You guys made some great points. I was considering a Four Wheel pop up camper, but changed my mind after watching your video.

Your comments are very interesting. I also had a Four Wheel Camper and had the same feelings with the rain and wind=no sleep! I did sell it and bought a Hallmark pop top and it’s so much better. It has a real insulated roof that does not feel like it’s going to fall apart in the wind and the rain noise is just like a real camper. I love my Hallmark so much more than the Four Wheel and feels like a real camper but you still get the benefits of the pop top.

Thanks. Plenty of information. Couldn’t see my spouse dealing with explained disadvantages of the Four Wheel Camper. Eye opener.

Good Vid. I am building out a truck camper and have decided on a hard side. This vid helps confirm I am making the right decision. Thanks!

My last 2 camping trips were interrupted by major storms in the am, my pop up was so loud I couldn’t sleep at all. The wind was so bad I thought the top was going to blow off. Great video and enjoy your camper this winter!!

I’ve got a 2018 Northstar Arrow and love it! I’m from South Dakota and have camped in some pretty cold temps (-10 to -20 F). I found that cracking a ceiling vent just a bit (1/2 inch) makes a huge difference in condensation and doesn’t seem to suck that much more propane. I did discover that it’s important to open all cabinet doors and especially the small doors in the kitchen and dining area that lead to the cabover. I had frost on the interior walls on these. I had opened the main cabinet doors but didn’t think about the small cubbies. Fortunately I noticed it fairly quickly and had some small fans that I ran facing the cubbies. It dried right up. Now in extremes I open all the cabinet doors a bit with no subsequent problems. I bought 2 12 volt car blankets that I use on the cabover bed to take the chill off my hard as a rock when cold memory foam mattress. I just run these long enough to heat up the bed before crawling in. Works great! I couldn’t find a 12 volt mattress cover and didn’t want to waste power with my inverter so I went with the car blankets. Been in some pretty good blizzards and it was amazingly quiet and warm. Helps to point into the wind if you can. I sometimes sleep with my head toward the kitchen side as your head doesn’t get cold and you also get less condensation as you have more space around you and a higher ceiling lying in reverse. Thanks for the awesome vids! Always look forward to seeing your mods and travels!

We started with hardshell, thought about trying out FWC for light weight going offroad. We never lived in FWC, after hearing your comparison, we know we cannot give up comfort to gain small benefit. Thanks for your review saving us from big mistake.

I was lucky enough to have a Northstar 850SC pop up camper and a Lance 815 at the same time. I used both of them many times in many different weather conditions and different off-road travels. I still have my Lance 815 and sold my Northstar 850 SC. Your pros and cons were spot on.

This was very helpful! Interesting the cost comparison, noise, and condensation issues.

Great video guys. I love thé honest review and you’re direct clear style. Thanks!

I considered buying a 4 Wheel Camper but went with a Northern Lite but I always wondered what the true differences were. Thanks to your video I now know, and I'm glad I made the choice I did! Great video!

I initially went to buy a pop up but after looking at both hard sided and pop up the hard sided just seemed way more comfortable I have really enjoyed it

Thank you for making this video; it will help me make a more informed decision!

Thanks for the camper comparison. I've owned a hardwall camper and really enjoyed the utility. My wife is not an outdoor type so she found fault in the hardwall camper so I bought an older 35' diesel pusher with everything (even has a washer and dryer). My wife found fault with the diesel pusher so I'm not going to try and do the impossible and make my wife happy. I'm going to retire at the end of this year. I'm going to get a new 4x4 truck and find a good used camper. I was considering the Four Wheel camper because I want to boondock but had reservations basically for the same reasons you listed. Thanks for the objective appraisal, it definitely convinced me to stay with a hardwall camper.

Good analysis of YOUR experience with the pop-up camper you bought, and were unhappy with. I looked at your 4x4 brand camper, I even went to the factory (years ago) and scratched them for many of the reasons you listed that were pretty easy to anticipate. I bought a used Alaskan. Good deal, plus great camper.

Your video are always detailed with great info

Good review of the pros and cons. I have a Four Wheel fleet. My goal was to find the lightest camper possible since it was going on a chev Colorado z71. No way I could carry a regular camper safely. I still modified the suspension to improve over landing capabilities. Totally agree that the Four Wheel camper doesn’t have much storage and it is a royal pain to secure the turnbuckles. Also, getting in and out is a bit like entering the Apollo space capsule so you have to be flexible. However, this system provides the best way of securing the camper to truck for backcountry adventures. The Four Wheel is also very well built. Keep up the informative videos and adventures.

Thank you! So many questions answered!!

