Escapepod
Advanced Member
OK!! We picked up our new Grandby at the Woodland factory on Monday. We ordered it back in November, and it's been ready since January. The hold-up was on the factory build order on our 2018 Ford F-350 (more on that later). But the installation was smooth as silk, thanks to the outstanding FWC staff! Just as I was about to pull the trigger on the camper, I found out that my local FWC dealer had closed up shop, so I called the factory in a panic. Pete took my order over the phone and was a good information source. Andrea, who coordinated the paperwork, had all her ducks in a row as soon as we showed up. Aaron, the production manager , was unflappable in adjusting to my ever-changing truck order delay (while I was tearing my hair out). Jessica managed the installation and did the walk-through with us, patiently answering all our questions. All-in-all, it was great to finally meet everyone and connect the names with faces.
My 2010 F-150 short bed wasn't robust enough to handle any full camper payload (although we had originally added a FlipPac to it.). So I traded it in for a 6.2 L gas-fueled F-350 (which came with a 4,500 lb payload capacity). The truck is a beast, but even with the Grandby, it gets 12.5 mpg highway (only 1 mpg less than the F-150 got with the FlipPac. I haven't towed our 19-ft trailer yet, so I don't expect any great numbers [emoji53]). I think the biggest factors are the improved engine/transmission refinements since 2010, the switch to aluminum bodies Ford made in 2017, and trying to keep a light foot on the gas, seldom exceeding 60 mph.
Now for the main event. We decided on the Grandby because it offered N/S sleeping, a good-sized front dinette that should make stealth camping comfortable, and surprisingly good storage. TIP: if you can live without a water heater, the factory will use the space for a second cabinet that also houses the water pump. By not ordering the largest fridge, we got additional space under the countertop. The photos should help explain. Can't wait for the opportunity to really do some camping in this! We're signed up for the NorCal rally in Bodega Bay, but might be able to squeeze in a short trip before then.
Sorry for the photo quality; couldn't seem to get larger images, and will have to post additional ones in separate replies.
My 2010 F-150 short bed wasn't robust enough to handle any full camper payload (although we had originally added a FlipPac to it.). So I traded it in for a 6.2 L gas-fueled F-350 (which came with a 4,500 lb payload capacity). The truck is a beast, but even with the Grandby, it gets 12.5 mpg highway (only 1 mpg less than the F-150 got with the FlipPac. I haven't towed our 19-ft trailer yet, so I don't expect any great numbers [emoji53]). I think the biggest factors are the improved engine/transmission refinements since 2010, the switch to aluminum bodies Ford made in 2017, and trying to keep a light foot on the gas, seldom exceeding 60 mph.
Now for the main event. We decided on the Grandby because it offered N/S sleeping, a good-sized front dinette that should make stealth camping comfortable, and surprisingly good storage. TIP: if you can live without a water heater, the factory will use the space for a second cabinet that also houses the water pump. By not ordering the largest fridge, we got additional space under the countertop. The photos should help explain. Can't wait for the opportunity to really do some camping in this! We're signed up for the NorCal rally in Bodega Bay, but might be able to squeeze in a short trip before then.
Sorry for the photo quality; couldn't seem to get larger images, and will have to post additional ones in separate replies.
