RIG TOUR & REVIEW | The Project M by Four Wheel Campers 

Thanks everyone for all the great tips for keeping dust out! Hopefully anyone looking for an answer to this problem can glean some information from you guys. We'd also like to mention after talking with the FWC team that they are planning to release a modular system to customize and build out Project Ms in the future. The goal for that is some time in 2022. While that date is pretty far off and vague it's exciting to know that they are planning expansions to this platform.

Looks like a very nice system. The dust problem is primarily a truck bed problem. There are many seams, additional holes etc. We resolved the issue first by installing a rubber seal around the tailgate then caulking the seams in the bottom, taping over the additional holes and the gap under the lip. We also sealed the joint between the cap we used and the truck bed with a strip of Butyl Rubber. After two weeks on dirt roads no dust in the back. A real game changer

The project M looks like a great option. I really like the fact that it minimizes weight as much as possible while still giving a place to sleep. Also, you are such a great spokesperson for them. I can understand why they chose you and Owen to review it. Most importantly, you keep it real. It is easy to tell when someone is trying to sugar coat something, and I don’t trust that. Good review!!

Thanks so much for the review. I’ve been following Four Wheel Camper’s progress on the Model M for awhile and am really excited with what they’ve done and the direction they’re taking this. I’m 71 and have a 2019 Fleet with most of the “bells & whistles” that are offered and absolutely love it- a retiree’s dream! BUT if I were 25 the Model M would be a dream come true to begin an overlanding adventure. ( forwarded your review to my 33 yr old nephew in Edwards, CO) You and Owen have been defining the spirit of “overlanding”- thank you! Don’t stop!!

This would be a handy setup with the new f150s built in generator. It would all be accessible from inside the camper.

This is great walk through and makes me want a Project M, except for that dust! Our tip would be to use some of the ESI products that we used to keep our truck bed with cap clean and dust free. (Not associated with ESI in any way, just products that work!) ESI Ultimate tailgate seal comes with great instructions for various models to get the tailgate air tight. Then various types of ESI bed rail seals are available depending on cap weight and bulkhead gaps, even comes with some sort of putty to level off the larger/odd gaps often found at corners. Finally there's still some various small bed track bolt holes and plugs/caps that aren't sealed, plus nice gaps where the bed sides meet the front bulkhead in our Tundra. We filled those with some clear silicone which may need to be touched up over the years but for now our bed is a clean and dry sleeping area!

Great review! I’ve been following Four Wheel Camper’ progress on this project and have been pretty excited about the direction they’ve taken it. I’m 71 and have the Fleet- with all of the “bells and whistles”- a retiree’s dream. BUT if I were 25 the Project M would be the answer to the start of a lifetime of overlanding adventure. Thank you so much for your succinct review!! I’ve forwarded it to my 33 year old nephew in Edwards, Co!😎

So intriguing! So many ideas to build out the interior just a bit. Thanks for the tour!~ carol

Fantastic review! To the point. I can’t wait until it’s time for me to go pop up tent shopping.

I just ordered one yesterday so your video is really timely. Thanks!

I love the outtakes so much.

Showing some sponsor Love. This looks to be a Great series, Thanks!

Very nicely done! I'm already been decided. This was just a good review to add on to my decision. Thanks

Thanks for this in depth review! Really helped to hear the things you’ve experienced and the customizations you’d make.

We had a similar dust problem when offroading with a tonneau top. The airflow with the top on would cause road dust to get sucked up into the bed. The solution I found was to put a used bicycle tube along the bottom of the tailgate before closing it. This kept the dust from getting sucked up into the bed from under the tailgate. Later, I found adhesive weather stripping you can buy for just this purpose. It might not keep out all dust, but it dramatically reduced the amount of dust getting pulled into the bed. Note that I cut the tube so that it was one long piece instead of a loop.

Makes me wanna buy one RIGHT NOW, thanks for sharing

Thank you that was really interesting to watch.

Four Wheel Campers is smart for offering the Project M. There is definitely a market for this and yes I agree that there must be a solution for the dust getting in.

Nice 👍 can’t wait to see the upcoming videos Thanks.

Thanks for the review. Glad to see they've re-designed the rear door. We've had our "M" for 10 months and we love it. I've never had that amount of dust in ours as I sealed our tailgate and any large gaps before I headed out on any dirt roads. It's tough to keep all the dust out but I think I've cut about 95% of it. Thanks again!