Love your pros and cons and being so honest

Guys, I appreciate this video so much! Thank you for sharing your experience, very enjoyable to listen to honest feedback/comparison. I've never owned a TC and am trying to find the right one for me.

Really good run-down of the pros and cons.

Really great video. Thank you!

Excellent comparison...very comprehensive- a major aid in decision making!

This is exactly what I was looking for

Great video! I appreciate you guys listing the pros and cons for both styles. I'm in the beginning planning stage and as you put it it comes down to what my needs would be. I very much want to get way out on trails and I'm concerned a hard sided camper will limit me more than a pop-up, things like height, width, center of gravity, etc. Your plug at the end of upcoming videos of your trip to show how hardcore you can get with a hard sided has me intrigued. Looking forward to those videos.

Good, informative video. Even if someone decides to buy the 4w camper this info is good to know before they buy. Thanks!

Excellent points. I'll be going hard side when I pull the trigger on a truck camper. Enjoy your adventures. :)

Great video! I completely agree with you on the price of Four Wheel Campers (Crazy). However, people are willing to buy them. Hallmark Campers are crazy priced also. Thanks for sharing your pros and cons between the two.

Ok this is my 1st time very visiting your channel 1st time....and you both are funny but he is absolutely hilarious about some of his explanations I was rolling laughing... I actually really appreciate all the helpful things I was thinking of getting the other camper now I want the hard side thanks to your explanations and it was making me laugh cuz I was picturing myself maybe getting the other camper and I'm on my knees and then you can't see unless you're trying to look at a window and the rain storm and it have to be down low it it's just hilarious and things people don't think about and I do appreciate that you are bringing it all up but it was in a very funny way and that was really great

You guys are awesome!!!!

Awesome comparison

Very nice video. Thanks for the advice.

You guys are decent. Nice couple. And greatvideo btw. I think you have me convinced towards the hard side camper.

Thanks, great video and comparison! We have been in a James Baroud rooftop tent on a Subaru Outback for 3 seasons, and are now waiting (until April) to upgrade to a 4 Wheel pop-up Fleet that we'll put on a Tacoma Access cab 4x4 Offroad pickup, after the suspension is upgraded. Our decision to do this centered around better access to forest roads, and lighter weight and maneuverability. For our needs, this arrangement seemed better for living "out of it", rather than living "in it". Time will tell if we ever upgrade to a bigger truck / hard sided camper.

Great video, really informative. Got to say though my favorite part was your new hair cut. Way to go bro.

helpful information! thanks a bunch.

I owned a 2018 FWC Hawk. It was fully loaded except for the toilet. I even ordered it with the King Size pull out bed option. From the outside it was the coolest thing, especially when compared to any type of tent. Even if you spend a short amount of time inside you will really like it. However, if you spend any length of time with more than 1 person it starts to become clear that their are some short comings. These things may bother some people. I thought the build quality was excellent. Their customer service excellent. Overall design is quite nice. The problem is that it is a canvas sided camper, and it is noisy. I didn't experience a condensation problem, but I also always had a vent cracked open for fresh air. Lack of storage is another problem. My major gripe is ingress/egress out the camper. I never got used to it. If I was single, it would probably work fine for me, but throw more than myself in their, and it gets really small, really fast. The shower worked ok. It was better than nothing. Setting it up and then taking it back down each time eventually took the usefulness out of it. Options are pricey, very pricey. Mine was almost $34K. I decide after I sold it to go with a hard side. I've just waiting for the COVID to retract so I can to sit inside some other campers. You can rent them already attached to a truck. I suggest that anyone on the fence to rent it to see how much you like it, and see if it works for you . FWC has no problem selling campers, and I think that is because is a luxurious step up from their tent or RTT.

Very good information thanks.

Going from pop up to full featured hard side required upsizing to a 250 truck from a 150. So 250 Ford reliability/ maintenance/ cost/ comfort/ efficiency vs the 150 Tundra also merits discussion to really get the full picture. Much appreciate your honest reporting of some of the downsides of the 4-wheel pop up camper, especially the noise factor. Your point about use case determining choice very true. Thank you.

100% not a fan how they rip you off on upgrades. I don't have a camper yet but this video was extremely helpful. Thank you so much.

