
	Already a member? Login here. If not, Register Today! \| Help

Newest | Active | Popular | RVing FAQ

Forum Rules | Forum Posting Help and Support | Contact

Open Roads Forum > Truck Campers

This Topic Is Closed | Print Topic | Post New Topic |

Sponsored By:

Murgatroid

Nevada City, CA

Senior Member

Joined: 04/15/2008

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 05/20/09 12:59pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Two of the most controversial campers on rv.net, together at last!

Mods: I am NOT an agent for either of the above. I find the XP camper to be the most interesting truck camper design I've seen, which is why I wanted to see it in person. I do not understand why threads have been closed. I think there is a lot of interest and excitement about this camper and Marc's progress should be tracked here.

I stopped by Marc's place to check out his prototype camper. I brought my Outfitter to compare the two. I have to say I was greatly impressed with the XP Camper. Marc has put an amazing amount of thought and energy into it's design. It is definitely in a different class from any truck camper I've seen. Most of the hardware comes from the marine world rather than the RV world. The shell is extremely strong and durable, but lightweight. He had a piece of the composite sandwich on a bench that I whacked with a hammer with no trace of damage.

Size wise, my Outfitter is about a foot longer. Mine has more internal storage because of this. The Outfitter Apex 8 is more of the same size. I do like my separate hard walled bathroom, but the XP Camper's dual purpose bathroom/counter top is a good compromise. There is more external storage on the XP than the Apex, plus all the storage in the flat bed itself. You can fit another spare tire in the XP, or use it to carry other stuff like firewood. Next to the 3Gal diesel tank (for the appliances) is room for 2 5Gal jugs of diesel.

The XP uses modified Atwood (on edit: actually Rieco-Titan - oops!) jacks. They look like your typical jacks with a piece of square tubing welded on perpendicular to the jack. This square tubing fits a square hole in the the camper. Very clever. They fit in the long pullout drawer in the back of the flatbed if you want to take them with you.

I like the pull out entry steps. When lifted up, they fold flat and can be pushed into a recess below the door.

There is a bay in the driver's side where the two large marine AGM batteries sit (440AH total IIRC), along with the back of the distribution/breaker panels. He uses only breakers and no fuses. The 12V breaker panels are marine and are not cheap.

The XP is a basement design with the holding tanks under the floor. There are also a couple of lift up floor panels for storing heavy items, like canned goods. Even with the basement design sitting higher on a flatbed, the overall height is similar to my Outfitter. When the top is raised, there is decent head room (6'5" I believe), although a few inches less than the Apex. I"m not sure why, but the XP seems very bright and open. My Outfitter, even with the pop-up windows open, is more closed in and feels long and narrow.

All the windows are on the upper half of the assembly. With the top lowered, there is no way to gain entry by breaking a window! He is using the acylic Dometic windows, which are scratch prone (and his are scratched up a bit), but he is going to try a new version that is more scratch resistant.

My Outfitter, in comparison, is more like your typical Elkhart, IN RV think, which is fine for now, but I"ll be lusting after the XP!.

[image]

-steve

* This post was edited 05/20/09 09:27pm by Murgatroid *

2009 Northern Lite 9.6Q Classic
2012 Cyclone 300C
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 QC LB CTD 2WD for towing
2004 Ford F250 ExCab LB P/S 4WD for hauling

Deanmac

Bremen, Georgia

New Member

Joined: 05/09/2007

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 05/20/09 01:14pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

XP sure looks sleek and nice

lamadera

Northern New Mexico

Full Member

Joined: 05/16/2003

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 05/20/09 01:38pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Very nice, I checked out their web site also. It won't be cheap I bet.

2004.5 Dodge 2500 CTD 4X4 Quad Cab SB, 2004 Lite-Craft Timberline

Bumpyroad

Virginia

Senior Member

Joined: 12/01/2005

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 05/20/09 02:44pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

BradW wrote:

At $70K, it's DOA.

Blunt, to the point, and correct.
bumpy

Murgatroid

Nevada City, CA

Senior Member

Joined: 04/15/2008

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 05/20/09 01:43pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

lamadera wrote:

Very nice, I checked out their web site also. It won't be cheap I bet.

Well, it's expensive for a truck camper, but ************** a Sportsmobile (including the price of a new truck). I believe Marc is targeting a price of around $70K for everything but the truck. This includes the $7K aluminum flatbed.

Think more along the lines of a boat in the shape of a truck camper and the price won't be so startling. [emoticon]

If I had the cash, I'd personally get in line.

-steve

* This post was edited 05/20/09 03:54pm by an administrator/moderator *

seldomseensmith

Flagstaff, AZ

Senior Member

Joined: 09/18/2006

View Profile

Posted: 05/20/09 01:50pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

I'm sure the XP will have its own market, much like Hallmark and Outfitter have theirs - While I agree some of the refinements particularly appliances are cool, there's no way I'm gonna spend 70k on a camper unless someone leaves me a hefty inheritance. I'd say it's another interesting and worthwhile addition (if you can afford it) to the camper zoo.

BradW

Mayor of Flat Rock

Senior Member

Joined: 10/29/2001

View Profile

Posted: 05/20/09 01:57pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

At $70K, it's DOA.

Wake Up America
2019 Lance 1062 and 2018 F-350 CC PSD 4X4 DRW
Tembrens, Rear Roadmaster Sway Bar, Torklift 48" Extention and 30K Superhitch
Our New Lance 1062 Truck Camper Unloading at Dealer Photos

Nemo667

Louisiana

Senior Member

Joined: 10/28/2004

View Profile

Posted: 05/20/09 03:16pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

BradW wrote:

At $70K, it's DOA.

...does that include the truck?

2007 F-350 SRW 6.0L CC SB 4X4
2006 Outfitter Apex 8, 220W Solar and 3 AGM's
2013 Jeep Rubicon

btggraphix

Golden, CO

Senior Member

Joined: 03/08/2005

View Profile

Posted: 05/20/09 03:18pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

I wonder how many a year he'll have to make and sell, be successful. For the right niche, it's great. The question is how big the niche is.....I hope they do well.