Hello - Have relied on Classified forums while searching for a FWC popup but this is my first post.
Seems to me that there are some very big differences in the way these campers have been constructed the last 6 years or so compared to older models:
1. Composite lift panels (vs the wood ones which are vulnerable to rot from condensation?)
2. Radius door (vs weaker 4-cornered door?)
3. Beefier Al framing (heavier but noticeably more stable?)
4. One-piece roof (vs seamed roof more vulnerable to leaks?)
5. Pre-wired solar panel plugs on roof and rear (vs having to retrofit ports and wiring through the shell and DIY sealing)
6. Rigid foam panel insulation (vs fibreglass)
I think I've been able to assess the relative merits (& value) of most of these but the one I'm most curious about is #6.
Anyone have any real world cold and/or hot-weather experience that would allow a comparison of the insulating benefits of the foam panel insulation (w. or w.o. arctic pack) over the older fiberglass insulated models?
I intend to spend summers in the desert and winters skiing and dog sledding and not sure how much of a premium to put on this upgrade (i.e. how much of a difference I'd feel). Would be great if anyone's been on a winter or summer trip with both a new and an old FWC and noticed a big difference under the same conditions (?)
Seems to me that there are some very big differences in the way these campers have been constructed the last 6 years or so compared to older models:
1. Composite lift panels (vs the wood ones which are vulnerable to rot from condensation?)
2. Radius door (vs weaker 4-cornered door?)
3. Beefier Al framing (heavier but noticeably more stable?)
4. One-piece roof (vs seamed roof more vulnerable to leaks?)
5. Pre-wired solar panel plugs on roof and rear (vs having to retrofit ports and wiring through the shell and DIY sealing)
6. Rigid foam panel insulation (vs fibreglass)
I think I've been able to assess the relative merits (& value) of most of these but the one I'm most curious about is #6.
Anyone have any real world cold and/or hot-weather experience that would allow a comparison of the insulating benefits of the foam panel insulation (w. or w.o. arctic pack) over the older fiberglass insulated models?
I intend to spend summers in the desert and winters skiing and dog sledding and not sure how much of a premium to put on this upgrade (i.e. how much of a difference I'd feel). Would be great if anyone's been on a winter or summer trip with both a new and an old FWC and noticed a big difference under the same conditions (?)