I have had a pop camper for over 30 years but never a 4 wheel drive camper. The main reason for a pop up for my self was storage of the camper I was limited in height. The 4 wheel drive campers are one of the most expensive of the popup campers, I have a 2018 NorthStar popup camper now love it, it has a inside bathroom in it love it for all the reasons you said, Have had friends with four wheel drive campers one other problem with it is there is no front or rear windows, i camp in very hot conditions there camper were always very hot is side. one other reasons why people by 4 wheel drive is that there light ok for a 1/2 ton truck, the first popup i had was a Jayco it weighed 1800 lb dry after loading it up for a week trip i am sure i was 2500 lb. the NorthStar popup is 2350 wet then add in you equipment I am at 2800 lb . You need at least a 3/4 truck . In the cold weather camping it still has a problem with condensation and if it rains it is noise but i can still sleep, It has a very good heater in it, stays warm in it with no problem. The main reasons why stick with popup is the lower heights for off road and tree clearance

Hi, excellent and helpful video thanks.

We have a '09 Tundra 4wd with 35" mud terrain tires, with a '12 Northstar TC650 pop up. We compared brands for probably 2+ years before pulling trigger on the Northstar. Best investment we've ever made for what we do. More water capacity (30gals + 4 in the hot water heater), and build quality is much nicer than the 4wheel campers, in spite of all the attention they've garnered comparatively. HUGE fan of the Northstar. PS, in cold conditions (15 degrees F), no noticeable condensation. Same mileage as your Ford.

Probably the best review and comparison I’ve seen. Thanks Did I miss your comparison about off-roading? One vs the other and how the hard side manages being taller when your off-roading backcountry? Cheers WADZ

Initially, I thought I would get a pop-up camper. (It's my first venture into RV.) I did a lot of research online and decided (not my first choice) on the Northstar 850 SC. I considered other pop-ups but they were far more expensive with fewer options/features than the Northstar. I decided on a pop-up because of the lower center of gravity, the relatively lightweight and versatility it potentially gave me. I finally went to see one in real life. I found a dealership that sold the Northstar line of campers. One of the first things I noticed about the pop-up was that the clips holding the roof down in place required a ladder of some sort for my truck for me to reach them for release. I deduced it would not be as much fun to prep the camper for occupancy when it was cold and rainy and windy. It was one of the glaring negatives that you guys slipped over. The rest you described, as I discovered on my walk through the lot. I thought the pop-up felt too closed-in with the windows all covered and there was some difficulty in getting to the bed area, a large leap for mankind and all. I toured the various hard-sided Northstars and Lances on the lot and did a test drive with a hard side camper in the truck because it was a scary thing in my head. (I had already installed the tie-downs). I decided, apart from the weight that I had never experience before, the ride was okay with such a tall camper. The insides of the hard-sided camper felt more open even though it is a small area. I eventually purchased the Laredo which is slightly larger than the Liberty you have. If I had the resources, I might have gone to the NuCamp as my first choice but I am very pleased with the Larado. Now, I am doing some upgrades that I think are necessary for a home-like feeling in some of my future travels. The hard-sided camper will limit the trails I can take. Height and center of gravity will largely limit the off-road experience for obvious reasons but I am sold on the versatility of the truck camper combination though the gas mileage sucks.

Been shopping for a truck camper so I really appreciate your insight. But I wish I had a comparison of your Liberty vs the Northstar 850SC with insulated canvas. Happy travels!

That was very helpful 👍🇦🇺

HARDSIDE ALLWAYS BUT WEIGHT IS ALSO A FACTOR THEY ARE LOT HEAVER SO U NEED A BIGER TRUCK AN ON MINE I HAD TO USE AIR BAGS EVEN ON MY 1 TON IT JUST MAKES IT SAFER IN THE WIND AN DIRT OFF ROAD DRIVING!!!! GREAT VID KEEP IT UP!!!

Very thorough comparison, thank you. Only thing I would mention is I think FWC and Northstar are serving very different needs. The FWC really shines for people with smaller trucks who are very conscious about payload capacity. I have had other popups that had a lot more features and overall were more comfortable. However they were considerably heavier. When you mention only a 600-700lb difference, thats actually huge. The payload capacity of a Ram 2500 is only 2000lbs. So We are talking 1/3 of the trucks payload capacity. I feel like the Northstar is an awesome 4 season camper for people with really beefy suspension who maybe don't need to offroad much. I think the aluminum frame of the FWC would handle the flexing of off roading a bit better. Thanks again for the video.

great info

It's a true struggle comparing the 2, there both great in there own ways, hard to beat the low profile of a popup here in Michigan with all the wooded country and trails!!

Appreciate the comparison. Very well done. It has really made me consider my options for the future. One thing you didn’t touch on to a high degree was how was it to off-road and overland with a hard sided camper? What was the comparison with a pop-up camper?

Did you look at the Northstar 850SC? Popup with most of the same features as the Liberty. I bought one a few months ago and have been pleased with it.

very informative video. i'm researching truck campers & campervans now. i have a 1/2 ton F150 so a a hard side is not an option for me. i personally was looking at the Northstar 650TC. i feel it's more camper for the money over the fourwheeler.

