Transition to XP

[Tommieboy]

For those who are current owners of an XP product and have come from a FWC, ATC, Alaskan, Hallmark or similar type camper, what are the biggest changes you've noticed in terms of using and living in the XP? I'm aware of most of the structural and systems differences but I've never owned a TC so would be interested to hear real experiences of using the camper on the road. I'm in the market for a TC and will visit a few manufacturers in the new year.

The price difference between the XP and the other campers above is considerable, has it been worth the investment to you? What are the features that you value most in the XP?

 

[DrJ]

I would love to hear about this too. I own a FWC but am considering a switch to XP or perhaps Alaskan. I've visted XP and seen their handy work first hand. It's pretty impressive.
I'm very excited about the V3 model. It just sounds like it is at least 1 year or more away from production.

 

[Durango1]

If XP could come up with a cab pass-through I would be all over it. I may still "pull the trigger" in the future so will be following this thread with interest. (Right now I am in "waiting mode" and am remodeling my Hawk which I must admit has been absolutely bullet proof.)

Steve

 

[Tommieboy]

I would love to hear about this too. I own a FWC but am considering a switch to XP or perhaps Alaskan. I've visted XP and seen their handy work first hand. It's pretty impressive.
I'm very excited about the V3 model. It just sounds like it is at least 1 year or more away from production.

Can you describe what have've learned about the V3 during your visit to the manufacturer? The only information I've been able to get is that it will be a slide in, similar interior space to the V1 (maybe a bit less) and a price point below $60K.

 

[Tommieboy]

"If XP could come up with a cab pass-through I would be all over it..."

I thought that would be a deal breaker for me too but having read posts of some xp owners they say they wouldn't change given the choice. The idea of the unit being locked tight and inaccessible when the top is down is quite appealing. A bit more peace of mind for theft and break-in when going off for a hike or when you have to leave the unit unattended. Also dust and dirt getting into the back would increase with a pass-through...maybe not if it's a good seal.

 

[DrJ]

Can you describe what have've learned about the V3 during your visit to the manufacturer? The only information I've been able to get is that it will be a slide in, similar interior space to the V1 (maybe a bit less) and a price point below $60K.

There is currently a V3 mockup that is essentially a wood model. There are pictures of it posted on the xp camper website.
http://xpcamper.com/versions/v3-coming-soon/

This is what Marc has to look at and what I saw.

It is a pretty neat set up. It is still a work in progress and I don't think anything is finalized just yet.
But here is what I know and could share with you about it.
It is similar in shape to the V2 but much larger. It would be much larger than my FWC Hawk.
The interior is quite different as well than the V2.
The interior is a front dinette model with a huge dinette. It could seat a total of four adults. The cab over bed is at least the size of a queen size bed and probably closer to king sized. The best comparison would be to the FWC Grandby front dinette as far as interior layout. The sink, stove, toilet/shower, fridge, and front dinette are in essentially the same locations.
Of course, it being an XP most things are much better and of course more expensive. My understanding is that it will have the same great diesel appliances, beautiful windows and skylight and look of the V1 or V2.

I was bothered originally with the V shaped design but after sitting in it for a while it makes more sense to me and I quite like it.

It is made for 1 ton short bed trucks. I don't think the original design will work on a long bed. It also will hang over the back of the truck - it doesn't appear to be flush with the back of the truck.

What I would love for sure is the larger front dinette, the beautiful windows and skylight, fully insulated hard sided camper that actually pops up and that I wouldn't have to change trucks.
I also really appreciate Marc's craftsmanship which is hard to describe without seeing it first hand. He is really building something unique and different that anyone else.

I'm not sure anyone yet realizes, at least I didn't anyway, how neat it will be to have a hard sized pop up camper without any tent ends or fabric. With an Alaskan you have to pop out the hard sides on the cabover that may not seal perfectly. My FWC of course has lots of tent end fabric to pop up. Even the V1 has a tent end to it.
This thing will be amazing in cold weather - which is great for me.

What I didn't like about it?
It's not a V1. There isn't as much storage. The water tank will probably be smaller. I'm not a big fan of the camper hanging off the back of the truck.
But the layout is probably better for my family anyway in the V3. And it's way nicer than my current setup.

 

[billharr]

Will be interesting to see a V3 when it is done. The V1 would be great for a trip to South America, but just too big for the way I camp. I did look at the V2 felt way smaller than my Hawk. Now if the V3 does not cost more than a new truck.

