Hallmark to start offering flatbed campers

[smlobx]

I just saw a post on FB that Hallmark will start offering flatbed campers in addition to the rest of their line.
They will offer 6.5, 8 and 8.5 ft lengths.

There isn't much more info on their website but if you're in the market for a roomy flatbed pop up camper you might want to give them a call!

 

[Stitch]

Interesting. I asked Matt if they intended to build a flatbed two years ago and he said “No”. Hope this works out. Structurally, it makes more sense to have the load carried directly to the floor; particularly for an off road camper. Might have to sell the old Guanella if this comes to pass. Thanks for the heads up, SMOLBX!

 

[DrJ]

I looked at one in process of being built a few months ago when I was at hallmark. Just like all flat beds, the storage is much better. I believe the layout was fairly similar.

 

[Stitch]

DrJ, did they offer a side door entry and did they place the dinette in the back?
TIA

 

[DrJ]

I wish I had taken some pictures of it to share. I believe the door was still in the back and the layout was essentially identical to the current models except the storage space was much better.

 

[klahanie]

Interesting development. I like the Hallmarks (but wife needs convincing )

I flipped through their site and for the 9.5' Cuchara and 8.5' Ute models description it says "FLATBED MODELS AVAILABLE MIDDLE OF 2018". So maybe they will indeed be rear door ??

Also says 6.5,8,8.5' floor plans on the home page announcement, so who knows.

Did Hallmark ever bring out a basement model pop up ? Last time I was on their site that was pending. I think the idea was bigger tanks and more storage.

 

[DrJ]

Flatbed pictures found.
I’d highly recommend looking at Hallmark if you wanted a flatbed. They are new to the process but I’m very impressed with my slide in.

 

[rando]

Glad to hear that Hallmark is going to offer a flatbed, but it is a shame that it seems like they will be sticking with the rear door. The biggest advantage of the flatbed is getting away from the 'galley' layout with side door and full width dinette in the back.

 

[desert-trails]

My wife and I are purchasing a used (2012) Cuchara. I called Hallmark the other day to ask a few questions about fitting it on our new F350. Matt told me they will have a flatbed on display at Overland Expo in May. Would love to check it out.

Cliff

 

[DrJ]

More updates from hallmarks Facebook about their flat bed build out.
https://www.facebook.com/hallmarkrv/posts/10156141127668934

 

[Stitch]

Glad to hear that Hallmark is going to offer a flatbed, but it is a shame that it seems like they will be sticking with the rear door. The biggest advantage of the flatbed is getting away from the 'galley' layout with side door and full width dinette in the back.

I agree completely, rando, but their roof lift design makes that difficult since the torque tube runs right across where you would want a side door. I may still stop by the shop and check it out.

 

[MANXMAN]

Their site as lots of pictures of the flatbed now.

While I'm a true fan of flatbed campers, the "base" price of $63,000 US is likely going to be too much for most people.

Nice camper though.

 

[klahanie]

^ Tend to agree.
And unfortunately I think it will raise competitor's pricing (I'm waiting for OEV)

 

[MANXMAN]

^ Tend to agree.
And unfortunately I think it will raise competitor's pricing (I'm waiting for OEV)

FWC now has one of it's flatbed campers listed at $43,995.00 with some options available on top of that so maybe it already has.

 

[Bigfoot]

Three disadvantages of a flatbed camper I observed from borrowing one is that:

1. It messes up the fuel (and DEF for diesel) filler tubes which makes refueling a pain because the filler is lower and more horizontal.

2. Of less importance but still with noting is that the flatbed is a couple inches higher than the floor of the original box. This raises the COG, raises overall vehicle height, and makes getting into the camper more work.

3. Adds $2k to $6k+ to the cost.

There are significant advantages to a flatbed of course, and I was convinced I wanted one until I used it.

 

[jrwdlw]

Three disadvantages of a flatbed camper I observed from borrowing one is that:

1. It messes up the fuel (and DEF for diesel) filler tubes which makes refueling a pain because the filler is lower and more horizontal.

2. Of less importance but still with noting is that the flatbed is a couple inches higher than the floor of the original box. This raises the COG, raises overall vehicle height, and makes getting into the camper more work.

3. Adds $2k to $6k+ to the cost.

There are significant advantages to a flatbed of course, and I was convinced I wanted one until I used it.

1. It's not a problem if the filler design is correct. That said, I think many are done incorrectly. My filler is in the front corner of the deck, under a little 5" x 5" trap door. I think it has more fall than the stock setup. Normally that location would be a problem, but I'm building an 80" x 9" x 40" high box behind the cab, and will access the filler door thru the box.

2. Couple of inches? My deck is 5" higher than the stock bed floor, and I went thru all sorts of extra work to get it as low as possible. After having designed and built one, I can see from photos, that there are many that don't have sufficient clearance for the suspension travel.

3. Can't argue with that. Well, I could say that $2k might be a little low, for the low end of the range.

 

[klahanie]

^, ^^ For #1 and #2, I think the issues can be addressed with design. For eg our camper was made with the LPG and water storage located above the height of the pick up box rail. Our camper deck allowed them to be relocated lower. Some pop ups have storage space in overhead cabinets or under the over cab bed. A flatbed camper design can make possible locating that storage lower. And the flat deck itself could possibly be built with things like batteries, water and extra fuel to be carried under the deck surface, same for under deck storage boxes. 'Course all this FB storage means a heavier, bigger rig so I don't think the extra height has as much of an affect, unless you're doing it all with a small truck.

That said, truth, if you just put a deck on, yeah, it's gonna be higher - ours is.

Thinking about this ... if we're talking 65K for a camper and 5 or 10K for a deck (my expectation) I think I'd be looking to address these issues with a frame mounted camper design. Kinda like what Provan did. Doubt there is a business case for it but IMO it could look and work better than a deck + FB setup and the side door (much preferred) could be put lower than with the flat deck version, which usually look way high to me and fido.

I'm also not sure how much value a stand alone flat deck gives to a pleasure use owner. At these dollars I wonder if the purchaser would likely be buying a dedicated RV anyway ??

Three disadvantages of a flatbed camper I observed from borrowing one is that:

1. It messes up the fuel (and DEF for diesel) filler tubes which makes refueling a pain because the filler is lower and more horizontal.

2. Of less importance but still with noting is that the flatbed is a couple inches higher than the floor of the original box. This raises the COG, raises overall vehicle height, and makes getting into the camper more work.

3. Adds $2k to $6k+ to the cost.

There are significant advantages to a flatbed of course, and I was convinced I wanted one until I used it.

 

[DrJ]

I saw this camper in person at overland expo and it was really neat. It has a huge fridge and the camper really feels big and open. Probably my favorite camper walk through at the expo. It’s very impressive. The shower size is perfect as a wet bath. You can easily stand and shower or use the toilet. Very hard to get this setup with a slide in.

 

[DrJ]

 

[DrJ]