Hey there! Are yall fulltiming in your camper? Whereabouts is your stomping grounds? What do you do for the inevitable condensation under the bed in colder weather? I am fulltiming in Montana, so this is a huge problem for me. The hypervent system I have from factory is almost worthless and I have to prop up the bed once every few days to dry the underside of my mattress and its platform off, or else face mold or a destroyed mattress. Fun! I've seen people use pegboard propped up on another few segments of more pegboard, then hypervent on top of that and it seems to remedy the situation.

We have a Hallmark Milner, 30gal water, 30 gal propane, fiberglass walls, overhesd cabinets, large fridge and lots of storage. One piece fiberglass roof and all the other amenities. Little heaver than a FWC but wayyyy more usefull , Not made for a 1/2 ton, but some people do. I like staying within GVWR. Comes with Polar pack as FWC charges $750,00 more..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just found your channel, great video! I like that you didn't fall into the diesel truck trap. I too purchased a gas F350 dually to carry a truck camper. The only drawback thus far that i can see is limited fuel range. Have you noticed this as an issue? thanks for the great videos. Subscribed today😁

I've owned both. I don't get the easier loading and unloading though. They're basically the same footprint from the floor to where it comes to the box wall. Either one takes me 5 min on, 1 min off. Don't forget the hardwalls get more wind noise, are MUCH more affected by a full cross wind and you're often not able to clear drive throughs and low hanging branches.

My 2015 F250 4x4 ,crew cab, long bed only has a 2000lb payload capacity. For me I feel like a somewhat bare bones FWC is my only option? This video gave me a lot to think about. Thanks

I really enjoyed this video. I have been doing a lot of research, trying to decide what to get and until your video, I didn't even consider a hard shell camper. I have a 2012 Toyota Tacoma, I don't plan to get a bigger truck, do you know of a hard shell camper that will fit my 6ft. bed? Thanks again.

You guys review knocked it OUT OF THE PARK ! I concur with C Ogden. Chris had EXACTLY the same conundrum quagmire & conclilusion as you did. Strongly considering the dated Alaskan now bc the main priorities are warmth shelter good sleep or what's the point of the camper ?

Thank you for all the information that you provided for us thank you I have a question I decided to go to tour around the United States by myself and probably in Europe tour and I was thinking to get the pop-up trailer and I want to hear your opinion what do you think thank you

Very helpful comparisons. Really trying to decide between these two options also. How is your new set up offroad?

I have a 2010 FWC on a 2005 Tundra. I love it but as i get older i want to be able to leave the bedding set up and have the bathroom feature at night. So i am looking at getting the northstar … but wonder about weight …the old tundras are more like the weight bearing of a tacoma now. … i wonder what kind of truck you have …and what you know about this topic … I definitely enjoyed your comparison and agree with lots of it. I love my heater and kitchen in the Four Wheel though. Thanks

Northstar Liberty seems like the logical choice for you...I am also considering a lighter hardside such as the Liberty..I don't own a truck yet but would be looking for a 3/4 ton tugger for this would put me in safe territory.

Thanks for your awesome comparison of the two styles of campers. I've been going back and forth between a popup or hardtop. Mainly due to I will be camping all seasons in Canada, BC, and need a camper that can handle it well. Not sure which one to get though. By the way, how's the F250 Gas mileage like?

Great video, very informative! What rims did you put on your truck?

How about this category: The garage. My Tundra and FWC Hawk fit in my garage. The rain noise is not as bad as you make it sound, in fact, my wife likes the sound. The other issue with your video is you need to tell it like it is. The FWC has an aluminum frame that is lighter and won't rot BUT, there is foam insulation in both the walls and roof. My turnbuckles never loosen, I am trying to figure out what you're doing here. I never had any problems with condensation but that's maybe because we live in Oregon. Actually, a 700 - 800 pound difference might not make a difference if you have a big V-8. If you have a V-6 like I do, it does make a big difference.

Have enjoyed watching your videos. We have a 2011 Tundra double cab 4x4 and we had a pop up camper for a couple years, and it was over our payload, although we added air bags, and e rated tires. Thinking of going back to a tc, probably a hard side like yours. I know we would have to upgrade our truck to a 250 or 350. We like boondocking on Forest Servive or BLM lands. How did you decide on a 250 vs a 350, and how about a long bed vs a 6.5 bed? We want to stay with a double cab because of two dogs.Thanks again for your helpful video.

thank you for your insight, what about off road ? how does it handle the high center of gravity ?

