Flippac Info?

ErrinV

Observer
Trying to find out the cost of a Flippac. I've emailed and called with no replies. Will try again this week, but wondered if anyone has bought one recently.

Also, has anyone fit one to a '05 or newer Toyota Tacoma with the composite bed?

Thanks,

Errin
 

VikingVince

Explorer
Errin,

New Flippacs are retailing for about $3200 from their dealers...maybe they're still $3000 direct from the factory...although probably not since they'd be undercutting their dealers. Just keep calling and asking for Dianne. They have a bad reputation for responding but they will respond if you tell them you want to buy one!!!
 

ErrinV

Observer
Thanks Vince. We just got back from a weeklong trip towing a 1947 Ken-Skill Teardrop. We went to visit my sis in Montana and then spent 2 nights at Yellowstone. Here's the trailer.

78768373-M.jpg


This was the first long trip that my wife has joined me on. So I looked at this trip as a test to see what worked at what didn't. A big issue for her is the ability to use the restroom at any time during the night. Not to get too personal but it's a health issue that became a real priority on this trip. The teardrop doesn't offer anything in that department of course so when we got back I started looking at options to make her more comfortable. The great things about the teardrop is keeping it packed at all times and ready to go for any trip, and then having a place ready to sleep in 2 minutes. At one point on our trip we'd been driving for a while and I was tired, so the dog and I just climbed in the trailer for quick power nap.

Daisy ready for a nap in the trailer.

78783772-M.jpg


So here's what I needed to find. Something that:
A: Has some sort of bathroom or porta-potti
B: We can sleep in
C: Allows me the option of bringing along a motorcycle (this is the toughest).
D: Room for a Engle Fridge. Looking for ice every day just sucks.


Since I have the Taco DC Shortbed, both sleeping and towing a trailer become an issue. I can't get a basic shell because the bed is too short to lay lengthwise in. And towing becames an issue, because to carry a bike in the bed of the truck the tailgate must be down. This requires a hitch extension which then halves the tongue weight capacity.

Before we left I came across this. The Fleetwood Evolution.

EV_large.jpg


I know I know, it's a lame tent trailer, but it meets just about every need. It has a toilet, shower and lots of room. More importantly it has a small deck for a motorcycle in front. Also, it's the off-road version so it sits higher and is more capable then a regular tent-trailer. So this is still a consideration, but the reality is that since the wifey may only be along for the ride a percentage of the time, it's really big for just me.

The Adventure Trailer is a really close second, but I can't carry a bike in the bed of the truck and tow the trailer. Both an outfitted Adventure Trailer and the Fleetwood cost about the same, with the Adventure Trailer being much more capable of course.

Since a porta-potti is really all that's needed, the 4Wheel Camper and Flippac are now back in line. With either of these I can tow a small trailer for my bike when needed. I like the 4Wheel camper, but the price puts it up there with the trailers, and for my size truck it feels really small. One option of course would be to get just the shell and do some outfitting myself.

After seeing the Flippac in person (thanks Vince) it seems like it would be a quick setup, roomy enough inside to make some sort of privacy area for a porta-potti and still be able to carry a fridge and some gear. Plus I should be able to tow a small trailer without any problems.

I've read that the porta-potti isn't a good solution for expedition travel, but with the wifey along it wouldn't be an issue I think. We'd be staying on pavement for most trips and just easy gravel roads, so I think it'd be ok.

Damn, that's alot of typing but if anyone can think of something I've missed or should consider, please let me know. There is no perfect solution, and everything seems to be a series of comprimises. When I bought my truck last year I never would have thought I'd be towing a motorcycle, but in the last year I've been riding more dirt and lighter less-highway friendly bikes, so it's become my new reality. A regular bed truck would make both sleeping and carrying a bike much easier, but I like my shortbed for daily use, so I need to find a way around this issue. So far I think the Flippac and a small trailer address just about everything.
 

ErrinV

Observer
05TACODOC said:
Nice teardrop!
My question is: Does FlipPac make a unit for an 05 short bed???


I'm still trying to get an answer from them. Four Wheel Camper does list the 05 Tacoma, so that would have to be the backup plan I guess. However the Four Wheel Camper costs twice as much.
 

VikingVince

Explorer
They have pics of DC/SB Flippacs on a domestic truck on their website plus specs on SB imports...so I would be surprised if that didn't include the '05 Tacoma

Errin...seems to me that you've thoughtfully and thoroughly considered all the options that will best fit your needs and compromises. One other thought though: You know more about motorcycles and transporting them than I do...but are you definitely relegated to using a trailer...at least for the KTM? Couldn't you feasibly use a hitch carrier? You'd have to reinforce the rear quarter of your frame rails (both Scott and I had this done at Demello...click on my signature below to see pics) and get some rear suspension air bags. (Firestone is good) I'm guessing the KTM weighs around 340 lbs or so? I'm planning on going this route with a 250 or 400 bike which weigh about 250lbs and 290 lbs respectively. But with reinforced frame rails, air bags and a good hitch carrier, couldn't you possibly eliminate the trailer if you wanted to?

