I had an older FWC eagle so that's my only comparison to my 500. The palomino is a new 2018 that I bought at what I think is a bargain at $9000 USD.
The 500 is reported to weigh in at just undet 1200lbs and my 2009 Nissan Frontier with air springs carries it well. It is taller, wider and longer than the eagle and I can feel the higher profile when cornering. This is not an offroad camper but it should be fine for most forest service and dirt roads. I sometimes forgot the eagle was there only to be reminded when I tried to drive as if it was off. The cab over section is a nice queen size bed that doesn't pull out into the cabin space. And you can leave the bed made and still have room to spare when the roof has been lowered. The motors for the roof can be lowered with the provided flex tool and a drill. The bad news is that they didn't provide easy access to the motors. It looks like I will be able to get to them but I haven't tried it yet. More on that later.
We have spent 4 nights and driven 700 or so miles with no complaints. It has lots of led lights, vents and came with jacks.
The refrigerator, heater and the on demand water heater work well.
I'll report back after this summer's fun and more time with the 500.
The 500 is reported to weigh in at just undet 1200lbs and my 2009 Nissan Frontier with air springs carries it well. It is taller, wider and longer than the eagle and I can feel the higher profile when cornering. This is not an offroad camper but it should be fine for most forest service and dirt roads. I sometimes forgot the eagle was there only to be reminded when I tried to drive as if it was off. The cab over section is a nice queen size bed that doesn't pull out into the cabin space. And you can leave the bed made and still have room to spare when the roof has been lowered. The motors for the roof can be lowered with the provided flex tool and a drill. The bad news is that they didn't provide easy access to the motors. It looks like I will be able to get to them but I haven't tried it yet. More on that later.
We have spent 4 nights and driven 700 or so miles with no complaints. It has lots of led lights, vents and came with jacks.
The refrigerator, heater and the on demand water heater work well.
I'll report back after this summer's fun and more time with the 500.