Camper options for Fathom?

[awd]

what camper options do you guys foresee for the Fathom?

i'd be interested in something that pops up easily with a cabover bed, and still leaves plenty of room to stand up in the pickup bed with an 80" long mattress fully open over the cab.

anything taller or wider than the cab would hurt aerodynamics, though if driving slower to make up for lost range, one could probably get a pretty usable distance between charging stops on the extended range battery.

@rileyfromford will Ford please consider producing an official camper shell (or collaborating with third parties to make one)? integrated solar panels on the camper that trickle charge the Fathom's battery would be awesome! if not already a feature, please also consider additional ground clearance on AWD models to more easily make it down dirt roads / trails to remote campsites.

 

[commadorebob]

Best bet would be a tent. I doubt Ford is going to release any official accessories that hurt the range and will leave that to third parties.

 

[Maverstang]

Seems like 3 key issues for the kind of camping you’re discussing.

First is camp/pet/stealth/overnight modes, allowing climate control with no lighting. It‘s a simple software implementation. Tesla and Rivian do it, but no one at GM seems to understands this. This is Fords opportunity to differentiate.

Secondly, the midgate to allow at least 6’ of flat floor length. There are strong indications a midgate will be available in at least one trim level.

Thirdly, a physical cover to effectively enclose the flat space, be it a bed cover or cap of some kind. No information on these solutions yet, they may have to come from third parties.

 

[awd]

Seems like 3 key issues for the kind of camping you’re discussing.

First is camp/pet/stealth/overnight modes, allowing climate control with no lighting. It‘s a simple software implementation. Tesla and Rivian do it, but no one at GM seems to understands this. This is Fords opportunity to differentiate.

Secondly, the midgate to allow at least 6’ of flat floor length. There are strong indications a midgate will be available in at least one trim level.

Thirdly, a physical cover to effectively enclose the flat space, be it a bed cover or cap of some kind. No information on these solutions yet, they may have to come from third parties.

yes, a camp mode would be great, especially if the midgate allows air to effectively flow into the enclosed bed / camper area (provided someone offers a good camper solution at a reasonable price -- rather than a simple cover or typical bed cap, i'd be much more interested in a larger camper (pop-up or hardside) with a cabover sleeping area where the pickup bed floor space is completely open to set up a bathroom area, carry supplies, etc).

hopefully when Ford releases a van on the UEV platform, it also has a camp mode to allow climate control to run overnight (and during the day too), regardless of whether unplugged or plugged in and charging.

 

[rileyfromford]

what camper options do you guys foresee for the Fathom?

i'd be interested in something that pops up easily with a cabover bed, and still leaves plenty of room to stand up in the pickup bed with an 80" long mattress fully open over the cab.

anything taller or wider than the cab would hurt aerodynamics, though if driving slower to make up for lost range, one could probably get a pretty usable distance between charging stops on the extended range battery.

@rileyfromford will Ford please consider producing an official camper shell (or collaborating with third parties to make one)? integrated solar panels on the camper that trickle charge the Fathom's battery would be awesome! if not already a feature, please also consider additional ground clearance on AWD models to more easily make it down dirt roads / trails to remote campsites.

Noted!

 

[WXman]

My guess is there will not be a in-bed camper for Fathom. In-bed campers require significant payload, and special suspension designed to reduce sway since the camper moves the COG upward. Even some Super Duty trucks come with tags in the glovebox that say "do not install camper".

In addition to that, aero is critical for EVs. And the Fathom will likely have a bed similar in size to the Maverick, which essentially is useless for anything other than hauling a few bags of mulch or groceries.

So I don't see Ford offering that, and I don't see aftermarket companies doing it either because of safety constraints and lack of demand.

I'm thinking what the best option will be is a small teardrop camper you can tow behind the vehicle. That's the train of thought I'd be focused on.

 

[awd]

Noted!

thank you! looking forward to learning any new Fathom details, hopefully soon

 

[awd]

My guess is there will not be a in-bed camper for Fathom. In-bed campers require significant payload, and special suspension designed to reduce sway since the camper moves the COG upward. Even some Super Duty trucks come with tags in the glovebox that say "do not install camper".

In addition to that, aero is critical for EVs. And the Fathom will likely have a bed similar in size to the Maverick, which essentially is useless for anything other than hauling a few bags of mulch or groceries.

So I don't see Ford offering that, and I don't see aftermarket companies doing it either because of safety constraints and lack of demand.

I'm thinking what the best option will be is a small teardrop camper you can tow behind the vehicle. That's the train of thought I'd be focused on.

it may be possible someone will offer it.. there are a couple options for the Maverick. with a good aerodynamic shape to the camper and lightweight design, it could result in noticeably better efficiency than towing.

for my personal use, i'd need something bigger than a small teardrop, so i can at least have space for a compost toilet and sink in addition to the bed. i'd consider a short enclosed cargo trailer or the Honda Base Station (if it goes into production soon), though a good camper option may result in more range when going across the country (and an easier experience at charger locations that aren't designed for towing).