ATC Panther on the drawing board

[jimjxsn]

Hi Folks,
I just sold my FWC Ranger and have in mind to order an ATC Panther to replace it. We had the Ranger for 10 years and loved it, it was just about perfect for us. With that, I'm pretty sure about how we would like it outfitted and thought I might start this thread to ask questions of those of you that have gone through the ordering process.

I'd like to order before any price increases but really would like to wait to pick it up until late spring when we can make a camping trip out of it. And there's ski season to consider as well...

Thanks in advance for any help you are able to provide.

1st question: I'm wondering if my Yeti 45 cooler will fit below the front window on the floor? It is 25 1/2 inches wide and 15 1/2 inches tall. And if so is that below the main cabinet overhang?

Thanks!
Jim

PS: Boy, we had a blast with that Ranger

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Jim, your best bet is to call ATC and talk to Marty or Jeff. It sounds a bit wide unless you have some custom work done with the seats, though it might be short enough to go under the counter, but then you might have to relocate your water tank. Regardless, give them a call, they're great to work with, reasonable, and give you an excellent camper.

ATC will have the answers!

 

[Ronin]

I'm in the same position as you are. I'm going to sell my 2003 Hawk and order a Panther for my 2014 Tundra. Having lived with and in the Hawk for 8 years I've decided on the following for the Panther:

Side Dinette with back and coat closet ( always thought it would be nicer to sit facing each other)
Forced Air Furnace ( my Hawk doesn't have a furnace)
2 way comp refer
100 Watt Solar ( ATC uses Renogy that I was thinking about installing in my Hawk))
Auxiliary battery system with 2 6volt batteries
Outside Lift Assists
Power roof vent
Additional roof vent over bed
Electric Water Pump
Outside Shower
Jack Brackets Only
Yakima Roof Tracks
Gas can carrier


I might add the slide out bed later. I rather not have it but will see how it works out first. I'm open to ideas or opinions about anything else people have found useful or wish they had in a perfect world!!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Ronin, my 2¢ worth... Consider a chest type refrigerator. I suspect Marty and Jeff could build a nice place for it. I'd go bigger on solar, too. We put a 150 watt panel on the Bobcat.

You mentioned an outside shower, are you getting a water heater too?

 

[longhorn1]

Ronin, if the bed slide is standard option, you can't go wrong having it. Just leave the cushions at home. I'm 5'-9" and we sleep North/South. My 2 cents. jd

Sent from my SM-G900V using Wander The West mobile app

 

[Ronin]

Ronin, my 2¢ worth... Consider a chest type refrigerator. I suspect Marty and Jeff could build a nice place for it. I'd go bigger on solar, too. We put a 150 watt panel on the Bobcat.

You mentioned an outside shower, are you getting a water heater too?

So which chest type refer do you have or recommend and what are the advantages over a built -in refer? The solar part is the biggest question mark for me as I've never had one before. I'll be running interior lights, the fan while cooking, the furnace for short periods at a time, and of course a refer. Speaking to Marty he thinks the 100 watt would be adequate. I could have ATC wire for a 2nd 100 watt panel I could add later - this is a difficult decision because I want the solar in place to start out but won't know how well the panel will keep up with my needs until I actually hit the road. I generally go on 3-4-5 day trips but once a year I'll do an extended 10-14 days. As far as the shower it'll be cold water only - according to Marty ATC can't build a hot water system into the Panther. My wife and I like going to hot springs so the shower is to just get the mud and sand off.

 

[Ronin]

Ronin, if the bed slide is standard option, you can't go wrong having it. Just leave the cushions at home. I'm 5'-9" and we sleep North/South. My 2 cents. jd

Sent from my SM-G900V using Wander The West mobile app

The bed slide can be added later. The only problem I have with the slide is that it will sit right over the cooktop. My Hawk doesn't have the extended bed so I have no choice but to use the slide out which means having to pretty much unmake the bed and rearrange all of the pillows, comforter,etc. A general pain just to get some coffee and breakfast going. So what I think you're doing is using the slide out without any cushions (?) Do you sleep with your head facing the rear door and use pillows on the slide out? or head facing forward and no cushions for your feet. I like the idea of No-So sleeping and just trying to visualize how you're doing it. Thanks!