PS...definitely get the fridge/freeze...your life will be so much more enjoyable...ice sucks! (as you know) :D Also check out Coolmatic...that's the brand I have.
 
Last edited:

njtaco

Explorer
A couple of options:

1. The pop-ups, like you posted are available from a vaiety of manufacturers. Check Jayco, too.

2. There are travel trailers set up with rear drop gates for the bike. Some even have "movable" axles so you can trim the tongue weight with/without gear in it.

3. Check out haulmark, pace, wellscargo, etc. and any horse trailer manufacturer for setups like #2, but biased more to the gear-box with a camper inside as opposed to the camper-that-carries-gear.

4. Go to an RV show, if for no other reason than to get ideas.

5. gorving.com has links to many manufacturers' sites. I don't know what sells on the left coast, so can't suggest any like I could here in NJ.


None of the above compare even remotely to an Adventure Trailer, or the like. These are strictly a compromise solution, but fit the basic criteria of a comfortable bed, a potty, and a motorcycle.

If your wife is at all like mine, a hardsided trailer vs. a pop-up may make the difference between a happy wife and a miserable trip. Think about when you are off riding, and she is back at camp, for example.

The porta-potty can get messy, as you said. A cartidge toilet may fare better (popular in pop-ups), or the bag system suggested else where on this forum. (Can't remember the name right now...)

BTW- I love the teardrop. The wife and I just got a 22ft Travel Trailer for some of the same reasons you are looking (midnight potty). We are lightening it up now, to tow with the Taco, and I am planning to install straight axles (instead of 4 inch drop axles) and larger tires to improve the clearance. I would have preferred the teardrop idea. :)
 

ErrinV

Observer
VikingVince said:
Couldn't you feasibly use a hitch carrier? You'd have to reinforce the rear quarter of your frame rails (both Scott and I had this done at Demello...click on my signature below to see pics) and get some rear suspension air bags. (Firestone is good) I'm guessing the KTM weighs around 340 lbs or so? I'm planning on going this route with a 250 or 400 bike which weigh about 250lbs and 290 lbs respectively. But with reinforced frame rails, air bags and a good hitch carrier, couldn't you possibly eliminate the trailer if you wanted to?

Yes Vince, I think I can, with some reinforcements, use a hitch carrier. I've read both good and bad about them though, so for the heavier KTM I think there's just too much weight back there. The bike is about 350pounds, but it has a 7-1/2 gallon fuel tank (about 63 pounds), plus the extra weight of the spares that I keep on it. So it's pretty heavy.

The 2 bikes I'm looking at getting next will be ok back there, and I will get one for those bikes. Here's the bike porn for you guys.

TE510_BEST.jpg


200-pro-yel-side.gif


Both of these are considerably lighter, with the Gas-Gas the winner at only about 150 pounds!

Another thing that I've tried to keep in mind is that there would never be much off-road done with the trailer, mostly pavement with an occasional fire-road, and then the bike comes off for the good stuff.:D
 

ErrinV

Observer
njtaco said:
If your wife is at all like mine, a hardsided trailer vs. a pop-up may make the difference between a happy wife and a miserable trip. Think about when you are off riding, and she is back at camp, for example.


I have thought about that. Here's the answer, but it's an expensive answer.

Sportsmobile Sprinter!

I can't wait to see these at the RV show. This answers everything, can tow or use a hitch carrier, has a bathroom and can be configured to carry the bike inside!

Bike Sample

toy01_rear.jpg


miller06.jpg
 

njtaco

Explorer
Three thoughts...

First, would this be a DD for either of you? That is, would it replace another vehicle? This could help the cost issue.

Second, is the Sprinter available 4x4 yet, or can you get a conversion done?

Last, what is the "hitch" rating for a carrier?
 

ErrinV

Observer
The Sprinter could be a daily driver. It gets about the same mpg as my Tacoma.

I don't think it's 4x4. Not yet anyways.

It can tow 5000 pounds I think. Not sure about the tounge weight.

It also counts as a second home, so there's a tax break available.




njtaco said:
Three thoughts...

First, would this be a DD for either of you? That is, would it replace another vehicle? This could help the cost issue.

Second, is the Sprinter available 4x4 yet, or can you get a conversion done?

Last, what is the "hitch" rating for a carrier?
 

VikingVince

Explorer
Errin,

It occurred to me to relay the following...might figure into your decision-making: A guy emailed me recently...asking my suggestions...because his brand new flippac was leaking in the rain. (he didn't have the factory raincover) So I detailed the rain cover that I rigged up...I have no leaks in the rain...just some minor condensation in heavy rain...and I think I could eliminate that if I rigged up a vapor barrier. Anyway, just wanted to give you the heads-up on that. Flippac sells a storm cover...about $250 I think...don't know how it works...I cut down a big blue tarp and it's held in place with tarp grips, 3/8" rope, and CalGrips. The CalGrips work great www.roperatchet.com
 

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