 

[Tommieboy]

DrJ, thanks for the description of the V3. I don't think I would be a big fan of an overhang on the end, a flush finish looks much cleaner in my opinion. Maybe that will change. Hard sides is a big plus though. Hopefully some specs will be released by XP in the New Year.

 

[simimike]

I'm probably one of only two people on the planet that made the transition from a FWC to a XPC. I sold a Grandby when I bought the XPC. While I no longer own the XP I may be able to address your questions. The thing that most impressed me was the amount of storage, I had space I never used, That and the roominess of the camper. It compared to a motorhome on the inside. Yet when lowered its profile was not a whole lot bigger then my Grandby.
The diesel appliances are the only way to go. They spoiled me and I don't know if I can go back to propain (pun intended). The heater is quieter then the one in my home. And the stove and water heater are very efficient. The amount of fuel used is ridiculously low and is easy to find anywhere. Another nice feature is the Foli bed springs, I'm sorry but I can't go back to a foam pad on plywood. One thing I never got used to, was how really nice the total package is. To me it felt very luxurious.

As far as the price difference, well you get what you pay for. The FWC is a simple inexpensive camper were as the XPC is a well appointed comfortable efficient expedition camper. Would I buy another? Yes, If I was going to do a lot of overland traveling, however for reasons I won't go into my plans had changed.
The other FWC to XPC that I know of goes by nothing clever on here as well as on ExPo. Look up his posts for a better insight to the transition. Also go to the XPCamper Enthusiast forum owners blog and check out;roaminrobertsons blog Maybelost.Net. They are the folks that bought my XPC and they also post on ExPo. I hope this helps.

Mike

 

[SunMan]

And don't forget Marc on this forum, he went from a Cougar to an XP. I spent some time in his camper and luxurious would be a proper description compared to our FWC/ATC's.

 

[simimike]

And don't forget Marc on this forum, he went from a Cougar to an XP. I spent some time in his camper and luxurious would be a proper description compared to our FWC/ATC's.

Thanks for reminding me Sunman. Yes, by all means see marc's posts to. OK, I'm one of three.

 

[billharr]

I got a tour of Alaskawilds XP at Meadow lake. Luxurious for sure, you do get what you pay for. Sissi told us about the trip they have planned and the XP is the perfect camper for their trip. XP fill a nice niche between the FWC style pop up and the Earthroamers.

 

[Tommieboy]

Simimike: Thanks for your observations, it validates what I've read elsewhere. I wish I knew ahead of time that you were selling your V1!

I'll be going to visit Marc's operation in the New Year and will be able to see a unit first hand.

 

[DrJ]

Simimike,

That's for the great report. I think your observations are similar to my experience visiting XP and what I've read online.
I can't wait to hear more about the V3. I think it will really be a nice fit for us. Just like Bill thought - I think the V1 is great for a trip around the world, but maybe too much for what I do. V3 looks like a huge upgrade from my current setup.

 

[jha6av8r]

Simimike,

That's for the great report. I think your observations are similar to my experience visiting XP and what I've read online.
I can't wait to hear more about the V3. I think it will really be a nice fit for us. Just like Bill thought - I think the V1 is great for a trip around the world, but maybe too much for what I do. V3 looks like a hug upgrade from my current setup.

X2 Not saying XP doesn't make a great camper, but there are a lot of things I'd rather do with the $40,000 differential.

 

[Tommieboy]

Simimike,

A few more questions if you don't mind...

What type of truck and wheel base did you choose? (interested to hear rationale on your decision)
If you were doing a stretch of weekend trips only would you leave the camper mounted or remove and mount each weekend? (Wondering how cumbersome it is to drive around town).
Does the Webasto system tap into the truck fuel tank or is it separate?
What type of conditions did you use it in, were you able to do any off road while you had it? If so, how did it handle?

Thanks.

 

[simimike]

Simimike,

A few more questions if you don't mind...

What type of truck and wheel base did you choose? (interested to hear rationale on your decision)
If you were doing a stretch of weekend trips only would you leave the camper mounted or remove and mount each weekend? (Wondering how cumbersome it is to drive around town).
Does the Webasto system tap into the truck fuel tank or is it separate?
What type of conditions did you use it in, were you able to do any off road while you had it? If so, how did it handle?

Thanks.

