ATC Panther on the drawing board

[jimjxsn]

Help, I need your opinion on the camper as I'm starting to have second thoughts. I'm thinking of switching from a Panther (84" wide) to the 78" Ocelot. This will be on a Toyota Tundra. I am 6'2" so originally wanted the most width possible.

The box in the pictures is 84" wide. It isn't past the mirrors but is wider than the widest part of the truck body. It is 6 1/2" wider than the bed rails on both sides. The wider Ocelot would still be 3 1/2 inches wider than the rails.

It looks huge to me. What do you think?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[shellback]

Presently I have a 2016 Silverado 1500 and a Travel Lite 770SL hardside camper. The camper is 84"s wide and I use clip on towing mirrors. Probably don't really need them. I do like the 84" width for jack clearance, and 78"s would not work without extenders. I'm building a 1979 4 Wheel Grandby to replace the Travel Lite. It's 80"s wide. I just had jack brackets made to give me 84"s clearance for the jacks.

 

[Tuff Guy 62]

We have a Panther on a 2000 Chevy 1500. We're using the standard mirrors with no extensions. We spent 30 nights in the field and put on over 7,000 miles last year (both on road and off road) with no visibility or clearance issues. Like you, initially we weren't sure to go with a Panther or an Ocelot. Ultimately we chose the Panther because of the additional width. We did modify our design and went with a narrower Ocelot door. No rollover couch, just a 28" wide bench on the passenger side. This allows us to have the center aisle completely unobstructed so we can easily move around one another when inside.

At 6'1" I really like the option to sleep E-W with plenty of room to spare. We also opted for an extra 2" of height which make things a lot nicer when getting in and out of bed.

We are very happy with our choice. In either case, you can't go wrong with an ATC. Jeff and Marty are the best.

Good luck with your choice and looking forward to seeing your build pics.

 

[Rockcod]

Help, I need your opinion on the camper as I'm starting to have second thoughts. I'm thinking of switching from a Panther (84" wide) to the 78" Ocelot. This will be on a Toyota Tundra. I am 6'2" so originally wanted the most width possible.

The box in the pictures is 84" wide. It isn't past the mirrors but is wider than the widest part of the truck body. It is 6 1/2" wider than the bed rails on both sides. The wider Ocelot would still be 3 1/2 inches wider than the rails.

It looks huge to me. What do you think?

Thanks for all your help!

I certainly understand your thoughts with the width decision. I'm 5'8 so perhaps this made it easier for me.? The F150 version is made taller to accommodate the taller bed walls. I don't see that as a benefit at this point. I did much like you with the template, only mine included collapsed height also. From the front I felt it was to wide and would be more difficult to judge narrow roads so ultimately I went with the 78" Ocelot, which should be about 5 or 6 weeks out from delivery. I am not at all excited about Sierra pinstripes or random dents/ dings, so those will no doubt bother me, at first ? I suppose if I were 80 % paved 20 % off highway or less, I might go wider, but my goals are closer to 60/70 % paved ,remaining, hopefully, off highway. I also have a lighter duty truck and the extra space would just be more temptation to load up. I will be taking a couple of cardboard templates to the factory next week, fridge placement, porta Potti etc. My plan is to convert the fridge space to storage and go portable compressor fridge behind the center front window. If the room isn't there or it conflicts with the side sofa deployed, I will no doubt go with a smaller fridge, as of now, 50 qt is the plan. Keep in mind also should you have an awning installed, this will add a little width for the trees or brush.
Have you placed your order yet ?

Good luck , it is all great fun

Rock

 

[jimjxsn]

I just ordered a SMEV sink stove combo for the ATC Panther and am having it shipped to ATC.

Originally, I was going with a sink and no stove since we do 99% of our cooking outside.

I came across the SMEV 8821 unit on-line which is a sink with a single burner. I saw the SMEVs at one of the Denver RV shows on several units, including the Airstream Basecamp and they looked like a nice option.

 

[Vic Harder]

where online?

 

[jimjxsn]

Panther RV Products

http://pantherrvproducts.com/smev-mo8821lus-1-burner-rv-marine-propane-cooktop-w-sink/

 

[Vic Harder]

holy expensive batman! nice quality though

 

[jimjxsn]

I talked to Marty last week to make some final tweaks to my order and he said they have started the metal work on my Panther.

He said they are building two Panthers at the same time and are calling them the twins. ETA is 3-4 weeks.

If anyone happens by ATC HQ please snap some pictures to share...

Thanks for all the help

 

[ski3pin]

"the twins"

 

[jimjxsn]

Marty emailed me today, that my Panther will be ready next week. Super excited although we won't be able to make the trip out to California for a couple of weeks. it's time for a road trip!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Great news!

 

[ski3pin]

Great news!

X2!

 

[jimjxsn]

I'm going crazy, I just can't wait!

Talked to Marty today and my Panther is done and moved to the corner for safe keeping. My wife is traveling for work next week so we have to wait to pick it up on the 12th. Oh man, it's going to be a rough week...

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Jim, hang in there, it's worth it!

 

[CougarCouple]

Congrats on the Panther. The wait is worth it. Enjoy your trip out to p/u your new camper. Don't forget to get propane before you hit the road.
Russ

 

[jimjxsn]

Thanks guys. The camping gear, which was boxed up when I sold the FWC Ranger, is out and ready to pack. The air bags and sway bar are installed on the Tundra. I just removed the tonneau cover and tailgate. And installed a rear camera from CameraSource.

The countdown continues...