trails2004. Yes, I was aware outfitter does factory direct, and now I know Hallmark do too. And it seems fourwheelcamper and northstar have dealerships abroad. I am particularly attracted to northstar as they have cool designs and great prices. Something more affordable for entry level RV users here. However, it seems that for northstar smaller camper models, they don't have roof mounted AC, but instead you have to put a AC through the side wall and I think that's a bit unsightly. The reason roof ACs being too heavy for cranking. However, Outfitter's smaller models have no problems with roof ACs. Wonder why that is. Now I'm trying to hunt for smaller pop up camper models with roof ACs. I'm trying to contact fourwheel about this, and yet to receive any info yet. But choosing between fourwheel or northstar, it will have to be northstar, as you get better interiors for only slightly higher price. I just wish it had roof AC for the MC600 and TC700. Does anyone know of anyone other brands and models which can have what I need?
whazoo wrote: Hey trails, I for one would surely never beat anyone...maybe myself at solitaire.(I cheat) My feelings are there are no negatives, only positives of different degrees! And I'm positive ol Chuck Taylor who was disturbed at my ribbing you on my initial post/trip report, will be happy no matter what he buys. And yes, still disturbed...like the rest of us.
whazoo wrote: Hey trails, I for one would surely never beat anyone...maybe myself at solitaire.(I cheat) My feelings are there are no negatives, only positives of different degrees! And I'm positive ol Chuck Taylor who was disturbed at my ribbing you on my initial post/trip report, will be happy no matter what he buys. And yes, still disturbed...like the rest of us.
Gosh, you're just too nice Dave.
Can I please, please have another wooping ?? And yes Whazoo is a nice person
Ps There is hope-so dont give up
* This post was
edited 04/03/08 01:17am by trails2004 *
I've been following this forum's topic closely ...
What factors should I look for when considering dealerships ...
Thx in advance...
North Star I think they already have dealers in Alstraila or New Zeland or some place like that.
Thx for pointing that out and also to your reply trails2004. Yes, I was aware outfitter does factory direct, and now I know Hallmark do too. And it seems fourwheelcamper and northstar have dealerships abroad. I am particularly attracted to northstar as they have cool designs and great prices. Something more affordable for entry level RV users here. However, it seems that for northstar smaller camper models, they don't have roof mounted AC, but instead you have to put a AC through the side wall and I think that's a bit unsightly. The reason roof ACs being too heavy for cranking. However, Outfitter's smaller models have no problems with roof ACs. Wonder why that is. Now I'm trying to hunt for smaller pop up camper models with roof ACs. I'm trying to contact fourwheel about this, and yet to receive any info yet. But choosing between fourwheel or northstar, it will have to be northstar, as you get better interiors for only slightly higher price. I just wish it had roof AC for the MC600 and TC700. Does anyone know of anyone other brands and models which can have what I need?
I appreciate the help. Thx.
Northstar may be able to add another torsion bar and move the AC to the roof. Give them a call. They are usually quick to reply to phone and email messages.
Northstar offers a roof mounted air conditioner on their largest Pop Up camper, the 850SC. This is a 15' overall length, 2300 lb. wet weight, MSRP of $27,600 (with options) camper for Full-Size Short-bed or Long-bed Trucks (F-350/250's and 2500/3500's). This is also their only self contained camper with a shower. The rest of them are offered with the rear window air conditioner as an option. The unique thing about this pop up is you can get the xtra bed which is a side fold out single bed tent. With this option it sleeps 4 in 3 separate beds.
I've been following this forum's topic closely ...
What factors should I look for when considering dealerships ...
Thx in advance...
North Star I think they already have dealers in Alstraila or New Zeland or some place like that.
Thx for pointing that out and also to your reply trails2004. Yes, I was aware outfitter does factory direct, and now I know Hallmark do too. And it seems fourwheelcamper and northstar have dealerships abroad. I am particularly attracted to northstar as they have cool designs and great prices. Something more affordable for entry level RV users here. However, it seems that for northstar smaller camper models, they don't have roof mounted AC, but instead you have to put a AC through the side wall and I think that's a bit unsightly. The reason roof ACs being too heavy for cranking. However, Outfitter's smaller models have no problems with roof ACs. Wonder why that is. Now I'm trying to hunt for smaller pop up camper models with roof ACs. I'm trying to contact fourwheel about this, and yet to receive any info yet. But choosing between fourwheel or northstar, it will have to be northstar, as you get better interiors for only slightly higher price. I just wish it had roof AC for the MC600 and TC700. Does anyone know of anyone other brands and models which can have what I need?
I appreciate the help. Thx.
Northstar may be able to add another torsion bar and move the AC to the roof. Give them a call. They are usually quick to reply to phone and email messages.
* This post was
edited 04/03/08 08:46am by David_in_TX *
I made the drive from Tucson to the Denver area, and also visited Lite-Craft, Hallmark, and Outfitter - in that order. My previous camper was a FourWheel Grandby, 8 foot.
I had previously looked at an almost new Northstar 850SC. The bath was too short for me, the head room in the bed was very small, and it just generally felt cramped - possibly because the bed extended back into the cabin.
Lite-craft didn't have any models available with what I wanted, just one in construction. So it wasn't really possible to evaluate - but I could pretty much tell it would be too small. To put in a toilet and shower, they put it on the same side as the sink and stove -- not enough room. Also, no room for an oven in a bathroom model.
Hallmark Ute is clearly a very well built unit. But again, the bath is too small for me -- head hitting roof. I also didn't like the black tank hanging under the back of the camper - even though they would insulate and heat it. I don't know that this location would be a problem - it's probably OK, but I didn't like it. I like the lower closed profile (as compared to an Outfitter). Although a Ute has many features standard that are often options, they still have a very premium price.
I confess that I started this trip with somewhat of a bias toward an Outfitter Apex 8, and seeing a new one in person confirmed it. The bath is plenty big enough for me - 6-3, 195. My head doesn't hit the roof, and my shoulders don't hit the sides. Lots of headroom in the bed. My impression (but not detail inspection) was that the interior fit and finish was similar between Hallmark and Outfitter. The available standard and custom options was also a positive, as I wanted an option mix that may be unusual: standard cabover, tundra refrigerator, 110w solar, cassette toilet, oven, room for 4 135AH 12v AGM batteries, and a custom air conditioner install.
I didn't want to spend the money for a new camper, but it was clear that I was not going to find what I wanted in a used model.
In the end, I gave Bob Ward of Outfitter my max price, and we settled very close to it.
Offline