Thank you for this useful video , we were thinking to get a FWC with F250 , after watching your video , we think Liberty may be more comfortable for us , but we found the height is 11 feet from bottom to the top , that may hit our roof edge of drive way , do you have any suggestion for us ? btw, do you have any difficulty when you go to gas station ?

Hey there, how low can you put your jacks? Im asking- How low can you get the camper if I wanted to store in garage?

great video. Considering buying a pop up type. What's the price difference in both?

did you do anything special on. the f250 suspension? how does it drive on the freeways? thanks

Better bed in the Northstar? Sometimes soft-sided campers are prohibited in campgrounds with bears. Does your Northstar have a grey/black tank?

The condensation can be iliminated with about 25l/s of ventilation, and dry heat applied. (Dieselheater is best option)

Have you looked at scout campers? They seem like a good in between of four wheel campers and the North Star.

Great comparison! I agree that the more time spent, the more the hard shell makes sense. What about Northern Lite truck campers (fiberglass clamshell) or a Kingstar truck campers (steel frame hard sided) as compared with your Northstar Liberty? You said your Liberty is wood-framed. Isn't a steel framed camper stronger for off-roading or overlanding? The Northern Lite's apparently have no frame and use the fiberglass shell. Have you seen off roaders use the Northern Lite? I've seen one KZfaqr using one and he swears by it. The build quality on your Liberty looks good from what I can see.

I'm curious, you stated your Liberty is just over 10 ft but your image in the video says it's 11' 1". Then you say the pop up was 8'. So it was only a 2' difference. I assume you made a mistake but 8' up to 11' is 3' in difference.

i believe in some places, the pop-up camper can be left on the truck and legally parked where the hard-sided one cannot (like in an area where the HOA makes the rules)

Would you ever put a service body on the truck to increase outside storage

Good info. Did you ever consider Alaskan camper or are they to heavy for what you want to do.

Re weight, there are some new, relatively lightweight hard-sided campers like the AT Overland Aterra (dry weight 1150 lbs). Same thing with Total Composites camper shells, which you can build out yourself or hire someone to build out for you. Also, re windows (and to be fair to pop-ups), plenty of them have windows at eye level. That FWC window setup is strange.

The wind noise would be a deal breaker. Not having instant availability also a problem for myself… much prefer the road trip instant availability of a full sized camper.

Great /Honest Review!....Hard wall seems the 'WAY' to Go!...Is there..an AC 'option' in a 'Hardshell'? Cheers guys..Stay Safe!

prefer Overland Explorer truck campers. cold weather tested too. need 3500 truck though if going with Camp HBE. CampX can be put on truck bed though

Just curious what’s the weight of the North Star camper and what’s the weight of truck and camper combined. Great video guys!

While this is a good review, you guys didn't cover travel ability. How 2as the 4 wheel off road? Did it give you better access to campsites you might not have got otherwise? Did it feel more secure on off camber or severely rutted roads, did it inspire more confidence you can make it out and back intact vs the wood Northstar? Did it crack from the stresses and leak? Did the northstar? I've seen people with Northstars complain the attachment brakets break thru the wood. For a couple, few days in the woods or way out there, which was best considering?

The Alaskan camper is kind of a hybrid between the two. But no shower option.

Great video, I really enjoyed the comparison by someone that has real experience with both. I do like Fourwheel Campers in concept, but haven’t actually used or stayed in one. I camp in an Alaskan Camper and had a Lance camper before that. I really love my Alaskan as it’s a pop up but with hard walls when raised. The only thing it lacks is the shower, it does have a toilet, although not as nice as the Northstar you have. I think the Alaskan has a far superior dinette though. You do have a better bed in the Northstar since you can sleep north south. Would actually be interesting to do a video comparison between an Alaskan and the Norhtstar. I’ve never seen a Northstar in person but it looks really appealing.

What truck would you recommend to use for Northstar Liberty Truck Camper?

Hard side camper is the one to live in for full timers .

Do you think the Northstar is top notch for hard sided camper?

After your video, I found 4 wheel camper is not for me… can’t stand for the noise. Thanks for sharing.

Hard side campers easily the winner overall , is much more comfortable to live in .

Also it is easier to tell that you are a set up camper with popup, stealth

A bit late to the party but, your views are still valied. I saw a new Supertramp LT video & thought maybe so I checked up on price, it starts at OMG $60K for basic. Clearly popup manufacturers are keen to rip customers off, 60k & NO engine ridiculous!

Thanks. You save me u was gonna get four wheel pop up. No way no good for me

2016 Forest River sabre

Apologies correction OGREN