701 | The Best Pop-Up Camper for Fly Anglers with Stan Kennedy of Four Wheel Campers

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/701

Presented By:  Four Wheel Campers

 Are you looking for the best pop-up camper for your adventures?

Stan Kennedy from Four Wheel Campers takes us through the history of the largest pop-up camper company in the country. Discover how their narrow, low-profile design, aluminum frame, and unmatched durability make these campers stand out.

Stan also shares how the Project M camper offers full use of your truck bed while weighing just over 400 pounds. Wondering how these campers handle real-life scenarios—like forgetting to lower the top while driving? We'll hear about that today. 

Find out why Four Wheel Campers might be the best pop-up camper for your next outdoor adventure!

Show Notes with Stan Kennedy on The Best Pop-Up Camper for Fly Anglers. 

About our Guest 

02:25 - Stan Kennedy was born and raised in Northern California. His journey with Four Wheel Campers started in 2002 when he stumbled across the company. He did some research, checked out their website, and was drawn to their unique product.

Over the years, he’s watched the market evolve. Originally, Four Wheel Campers focused on outdoor enthusiasts like hunters and anglers. In the past five to eight years, especially with the pandemic, a new generation has embraced these campers for outdoor adventures.

Four Wheel Campers

04:39 - Four Wheel Campers is the largest manufacturer of pop-up truck campers in the U.S. Their customers are mainly older generations, but lately, younger and middle-aged people are getting interested.

These campers are designed to fit any pickup truck. Unlike bulky campers that add extra height and weight, these campers collapse to a lower profile, making them easier to drive with and park. When you're ready to camp, just pop it up, and you get extra space and protection from the elements.

Top Features of Four Wheel Campers

 10:16 - Four Wheel Campers are built for adventure and convenience. They’re easy to drive with and fit perfectly on any pickup truck. Here are a few things that make them stand out:

Narrow Design: easy to see out of your side mirrors while driving.

Low Profile: reduces wind drag for better fuel efficiency and smoother rides.

Aluminum Frame: built to last with a welded frame, preventing issues like dry rot.

Lightweight: easy to handle and perfect for off-road adventures.

Durability: made to withstand harsh conditions and years of use.

Scott says their approach at Four Wheel Campers has always been about practicality, not fancy details. They focus on building campers that are built to last, without all the extra frills.

Watch this video on YouTube to see how Four Wheel Campers are made: 

https://youtu.be/QSUsxwHrVyk?si=FrlzXUQ_ekAJezmI

What Happens If You Forget to Lock the Latches on Your Pop-Up Camper?

12:25 - Scott explains that it's usually not a big deal if you forget to lock the latches. The original design of the pop-up camper is incredibly sturdy. Here’s what might happen:

If you forget all the latches, the roof might pop up at high speed, but the camper is built to handle that. You’ll get some attention from other drivers, but it’s easy to fix by pulling over, latching it, and continuing your trip.

If you only forget a couple of latches, the roof could bend slightly where it’s still connected, but it’s rare to see any major damage.

A simple way to make sure you don’t forget to lock your pop-up camper’s latches is to create a checklist. Put a checklist on your dashboard to remind you to check everything before you hit the road.

Make it a habit to lock the latches right after you pop down the camper. It’s a quick and simple step to avoid camper mishaps while traveling.

The History of Four Wheel Campers

Stan shared the story behind Four Wheel Campers. It all began in the 1970s when Dave Rowe built a camper in his garage for his hunting and fishing trips in Colorado. Friends saw it and asked if he could build one for them, and soon enough, he was making campers for everyone.

Over the years, the company grew, but the basic design has stayed true to its original look. 

Photo via: https://fourwheelcampers.com/

The ORVIS Special Edition Pop-Up Camper?

The ORVIS Special Edition pop-up camper is based on the usual slide-in style but designed specifically for fishermen. Stan explains that ORVIS worked closely with their engineers to create a camper that would be perfect for a guide or fly fisherman. Here's what sets it apart:

Wet room 

Fly rod holders 

Custom interiors 

Battery solutions 

Check out this Orvis Special Edition Four Wheel Camper Walkthrough: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxL-OcyBik8&t=9s

How Much Does a Pop-Up Camper Cost?

Pop-up campers start around $12,500 and can go up to $60,000 or $70,000 for the more expensive models.  Stan says that despite the price increase, mainly due to inflation and the pandemic, Four Wheel Campers still offers one of the most affordable price ranges in the truck camper market.

What’s Inside a Four Wheel Camper?

23:57 - Four Wheel Campers offer all the essentials you’d expect in any camper, like a sink, stove, fridge, furnace, batteries, propane, and water beds. The real difference is in the layout and style, with each camper feeling unique depending on the model. 

Whether you choose a Project M or another model, you can customize the colors and floor plan to match your needs. 

Best Mattress for Your Pop-up Camper

26:51 - Four Wheel Campers offer customizable mattress options. The stock mattress is high-density foam, but you can add a memory foam topper if you prefer something softer. You can also customize your mattress to suit your needs and the interior of your camper.

Power Setup for a Pop-up Camper

27:50 - Setting up solar power in a pop-up camper is pretty simple. The solar panels are typically placed on the roof, and you can just "set it and forget it." 

The smallest solar system is around 250 watts, but on smaller trucks, it can be as low as 160 watts. For larger campers, you can get up to 500 watts. As for battery power, you can choose from one, two, or even three lithium batteries, depending on the model.

For heating, Stan shared that Four Wheel Campers typically use propane. Most regular slide-in campers and flatbed models have a built-in water heater and a forced-air furnace. 

However, for the topper models, there's no factory-built furnace option at the moment. Customers usually need to use a portable heater, like a diesel heater. 

Four Wheel Camper Rallies

Four Wheel Campers hosts rallies where customers can meet, camp together, and have fun. These events often occur at cool spots like Lake Tahoe, Anza-Borrego, or Oregon. 

The rallies usually feature camping, food, drinks, seminars, and music. It’s a great way for customers to show off their campers, share modifications, and enjoy the outdoors together

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/701