I had a 2005 Dodge 2500 4X4 long bed before I bought the XPC. The thought process on he long bed was since 95% of my driving would be on pavement then why not have a comfortable ride? Because of the cost of a new truck I decided to use my existing truck. A lot of suspension upgrades later it was able to handle the camper. Marc has a picture of the truck and camper on the XP web site. Driving around town was no big deal. The size of the camper was no bigger then any other truck and camper and the over all length was the same as the OEM length and the width is about the same as the FWC, give or take an inch. I was able to take the truck to my local dealer for servicing and they had no problems.

The stove and heater/H2Oheater have a separate onboard fuel tank. If I was to buy another XP I would have a dedicated truck just for the camper and not bother removing it. Even thou it is a simple task to load and unload the camper I would leave it on full time, Thats just me. I'd also see if it was possible to tap the fuel tank to supply the appliances. That would simplify things a bit.

Mostly the rig was used on FS roads, I'm an old guy and the thought of hiking 15 miles out to a paved road has lost some of its appeal. That being said I wouldn't hesitate to run the White Rim Trail in it. One of the ways the camper shines is in cold weather. I camped at 17F and had to turn the heater down. This is a well insulated camper. Because of the windows in the cabover along with the other windows it has good cross ventilation and cools off nicely at night.

As far as using an XP for weekend camping and quick short trips, well this camper does it all. But using it this way would not be using it to its full potential, you would be wasting your money. The XP is built and designed as an expedition camper. With 70+ gals of fresh water plus a water filtration system, diesel appliances, this is third world stuff. IMHO a well optioned FWC , ATC or even a standard Northstar would be the better choice.

Remember, Work is the curse of the camping class.

P.S. Go to the XP photo gallery to see my pics.

Mike

 

[Tommieboy]

Mike,

Thanks for your response. I fully appreciate this is an expedition style camper and that would be the end goal use. I was fortunate to be able to retire young, my wife has a few years to go so it would be doing shorter trips initially then once she's retired we'd be living in it for extended trips. We'll start off exploring our own country then look further, the White Rim Trail and the western US would be on the list for sure.

I like the idea of a shorter turning radius but as you mentioned it depends on how its used, sounds like it would be beneficial if not necessary on a destination like the White Rim Trail.

I just watched a video of the V1 being lowered and installed onto a truck, it seems quite easy even being done by 1 person.

I'll check out your pics on XP.

Thanks again.

 

[Freebird]

I am wanting to transition to an XP-1 "down the road". That is, if my wife can learn to enjoy camping instead of just tolerating it.
We have Alaskan 10' CO at this time, and will be sorting that issue out over the next couple years. If she learns to enjoy camping and a somewhat vagabond lifestyle we will order and buy the V1. If not, and just occasional camper use is to continue, we will stand pat with the Alaskan, which, of course is not something at all to complain about.
She, typical of a lot of women, likes the Winnebago/bus size freeway cruisers, so to her the V1 is "too small", so we will not be going smaller.
FWIW - I have done a lot of web research, and have been to the XP factory to thoroughly look at the V1 on a weekend, and was very impressed with Marc's product, pretty much on all fronts. I do like the fact that some minor refinements are being made all the time, so when/IF I am ready in a couple of years, it will be even better. I will visit the factory while it is operating on a weekday to observe the build process, maybe this coming spring as I pass through northbound from snowbirding.
Yes, the V1 is a lot of money, but is see it as very resistant to the physical deterioration (wood rot, etc., etc.) over time you see in standard build campers of all sorts. Of course it will take initial purchase depreciation, but then it should hold its value quite well for a long time. Opinion, of course.

Know of anybody selling some "Love Camping" potions or pills? ;-)

Question for V1 owners/users. How resistant to dust penetration is the unit after several days on dry dusty forest circus (intentional) roads?
It looks well sealed, and dust resistant, but dust is very hard to keep out of rigs under those conditions.

 

[mmarkbauer]

We recently owned a FWC for about a year and enjoyed it for shorter trips. Since we are retired and want to take longer trips in regards to distance and time without giving up the versatility of a truck camper, we decided after much research and consideration that the XP Camper would be a good fit for us. The features we most appreciate about the XP are: the feeling of openness inside with large windows allowing you to appreciate the outdoors, the truck and camper are well designed for both road and off-roading, and dealing directly with Marc Wasserman, the owner and designer of XP, was also a deciding factor. We found Marc to be helpful, knowledgable, and practical in his recommendations.
We are picking up our XP at the end of December.