I just went through researching and hunting various new truck campers I wanted to spend bucks on. It was a frustrating experience.
Started with XP-V1. Went through the FWC factory. Went to BC twice to see separate builders. Did a lot of on-line research. Contacted several more.
In their defense, at this point ALL of the quality builders I looked at/contacted were busy (a good thing...), and seriously backorded. Many, many months for some. None were "hungry"...
I came to the conclusion the majority of buyers go see a dealer, listen to the salesman, and buy what is on the lot, doing very little research. I think most the forum readers/users on this and EP are cut from significantly different cloth than that.
Turnoffs & frustrations:
-This is the best _____ appliance(s), yes it is exceeding EXPENSIVE, but take it or leave it (camper) as a package deal. (Even if you don't like the "concept" of that appliance)
-There are no upgrades available to a compressor refrigerator. Even if it is a drop in fit.
-Systems can not be modified or changed. ( changes? Here is our options list...)
-Not invented here, so I will not even listen to your ideas/suggestions/thoughts. (And one was rude about it)
-Order what we make and get in line. (Easily read between the lines)
-Builders/innovators who spread themselves WAY to thin over many projects/models, perfecting none, since they are improving many models... and developing more.
-Not concentrating on increasing production numbers to fill demand on existing models. Respond instead by raising prices.
-Good basic models that have been discontinued for fatter profit models. (Understandable, but frustrating).
I'm painting with a broad brush here. Several of these relate to one in particular, but a few, more or less, are common. When/if hunger arrives at their door step, hopefully they will be more flexible/accommodating to survive....
Since this was what I found, and exactly what I wanted in a camper wasn't out there, I bought used and will modify over time with both use...and time availability.
YMMV
FWIW- Alaskan/Bryan is the most flexible, likable, accommodating, easy communicating, happy to modify....builder I have dealt with. Unfortunately his didn't fit our current "wants".
Started with XP-V1. Went through the FWC factory. Went to BC twice to see separate builders. Did a lot of on-line research. Contacted several more.
In their defense, at this point ALL of the quality builders I looked at/contacted were busy (a good thing...), and seriously backorded. Many, many months for some. None were "hungry"...
I came to the conclusion the majority of buyers go see a dealer, listen to the salesman, and buy what is on the lot, doing very little research. I think most the forum readers/users on this and EP are cut from significantly different cloth than that.
Turnoffs & frustrations:
-This is the best _____ appliance(s), yes it is exceeding EXPENSIVE, but take it or leave it (camper) as a package deal. (Even if you don't like the "concept" of that appliance)
-There are no upgrades available to a compressor refrigerator. Even if it is a drop in fit.
-Systems can not be modified or changed. ( changes? Here is our options list...)
-Not invented here, so I will not even listen to your ideas/suggestions/thoughts. (And one was rude about it)
-Order what we make and get in line. (Easily read between the lines)
-Builders/innovators who spread themselves WAY to thin over many projects/models, perfecting none, since they are improving many models... and developing more.
-Not concentrating on increasing production numbers to fill demand on existing models. Respond instead by raising prices.
-Good basic models that have been discontinued for fatter profit models. (Understandable, but frustrating).
I'm painting with a broad brush here. Several of these relate to one in particular, but a few, more or less, are common. When/if hunger arrives at their door step, hopefully they will be more flexible/accommodating to survive....
Since this was what I found, and exactly what I wanted in a camper wasn't out there, I bought used and will modify over time with both use...and time availability.
YMMV
FWIW- Alaskan/Bryan is the most flexible, likable, accommodating, easy communicating, happy to modify....builder I have dealt with. Unfortunately his didn't fit our current "wants".