 

[longhorn1]

When we arrive at camp and get the roof up, I move the cushions up onto bed until we are ready to go to bed. I then pull out the slide and insert the cushions. We have a front dinnette. The sleeping bags stay up top and just hang down while we travel or we fold them up onto the bed when we are sitting at the dinnette. We used to leave the slide out, but harder to push roof up. The stove is at the back passenger side and the sink next to it kinda in the center of the cabinets so the slide is only over the dinnette seating. We sleep with our heads to the front of the camper. My feet hang over a little unless I sleep on my side with legs drawn up. No climbing over each other. Also we have 1/2" marine hyper-vent on the bed overhand which arches up with the 1/2" slide so it is even. The hyper-vent allows air flow under cushions. jd

Sent from my SM-G900V using Wander The West mobile app

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Ronin,

There are a number of different brands of chest style refrigerators, Truck Fridge, Engel, National Luna, Dometic and others. I believe they typically have a smaller current draw, and don't spill out the cold air when opened. We have an Engel 40 qt that will go into our new Bobcat. It can function as a refrigerator or freezer, and with some creative loading, it can keep things frozen on the bottom, yet fresh towards the top. When we use it on our boat, it is strictly as a freezer. We then transfer food from it into a small cooler to satisfy the daily needs. The Engel has a relatively low current draw, and it typically is not up against an aluminum camper skin that gets hot in the sun.

Another WTW member (jkidd) recently purchased a National Luna that has separate compartments that each can be used as refer or freezer on his boat or in his camper. Expensive, but very functional. Another Member has a Truck Fridge in their Bobcat, and finds it does a good job for them.

With a different camper and a Dometic 80L refrigerator, our batteries (2 12 volt group 24 AGM Exides) were taken quite low after 3 days parked in one spot. We had a 90 watt panel and were in direct Arizona sun. I asked Marty for the larger panel because of going with a single battery. The price difference between a 100 and 150 watt panel is not great, and I don't notice any difficulty raising the top. Marty did put put 40 lb gas struts on the front of our Bobcat. It goes in the air far easier than the roof on our previous camper using 80 lb internal struts.

I guess it's a matter of preference, but I like the option of being able to use our Engel in multiple places. I also believe the chest style freezer/refrigerators are more efficient than front loader types. I am losing some precious floor space , but for me it's worth it.

Regardless of your choice, ATC will build you a top quality camper. I enjoyed working with them.

 

[PaulT]

Like Steve, I recommend more than 100 watts. I have 260 watts and yet ran the two batteries lower than I like on a trip where it rained or was overcast, day after day. It takes full sun to get the 100 watts and it takes time with good sun to fill your battery.

For a shower, look at the Nemo Helio pressure shower. Even though we have the factory shower with our Hawk, we have been using the Helio as it is more convenient and quicker to set up & use. Heat your water by any method, fill the Helio and shower.
http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Helio+Pressure+Shower+(Grey)

Paul

 

[Vic Harder]

+2 on more solar power. Sounds like your power requirements are small, but you did mention dual 6v batteries. That usually nets you over 200AH. How long will you be parked in one spot? Do you park in the sun?

 

[Ronin]

+2 on more solar power. Sounds like your power requirements are small, but you did mention dual 6v batteries. That usually nets you over 200AH. How long will you be parked in one spot? Do you park in the sun?

I seldom stay in one spot for for over a day, two at the most. I generally park in the shade, but I know that'll have to change with solar. I'm back to the drawing board on how many watts I should go. It's probably prudent to go with more since I do the majority of my camping in early spring and fall into winter when the sun is lower on the horizon. Plus, if everything's set up right I can't overcharge the batteries. What's your opinion on refers??

 

[Vic Harder]

Have you seen the thread I started on solar? - LINK --> caution... Information overload is possible!

Consider going with a portable solar setup. I will have both on my build. 265w on the roof, 300w portable.

Refers? I just ordered the TruckFridge 130 for my build. Low power usage, big, less $$ than the identical Isotherm.

 

[ski3pin]

...............................................Another Member has a Truck Fridge in their Bobcat, and finds it does a good job for them.

Do consider a chest style top loading refrigerator. Pros are less power usage - smaller space, cold air stays in the unit when the lid is open and, packed full, it has a large mass of cold stuff to keep it cold, items don't fall out if there's a problem with the door. Cons are digging through your cold stuff to find an item (pack efficiently lessens the chore).

When I first bought one of these units I measured the amp hours used. The results are here -
TF51A Test Results
It would be nice to see similar real usage data for the front opening 65L, 110L, and 130L units for comparison. My seat of the pants observation is much more energy usage as I see my friends problems keeping up with battery and solar power with thier larger front opening compressor refrigerators..

There are two ways of approaching energy use - think small and conserve or build your battery/solar system large enough to power everything you want to bring.without worry. For us the former works fine and is in line with our concept of a light and simple shelter we can take anywhere we want to drive our truck.

Good luck with your choices. All the possible options and choices can get overwhelming. Remember to take a deep breath and focus on how you see you and your family using your set up.

