Most of us know Goose Gear from the high-quality storage systems, sleep platforms, and interior components they make in their small California shop. But earlier this year, they expanded their operations as the first US dealer for FiftyTen campers. These rugged, lightweight systems replace the bed of a truck entirely and are comprised of three parts: a high-clearance aluminum flatbed with integrated storage, a camper box with a rear door and side-access hatches, and a pop-top tent with a thick mattress and Froli spring system. This can be further paired with a purpose-built Goose Gear interior in a color and design of your choosing for what is undoubtedly one of the nicest and toughest off-road campers available in North America.
We got out first look at the full-size variant on the Goose Gear F-350 back in May, but at Overland Expo East, they unveiled their mid-size model on a Jeep Gladiator, so we decided to take a closer look at both after the event.
The Tray
As the Fifty Ten website puts it, “the tray is the base for everything. ” This high-clearance aluminum flatbed replaces your factory truck bed and is the first piece of the puzzle to this versatile system. It incorporates four clamps for mounting the camper box, but also recessed aircraft track for strapping down cargo like motorcycles, lumber, UTVs, or kayaks when the camper is not in use. A sizable rear storage drawer is perfect for tools, while additional storage can be found in two rear under-tray lockers. Full-size trucks can also be equipped with massive front storage lockers or a spare tire mount between the cab and the box.
The Camper Box
The second component of the system is known as the box and provides lockable dry storage for your gear and the basis of a living space for the camper. Fifty Ten says they designed it with a focus on both form and function, with angled sidewalls and a rear overhang that increase interior space, but also create a dynamic appearance for the exterior. Each side of the box is equipped with a large hangar door which, when opened, gives you unimpeded access to pretty much the entire interior for moving contents in or out as needed. A rear hatch is also standard and serves as the entrance to the camper when paired with a ladder. Another set of aircraft tracks on the roof enables you to mount boards, bikes, boats, and more, and as with the tray, the entire box is made from aluminum and designed for several lifetimes of off-road use.
The Tent
Accessories and Interior
Part of the beauty of the FiftyTen is the ability to build it out to suit your needs. You can do it yourself for a personal touch, or if you want a perfect fit with a professional finish, you can order an interior and accessories straight from the source. The Goose Gear S-Line modular interior, for example, comes in several different colors and can feature a sink, refrigerator, seating area, loads of storage, a toilet, battery banks with a charging system for electronics, and so much more. On the exterior, you can add area and reverse lighting, roof-racks, or a free-standing 270 awning.
Price
Unfortunately, quality doesn’t come cheap. The mid-size system is set at $32,880 for the flatbed, camper, and tent combo, while the full-size fetches $37,680. Add in the awning, and you’re looking at another $1,800, and the interior just goes up from there. No matter how you slice it, that’s a lot of cheddar. But with the quality and durability of the system, and its ability to transfer from one truck to another over your entire lifetime, I can definitely see the long term value paying off. If the upfront cost is a little much though, its modular design might ease your pain by allowing you to build it one piece at a time. You can order the flatbed first, then the camper, and tackle the interior last. It won’t save you money per se, but it will make the process just a little easier.
To learn more, view interior 360 videos, and check out all the details of this system, head over to the FiftyTenUSA website here.
