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Old 09-01-2017, 05:37 PM   #21
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Ha! Thanks, Bob! When I started to "build" an F-350, I was reminded that it's a $300+ option, and the truck bed step & assist is close to another $400(!). So there is little advantage to trying to keep the length to 8', since I would need to pay for camera and step anyway. I'll explore wired camera setups and probably buy Alaskan's version of a scissor-step. Anyone have suggestions for a wired camera and/or step access into a truck camper! Stealth camping seems less stealthy with a scissor stair deployed from the back door!
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Old 09-02-2017, 08:21 AM   #22
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Ha! Thanks, Bob! When I started to "build" an F-350, I was reminded that it's a $300+ option, and the truck bed step & assist is close to another $400(!). So there is little advantage to trying to keep the length to 8', since I would need to pay for camera and step anyway. I'll explore wired camera setups and probably buy Alaskan's version of a scissor-step. Anyone have suggestions for a wired camera and/or step access into a truck camper! Stealth camping seems less stealthy with a scissor stair deployed from the back door!
Hi

I would not pay 20 cents for the Ford version of the steps that store in the tailgate..... They might work for children.

Bob
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Old 09-02-2017, 07:14 PM   #23
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Hi

I would not pay 20 cents for the Ford version of the steps that store in the tailgate..... They might work for children.

Bob
"Hold my hand while I climb up into my truck bed". Said no man ever.
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Old 09-03-2017, 02:07 PM   #24
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Hi

I would not pay 20 cents for the Ford version of the steps that store in the tailgate..... They might work for children.

Bob
Why might they only work for children?
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Old 09-03-2017, 06:23 PM   #25
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"Hold my hand while I climb up into my truck bed". Said no man ever.
Well, when you're over 65, you might change your...perspective.
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Old 09-04-2017, 06:58 AM   #26
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Well, when you're over 65, you might change your...perspective.
Hi

Over 65 check
Over 300 lb check
Over 6' 3" check

Steps that pop out of the Ford tailgate .... not so much. They are *mighty* flimsy.

Bob
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Old 09-05-2017, 04:01 PM   #27
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"Young'un, you climb up in the truck bed and hand the stuff down to me..." will be the next step. [emoji3]
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Old 10-29-2017, 12:55 PM   #28
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Ready to pull the trigger

OK, after a lot of obsessing about interior features and comparing cost, weight and dimensions, we chose the Four Wheel Camper, Grandby model. Here's the link:
http://www.fourwh.com/product/grandb...er-8-foot-bed/

We liked the north/south bed, lower weight and secondary bed/dinette if stealth camping is called for. The Alaskan came in second in these categories, along with being about $10K more in cost. The Alaskan is a beautiful concept, just not for us at this stage.

PAYLOAD AND TOWING:
The 350 is a 2018 (factory build) 4x4 Supercab, 8' bed, SRW, 6.2L gas, with camper, off-road and towing packages. The wheel base is 164", which should yield a payload of around 4500 lbs. Towing capacity is WAY more than needed: 19K#!
The FWC weighs 1097 lbs dry, and with 260 lbs in optional equipment, fluids, etc, the wet weight will probably be in the neighborhood of 1700#.

I know this is more truck than I need for my new combo, but I won't have to fret about overweight issues. Tailgate goes, but the FWC dealer has a 3rd party source for connecting a camera to the OEM harness, and placing the camera in the license plate frame. The perspective isn't optimal, but I'll be happy with the rear view anyway.

Again, thanks for your thoughts and encouragement. See you on the road!
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Old 10-30-2017, 01:57 PM   #29
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I hadn't seen those before. Look nice.
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Old 10-31-2017, 08:08 AM   #30
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Hi

Popups are terrific for eliminating the "high profile" part of a camper. That's a really big deal out where wind just blows and blows. I would do a bit of digging on any of them to see how the "fabric" holds up. Not all of them are created equal. Some do fine for a really long time. Others have rain blowing in after a few years.

Bob
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Old 10-31-2017, 04:58 PM   #31
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FWC uses fabric like that found in Zodiac outboard boats. I think it is robust enough for the job.
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Old 11-01-2017, 06:43 PM   #32
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FWC uses fabric like that found in Zodiac outboard boats. I think it is robust enough for the job.
Hi

Well, I was just looking at a Zodiac earlier today. The stuff they use is often not the "best of the best". A lot depends on exactly which Zodiac and what fabric. Also issues like the gluing process and strain relief matter a lot. Even with good fabric, it can degrade fairly fast when exposed to UV.

Lots of variables ....

Bob
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Old 11-02-2017, 09:28 AM   #33
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Bob, your concerns about the fabric are common to ALL pop up campers (except the Alaskan). That said, FWC seems to enjoy a solid reputation for performance in this category, with several reviews by full-timing users who have traveled extensively. Premature fabric failure doesn't appear to be a subject of complaint.
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