Packout Campers: Maverick Edition Installed

[RAnSD619]

Just got back to San Diego today from Las Vegas after getting my camper installed from Packout Campers. Here’s just a preview of the camper.

Ignore the leash in the above pics, I temp wired up a ghosted third brake light since the camper was going to block the factory one. I dropped the bumper and hid all the wiring behind it as show in this pic from the next day.

The camper is intentionally pretty barebones so I could customize to my needs. Now my end of the project begins (rear view camera install, interior lighting, storage & organization solutions, etc.)

I also didn’t want windows because I wanted to be able to leave it at a trailhead while I go hiking/backpacking and want the bed to be secure. I’ll eventually install extrusion security bars across the hatches to further secure it.

I think my rig is about 30-40% built out of all the things I want on it. I have done plenty but still have plenty more to do. More detailed post/video on the rig to come later when I feel like it’s ready to show.

I drove it pretty hard and fast (like I normally drive) home through the hills of Southern California. Took about 10mpg hit with the camper. Eventually will design a custom roof rack with wind fairing that will hopefully get me some mpg back. I am planning to drive coast-to-coast and back in the summer (and stay exclusively in the tent). I won’t drive as fast then but wanted to see how much impact the camper had on mpg. For what it’s worth, the Maverick drives the same and doesn’t even feel the camper on it.

Shout out to Packout Campers! They were great. Give them a call and tell them Ron sent you.

I also passed 5-6 Mavs on the way down. Hope that was some of you.

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[TedTX]

Like the tent better than GoFast. Are they competitive in price.
Are there an Aurora Borilis green 'clouds' on the night sky? Not that strong here.

 

[RAnSD619]

Like the tent better than GoFast. Are they competitive in price.

Yeah about the same price. The product is way better and the lead times are way shorter.

 

[TedTX]

It's only a 15 min drive from my mom's place to get to a gofastcamper installer, so, hemmmm less tempted

 

[mav_kev]

Nice to see an alternative to the GFC. Can't wait to see your build out!

 

[LSchicago]

I don't like how narrow it is. Main reason I bought a Square drop camper instead.

 

[Medic.Moore]

Is the bed layout in 2 pieces?

 

[RAnSD619]

I don't like how narrow it is. Main reason I bought a Square drop camper instead.

Would love to see it. Is there a post of your setup?

 

[LSchicago]

Would love to see it. Is there a post of your setup?

There is a post here with it, but here's a quick pic.

 

[RAnSD619]

Is the bed layout in 2 pieces?

It is. There is main bed section and what I call the desk section. Both are on gas struts and move upward to allow you stand in the bed. You can see the bed split in this video:


That video also compares the GFC to the v1 Packout Camper. I have one of the first v2 Packout Campers (if not the first). I let Packout shoot a quick promo video with the Maverick since it was the first Maverick install they did. In that video, they’ll explain what’s new in v2.

The bed design was ONE of the reasons I went with Packout vs GFC. I work from home and can work from the road for 30 days (total) out of the year. Just by luck (and not by design) the desk section is perfect height ergonomically for me (while standing). There is a platform on the other side too that I could use but I would prefer to be looking out the window. One of the things that I need to build out is power for that desk and a way to mount a bar at eye level for me to hang monitors off of. To give you an idea of what that setup would look like here was my temp setup while I worked in Vegas.

 

[Skulls Road]

I'd be interested in what you come up with for a fairing. Everyone who has a GFC says it barely hurts their mileage. Maybe driving with a camper requires a lighter touch. But your driving style sounds a lot like mine.

One thing I prefer on the GFC is the side profile. The hatch panels follow the contour of the bed and there's no gap at the window. Looks a lot more custom instead of a box just plopped onto the back of the truck. I think you can cut an aluminum panel to follow that shape and bolt it on to the extrusion for a really nice look. Probably doesn't need it but it would gusset that corner too.

 

[dxpedition13]

Ron, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you in person and be the first one to witness the first Ver2 PackOut Camper to be installed in our truck! So stoked for you.

I love the new profile pic by the way.

I can't wait to hear more road trip stories with your rig. The fitment looks really snugged and solid. If it wasn't for my Maverick, things would've probably taken longer to build the whole setup. Also, looking forward to camp with you in the future. I know where you live.

Enjoy and stay safe as always!

 

[RAnSD619]

Ron, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you in person and be the first one to witness the first Ver2 PackOut Camper to be installed in our truck! So stoked for you.

I love the new profile pic by the way.

I can't wait to hear more road trip stories with your rig. The fitment looks really snugged and solid. If it wasn't for my Maverick, things would've probably taken longer to build the whole setup. Also, looking forward to camp with you in the future. I know where you live.

Enjoy and stay safe as always!

Thanks brother! I can’t wait to see yours.

MTC,
Tegz/Darwin is part of Team Packout. His (Area 51) FX4 is the one on the left of my (Cactus Grey) Hybrid as was the one used to prototype the Maverick Edition Packout Camper (and in a special way my build as the first one). And as you can see, he takes great pictures. The pics from my original post are from him. Tegz is “good peeps” for sure as is all of Team Packout. Was a fun install and glad to have made some new friends.

 

[TedTX]

Keep posting, looking forward to your mobile office setup. Any support for solar panels on roof deck? Inside looking out pics.

 

[RAnSD619]

I'd be interested in what you come up with for a fairing. Everyone who has a GFC says it barely hurts their mileage. Maybe driving with a camper requires a lighter touch. But your driving style sounds a lot like mine.

One thing I prefer on the GFC is the side profile. The hatch panels follow the contour of the bed and there's no gap at the window. Looks a lot more custom instead of a box just plopped onto the back of the truck. I think you can cut an aluminum panel to follow that shape and bolt it on to the extrusion for a really nice look. Probably doesn't need it but it would gusset that corner too.

Going to design/make my own roof rack out of same profile extrusion. My main things I want of it are table storage and a wind fairing. The table storage will be forward of the antenna and under the overhang accessible by the side. The fairing I’m going to take inspiration from Prinsu and incorporate a light bar mount into it.

The rest of the design will be around whatever small roof top bag I can find. Will probably be close in size to a hitch carrier bag. I’ll only bring/use it for emergency/overflow storage like when my wife/kids pack too much.

I hear you on the GFC. Eventually I will skirt everything for cosmetics but that’s at the bottom of list. I intentionally asked them to leave a gap as it will help me run wiring. I am also planning to store small things there (securely) like pop-up shower canopy, etc.

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