This answered a huge question for me, yay! We have a drawer system from Truck Vault and wondered if we could still utilize a 4WC Project M; I'm convinced we can after watching this video. Right now we have a '21 Tacoma Sport Long Bed with a SnugTop Hi-Liner cap; sleeping in it is so great but sitting or chilling is not possible. We have a full BedRug bed-liner in the bed and the same material lines the topper which helps with dust. I'm so stoked to ponder a Project M!!!

good job , yes there is a pickup tail gate seal that you can order plus a lot of silicon for the rest , I am from Canada and I got my seal at Canadian tire , but I am sure you could order one someplace in the USA

Thanks for this honest tour and review :)

I love this idea and your thoughts on it. The little platforms, I would build cabinets on the platforms, subfloor storage, and insulated panels for the truck bed.

Excellent very thorough review thank you

Awesome review! Thank you!

Suggestion for a mod to improve longevity of those channel mounts on the outside: It looks like there is a bit of rotational force where your jerry cans are mounted, as the track is mounted in a single horizontal plane, and as you drive the dynamic force down then creates a rotational force. Notice how the top of the jerry can is farther away from the sidewall than the bottom. Since you have an unused section of channel track above the cans, you could distribute the simple downforce load AND the rotational load across both channels by running a metal strap between the channel tracks and then mount the jerry can center bolt to the metal strap just above the lower channel.

I own the OVRLND camper (similar to project M, but more customizable and more affordable). The dust is a real issue. Experience has taught me that the tailgate is the major culprit. I now use foam to insulate the tailgate gaps. I bought a $20 exercise mat from Walmart and cut it into dust insulkation strips. It's better now, not perfect but much better.

Awesome review thanks!

Truck with camper shell here, we put a Bedrug that extends over to the tailgate in one piece, and I put in a seal kit from Amazon to help seal the tailgate. The real trick is figuring out how to seal the junction of the tailgate, the camper shell side, and the camper shell back window. Still haven’t figured that one out.

I have a fitted bedrug in my ARE cap. The rug had helped with the dust and insulation. Definitely going to try some of the other dust proofing mentioned in these comments.

I’m excited for the next couple of videos! I live so close to FWC I should make the time to visit.

I'm a new subscriber. You guys are livin' large!

I am considering this unit. Using just a Leer canopy right now. I installed a Bed Rug and it definitely keeps the dust out of my rig.

Thanks, I've only recently come upon your channel (been busy homesteading on our 50 acres)...a couple of suggestions I have made to 4 Wheel Campers is to have the option of European style RV windows, which are insulated and can be opened during rainstorms, etc. I would replace the AGM battery with an EcoFlow Duramax power station (so we could also use it here on our off grid homestead)...We've traveled all over North America for many decades, we're now 73 (me) and 67 (her), and have traveled in VW synchros, and even old split window VW Westies...we've traveled in two different very small motorhomes and even in the back of a 1980 Chevy Luv diesel (when diesel was 6 US cents per litre in Mexico)...I love our Toyota Tacoma and its abilities...so we may sell our tear drop and order one of these campers. Thanks for the review, I love your channel.

For the dust, go to a hardware store and buy weather stripping. I put it around my Tailgate and other places. Most weather stripping has an adhesive back. Another way to manage the dust is positive air pressure. If you can find a way to have an air filter over the ceiling fan, have the fan bring air in. If I remember correctly, I think Patriot Campers does this. It might be MITS Alloy....

I'd have wussed out and spent a fortune on the Decked system, then regretted it. Great work!

We used to use a strip of foam stuffed in the tailgate cracks. It was kind of unwieldy but it kept the dust out during the day and the cold air out at night.

Great idea for the budget minded folks.

Excellent review.

Thanks for sharing!

dust, yes, and any opening in the shell provides access points for lil critters, too. gotta seal 'em all.

Solution for the dust: either silicone seal the corners of the box or bed rug makes a nice carpet that covers the whole inside of the box!

Great review.

