Few ATC Questions

[marengineer]

I'd like to see if members have any experience with the following before I reach out to ATC:

1. Does ATC offer exterior painting as an option? If so, what can I expect to spend or should I just find a local auto body shop?

2. Are the exterior panels made from fiberglass or aluminum? Is FWC silver exterior painted fiberglass or aluminum?

3. Could a person fit through the front sliding window (assuming the cab window was big enough) to allow emergency egress to the truck cab?

4. I know this question depends on flatbed construction, but in general, is a shell flatbed camper going to be taller than a slide in camper? The reason I ask is I am looking to ship my vehicle in a container and I have height restrictions.

Thank you for your time.

-J

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Call them and ask about the painting, but I suspect they would also just use a body shop. Siding is aluminum. No idea about FWC.

Sliders tend to leak, but you might be able special order a big one (I wouldn’t because of leaks).

 

[kmcintyre]

Regarding emergencies... the large window on the side is made for that purpose (at least on mine).

 

[craig333]

I believe FWC stopped doing the sliders because of the leakage problem. They have a fiberglass option.

 

[Argonaut20]

Talk to Marty at ATC as he can tell you any detail about the camper you wish to know. Email also works for getting the details you want.

 

[Atlin]

And it's worth working with ATC because they will work with you to make any modifications you want/need. I can't say enough good about them.

 

[pvstoy]

I do miss having a window pass through to the cab to reach for things that you forgot to bring to the camper. I left both windows open to cooling during the day. In worst case I could crawl through and drive away without exiting the camper through the door. Maybe there are uncomfortable situatation that is safer that way, imagination could run wild with possible situatations.

 

[klahanie]

^ and leaving that front window open is nice in that it is sheltered by the over cab.

To the OP, fwiw my front slider window frame is ~52x16" and the opening is ~ 23x13". That's plenty for a pass thru for us and we have used it for that purpose a few times (nice to have). Don't know what size window ATC is using but it "could" be the same as my old FWC because their constructions have a common ancestry. Kicker is going to be the truck slider which are often smaller than in the past, depending on model. Top of head I think our F350 opens to ~14x14" which could be a tight squeeze.

I think the higher FB camper height is typically less about the camper and more a function of the flat bed height - a flat bed deck typically built over the wheels rather than lower as with pick up tub. Of coarse this can be disputed, YMMV etc. From what I've read ATC should be able the adjust camper height to your spec.

 

[marengineer]

Thank you everyone for the replies! I was looking at an aftermarket sliding window for an F250 which would allow crawling through to the cabin in case of emergencies.

 

[Wango]

Will try to add to the already good answers.
1. When I ordered mine, painting was not an option. I looked into painting, but in the end had it wrapped. Matches pretty well and if it gets beat up or scratched, can be replaced.
2. Not sure.
3. On my old camper truck combo, yes I could crawl through. Dog loved it. With the newer setup, I don't have the option, my flatbed has a head-ache rack.
4. Most likely it will be 4-6 inches higher. Mine is around 8'8".
Good luck,
w

 

[zuber]

4. The height over the cab is set by the man-door height. ATC can get a shorter door to snug it down. On my ATC Flatbed, I wanted the tallest door, so I have about a 10-12" gap between the cab and camper over head. My Club Cab long bed is never going to fit a container.