About to purchase a AT Bobcat and have some questions

[Recycledon]

Hi Everyone! My wife and I live in Eugene, OR and are working with AT on a Bobcat shell build-out. We had some questions about some of the features we're on the fence about getting:

1) We have a 2013 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x 4-door truck and I want to make sure we don't run into issues with adding the 500-1,000 lbs of additional weight when we get the camper on the truck. What upgrades should I make to the truck's suspension to ensure a smooth ride?

2) We want to have powered vent fan and non-powered vent. Do we need an auxiliary battery system for this?

Donny

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I had my Bobcat on a Ford Ranger. I added better tires ((Cooper Discoverer AT3) and Airlift airbags. If your Bobcat will be on all the time, consider a stronger spring pack instead of the airbags.

Yes on the battery. I recommend a furnace and possibly a stove too. Be careful, you can add so much stuff you’re short on room (I did that, and am now waiting on a full size ATC Cougar shell.)

ATC is great to work with!

edit: Donny, my apologies for forgetting to welcome you to the cult. It’s the best hangout on the web. Keep us posted on your Bobcat, don’t forget we love pictures!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Donny welcome to the WTW cult and a future ATC Bobcat owner.

Second on Steve's thoughts. My Bobcat full camper is a 2009 build.
It was first placed on a 06 Ranger small V6 with SuperSprings.

It's a all the time on camper.After our 2011 4 week trip to Alaska we
felt it was under powered.Marty at ATC suggested a 1st gen Tundra.
We found a used 02 and after over 10 years now with the Tundra it is perfect for us.

I use airbags on the Tundra and have had great success with them.

My camper has the full stuff inside ,stove 3 way fridge,power fan above the sink,side dinette.
The dinette might be something for you to consider. It's only the 2 of us so extra sleeping
on a rollover couch isn't necessary.Over time I added solar.

Also my camper year was one of the last with "storm flaps".I think Marty still has them just not attached.
I feel they are a very useful item.

Yes you will need a battery to run everything,lights fan whatever.

Check out my blog http://sharychic.blogspot.com for photos of the camper on both trucks.

Enjoy your future camper.
Frank

 

[PaulT]

I’d suggest starting with a LiFePO4 battery, charge controller, and battery charge monitor. You’ll likely want them later and it is cheaper to buy once.

Welcome to the cult.
Paul

 

[CougarCouple]

Hello Donny
Hello and welcome to WtW forum.
We have a ATC Cougar loaded and here are something’s I would do different.

Use a stove you can use outside or inside. Lithium battery w/ a dc-dc and solar charger. Don’t do solar at first you might be ok just charging from truck. Fiammia awnings are nice but heavy compared to ARB awning. (Ask that they add anchor points in the frame )Two fans good idea. Sorry can’t help with weight but I can say it adds up fast.
Front window that opens nice but window can limit build out options on inside. Don’t get roof tracks. See if they can add empty room over the bed space, so you can leave bedding and pillows in place.
Have fun !



Russ

 

[Wango]

Hi,
Welcome to one of the best rabbit holes on the internet!
ATC are awesome to work with, great guys.
The weight will add up quick, a good friend was in a similar situation with his taco.
They settled on a compromise between a shell and full build out.
I always say upgrade springs/suspension. Not a fan of airbags, just like to keep things simple.
Lots of great people/info on here, ask questions.
Don't forget the photos!
w