Almost bought a 4 Wheel Camper, but then built the truck house instead lol. Leaving AK mid-August to head south, 2 months of overlanding, whitewater, festivals, and whatever. I'm throwing a Truck House Life Overland Rally near Durango/Silverton Colorado in early September before Overland Expo West. Maybe see you guys out there:)

Nice work! I'm glad you mentioned some of the issues too... dust is a challenge for sure!

i think what a lot of people in the comment thread don't know/realize about this camper is the big benefit that was never mentioned is the weight. this starts at 352 lbs for a midsize truck. Something like a stock tacoma has pretty low weight limit (around 1K lbs if i remember correctly), so add in a couple people, a dog, some camp gear, water... and you are quickly at that limit. Just like anything, there is a way of camping for everyone :)

Mac and Owen!!! Thanks so much for this video!!! I’ve been going back and forth on purchasing either this or the FWC Shell slide in and your opinions have a lot of weight due to the amount of time you spend overlanding!!! The dust would kill me, but more than that, not having a screen door or being able to lock yourself from the inside moved me away from the topper and to the FWC shell. My only concern with the shell is can I take down those “boxes” in the shell and DYI my own shelving system and couch/dining area?? Can’t wait for the slide in video!! Thanks again!!!

Great video wasn’t even considering a project m until this one! Gonna check out a hawk too

I wish FWC offered a "Barn Door" option! I want to be able to stand on the tailgate upright.

Seems like you have done this before! Awesome presentation as always!

this thing looks awesome! if I had the money I would definitely get one of these. great vid

I’d put a BedRug in my bed so that I’d have that layer of insulation and to help keep dust out. Put a large water tank cross ways by the cab and build out a kitchen (on the opposite side of gas tank) and an opposing storage bench/sleep platform (for windy nights).

downside for me would be the dirt dust that is clearly visible inundating cloths, electronic and every nook and cranny. think I would go with a hawk or some other all enclosed living space camper with a few more creature comforts. plus I'd want to off load the camper, set it aside, so I could utilize the truck for everyday use as a normal truck would be for hauling stuff, running errands and not have to be burdened by lugging a camper here and there.

I feel like if they sewed gasketed zippered bulkhead separating the bed area you could zip it up for storage and keep the dust out of the bed. Also if they had window designs more like a leer topper you could access the platforms and anything secured there from the outside. I am sure they will do a setup with a decked system at some point

As for the dust getting inside, in my experience, most os from the tailgate itself. Using rubber weather stripping similar to the automotve oem seals around the door worka best

Your dust problem comes from the tailgate seal (or lack of)...age old issue. A foam seal kit is available for all trucks to minimize the problem. Happy trails!!

Amazing content! Thanks so much for sharing. I think I’ll wait until this design is improved upon, or until another competitive option comes out.

When I had a pick up with a Leer cap on it... I used to lay down a foam tape on the gunnels of the bed before clamping the cap down. That seemed to keep most of the moisture or dust out of the bed. That is a cap not a camper but I would think they would work the same.

I installed my Project M on a 1/2 ton RAM with an eight foot bed. Mule did the install and they said that they usually install on 3/4 tons. The 465 lb weight is no problem for the 1/2 ton without suspension mods. Being in the northwest I made sure the install was water tight.

The hatch actually is lockable from the inside. There's a little red tab on the driver's side of hatch window.

Loved the bloopers reel !

I wonder if you could put together a filtered fan that keeps positive pressure inside the truck bed while driving?

A ram air intake on the forward fan would positively pressurize the space to help keep dust from being sucked in by the negative pressure being formed behind the vehicle. removable Winter window silicone caulk would be a good solution for the gaps.

Install a "Bed Rug". The cracks in the bed of a truck are there for a reason, for drainage. Installing a "Bed Rug" and sealing the tailgate should solve your problem with dust. As a bonus, you will have a very durable cushy carpet floor and good insulation. I would get the one that goes up to the bed rails to get the full benefit of the insulation factor. They usually run around $500 but are well worth it, especially for this application.

Thank you

I like the platform, I have a family of 4, so I would use the platform for bunks to sleep on

That blooper reel though...hahahaha

With the Ford F150 lightning this will be super, plug a heat, electric stove etc, run fan in summer and even a mini air conditioner

A RU-vid ad came on right before the Mac outtakes (my favs). I had to wait through 9 painful seconds.

I was wondering about dust sealing and you answered my concern by shooting your video after two weeks of travel off pavement; exactly the same condition I experience under a simple cap. I was hoping Fourwheel had developed a solution, but of course their control of the problem stops where the camper mates to the truck bed. That joint needs to be water and dust tight. The tailgate is probably a significant dust leak. In another Project M review the owner added a tailgate gasket. I will be on the lookout for effective dust control solutions before committing to a Project M. I’d rather pitch a tent than camp in a dust bin.