 

[Bseek]

I have a Dometic 40L. When I noticed that 4 gallon water bottles fit perfectly, I now use them with the tops cut off leaving the handle on to organize my cold food storage. No wasted space at all and I can easily find what I need. One for drinks, one for lunch stuff, etc. I think they are Crystal Geyser brand. A buck a piece and that was for the water, the container is a freebie. Oh, I guess I lost out on the recycle value, big whoop.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Brenda, that's neat creative thinking!

 

[Ronin]

+2 on more solar power. Sounds like your power requirements are small, but you did mention dual 6v batteries. That usually nets you over 200AH. How

Have you seen the thread I started on solar? - LINK --> caution... Information overload is possible!

Consider going with a portable solar setup. I will have both on my build. 265w on the roof, 300w portable.

Refers? I just ordered the TruckFridge 130 for my build. Low power usage, big, less $$ than the identical Isotherm.

OK - just read through your solar thread and of course all of the other topics that accompany it and am totally amazed at the amount of info you've provided. Thank you. I have read Handybobs blog and am sold on the Trimetric controller. So next question is going to be how may watt panels to start out with- 200 or 300 ? I'm going to talk to Marty and see what available space I'll have on the roof of my Panther. I might have to forego the additional roof vent over the bed - dunno. I'll also ask Marty to wire for a plug in panel if I find I need to add one. I'm reluctant to go with portable panels because of the extra storage space it'll take up - where do you plan to store yours? Will I be able to use the same controller if I add a panel later? Are you considering tilt brackets for your panels. So much to think about - think I'll go out and do a burn pile, have an adult beverage, and contemplate on all of this!

 

[Ronin]

Ronin,

There are a number of different brands of chest style refrigerators, Truck Fridge, Engel, National Luna, Dometic and others. I believe they typically have a smaller current draw, and don't spill out the cold air when opened. We have an Engel 40 qt that will go into our new Bobcat. It can function as a refrigerator or freezer, and with some creative loading, it can keep things frozen on the bottom, yet fresh towards the top. When we use it on our boat, it is strictly as a freezer. We then transfer food from it into a small cooler to satisfy the daily needs. The Engel has a relatively low current draw, and it typically is not up against an aluminum camper skin that gets hot in the sun.

Another WTW member (jkidd) recently purchased a National Luna that has separate compartments that each can be used as refer or freezer on his boat or in his camper. Expensive, but very functional. Another Member has a Truck Fridge in their Bobcat, and finds it does a good job for them.

With a different camper and a Dometic 80L refrigerator, our batteries (2 12 volt group 24 AGM Exides) were taken quite low after 3 days parked in one spot. We had a 90 watt panel and were in direct Arizona sun. I asked Marty for the larger panel because of going with a single battery. The price difference between a 100 and 150 watt panel is not great, and I don't notice any difficulty raising the top. Marty did put put 40 lb gas struts on the front of our Bobcat. It goes in the air far easier than the roof on our previous camper using 80 lb internal struts.

I guess it's a matter of preference, but I like the option of being able to use our Engel in multiple places. I also believe the chest style freezer/refrigerators are more efficient than front loader types. I am losing some precious floor space , but for me it's worth it.

Regardless of your choice, ATC will build you a top quality camper. I enjoyed working with them.

Do you find the 40 qt size adequate for say 3 days between hitting the supermarket? Would you say it's at least equivalent to a 65L front load since you have so much wasted space at the top?

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Like Ski I also have a Truckfridge the TF45. On our 6 week trip to Alaska this past Aug/Sept, I ran the fridge for the 5 nights abord the ferry and the 100a battery was only down to just about 12v.
This type of "chest"fridge works great.
It gives you space options plus has wide temp settings.
There are so many options for a new camper get what you think you might need for your style camping.Some can be added later others can,t or at least it's harder.
Good luck.Just ask Marty/Jeff lots of questions.They are great.They built my 09 Bobcat and we have had a lot of good use out of it in the past 7 years.
Frank

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Do you find the 40 qt size adequate for say 3 days between hitting the supermarket? Would you say it's at least equivalent to a 65L front load since you have so much wasted space at the top?

Far more than 3 days when using a small ice chest for the daily needs, more like a week+. I also alternated frozen 64 oz juice bottles full of water in and out to keep the ice chest cool. This was using it as a freezer only.

I think that as a refer, results would be close. No idea if it's equvelent to a 65L front loader, but my guess is it would be more than enough for 3 days used as just a refer. You can really efficiently load a chest type refer, but you need to do it so common stuff is accessible. LIFO - last in first out...