If you don't have them already wheel well liners help reduce the dust in the bed.

I ordered my Project M, is due in Sept. The newer models do lock from the inside now. As for dust, there are rubber seals that will keep out almost all dust. Just Google truck bed seals. Can't wait to pick it up.

Great review. Did you by chance get a measurement of the overall height of the rig?

i thought you got a new house for a second 😂

Opening the slider hatch behind the cab should create a positive pressure in the camper and help with the dust. It helps with my AT Overland Summit.

Thank you for this review on a blank canvas approach to a pop-up camper. But, I think it would be a step in the wrong direction for you two with living the in luxury with the rich and famous. I am however, looking forward to how you will be able to compromise. How about Flex Seal for those truck bed openings? Tailgates always have spaces but there are seals that are specifically designed to seal those. See you next time guys.

Use a pice of molding to block the open truck bed corners. There are a lot of options.

Well done video Excellent communication I am thinking the same model for my type of travels and adventure I too am seeing some issues that need to be addressed as you mentioned Hopefully the manufacturer listens? Do you know or how a bug screen could be applied for that very large door I need to be able lock when inside for the night Also on the side shelves

Thanks for the review. I was thinking same thing when I was looking into Project M - those two platform tables on either side of the interior would be very limiting if I decide to build out inside.

Was considering one of these, the dust is a deal breaker. Probably better off with a shell model.

re: the two rear hatch latches . Is it possible that while you are sleeping inside the Topper ; someone outside could walk past the rear hatch and push on the two latches and lock you inside ? Also , when you go inside to sleep , do you have the ability to lock the rear hatch from inside for security purposes ?

I’ve been looking at a project M for winter camping on ski trips. How do you think it would do around ~10°F?

Gorilla tape and tailgate seal does wonders for me with dust

It would be nice if they made a full hatch. Remove the tail gate and extend the hatch down till it sits flush.

Sorry hit the button before done On the side shelves which are great but would like to see if I can break them up on folding them? As I have a aux 40 gal fuel tank that I could go thru driver window and refuel but need to remove or fold up to gain access Wished they could do a different small size door on the topper affordable model Thanks for a fantastic video

Are those 13” shelves mandatory? They seem like a real limiting factor as they are too high to build a bench on and too narrow to use as a bench or alternative sleep platform for top down use.

Looks like a nice setup. There’s weatherstripping that helps with the air gaps to keep dust out. Do you know if the truck has a 5.5 ft or 6.5 ft bed?

This van conversion is awesome! Perfect for people who would love to live away from the city. We will surely share your videos with our customers who bought land from us and planning to live in this type of house. Thanks for sharing your story!

GREAT review! You have convinced me NOT to get an M-project and go with a regular enclosed camper with REAL lockable doors and SEALED from all the dust and other crap!

No one shows how they are getting in the camper on any M model videos like its a secret, must be difficult to get in. Thanks for your video and feedback. Maybe for dust, they can make a large foam diaphram that you place on top of the rim of the truck and then seat the truck camper on top of that seal.

Doesn’t let the bugs in but damn it sure lets the dust in…..😂

Thanks for the video. Looking to do something similar but curious if you know whether the truck has stock suspension or has added a lift kit or upgraded suspension. Definitely want to keep it under 1K lbs with buildout and wet weight. My thoughts on the dust would be to install some zip up fabric barrier for the back tailgate and maybe a mesh screen with a magnetic strip for ease of access and keep the bugs out.

Dang dust! Not my idea btw, but... Fab a AIR TIGHT BOX that accepts a car air filter above (and outside) of the fan. On a dusty trail turn on the fan pulling air into the camper. The theory is to keep a positive air pressure in the camper, if the camper has positive air pressure then the dust won't migrate inside. I personally have not tried this but it sounds logical. My little wedge would require much more fabrication for something like this to work, a snorkel would be interesting. Keep it simple and use the same filter your truck uses. Like I said, haven't tried it myself so obviously no experience success or fail. Just thought I'd toss it out there.

Goal for me to get an f150 for a project m this is so cool

Isn’t not being able to lock up for the evening from inside a bit of a dealer breaker in terms of night time safety?

Great Vid... dumb question... do you cook inside?

Was this a 6.5ft bed on that f150? or was it a standard 5.7ft bed?

Is it water-resistant for truck bed during heavy rain?

Do you have to drill holes to mount it?