We get this question quite often, why is the Base Camp more than the Hudson Bay? Here is a comparison and a list of differences that will help understand 2 similar, but different products.
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- Standard features on the Base Camp are extensive, this must be kept in mind when looking at pricing. There are a lot of features on the Base Camp that are optional on the Hudson Bay, and many of the features have differences ie., Molle panels are larger, ladder is bigger, mattress is thicker.
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- The Hudson Bay requires a tray, the Base Camp does not. This does not however remove the cost from the Base Camp as the Base Camp includes an isolated subframe, lower cabinetry which is larger than the lower cabinetry on the Aluma Tray, there is also a fabricated rear bumper on the Base Camp which is not included with the tray. So, all those costs to manufacture are still present.
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- The Base Camp is two feet longer, this does increase the build cost by almost 25% when all factors are considered. Base materials, interior furniture, cushions, fabric, etc.
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- The Base Camp has a different roof panel, due to the amount of equipment being put on the roof of the Base Camp and the standard electric lifting roof capacities. The Hudson Bay, and all our manual lifting “as standard” products have a quality composite roof panel, but emphasis is placed on light weight to make it easier to manage.
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- The Base Camp features a large full pass-through storage compartment in the rear, this is made possible by the interior layout and appliance selection.
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- The interior of the Base Camp features a large C shaped dinette seating area which converts to a nice 51” wide bed. This arrangement requires substantially more material to produce.
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- In the dinette seating of the Base Camp is an additional cabinet, shoes, outdoor gear, general storage goes in here.
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- The Base Camp features a dedicated head, and a shower in the entry.
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- The propane cabinet is not in the main body section on the Base Camp, it is in the left front cabinet below.
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- Due to the removal of the propane cabinet on the Base Camp main body, there is a different galley cabinet with a very large lower drawer for more interior storage. As well, this drawer is on 500 lb. locking slides and has a heavy-duty lid, its purpose is to be used as a step to get into bed. A feature not available on the Hudson Bay.
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- The Base Camp features a grey tank mounted to the subframe. The traps, plumbing, and drain are all heavy-duty industrial grade components. The drain goes out the lower cabinet that houses the propane, and has a hook up point outside of the cabinet so a grey hose can be left attached while still being able to lock the cabinet for security.
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- The Base Camp features an induction and propane combo cook top.
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- The Basecamp features a full Victron electrical package including A Cerbo GX monitoring/control system including tank level indicators for all tanks, and a Multi Plus 2000-watt inverter charger as standard equipment.
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- The Base Camp also features diesel or gasoline fired appliances, depending on chassis selection.
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- There is an air heater for interior temperature control as we as a hydronic heating system for hot water. These systems are more expensive and labor intensive to produce, but the reliance on propane is gone. Interior storage is increased due to the more compact nature of the components, and the ability to mount the components in areas more conducive to design.
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- The Base Camp also features an additional heat exchanger and fan that is tied into the chassis cooling system. This is to provide heat while traveling in cold weather, it also becomes a redundant source of heat. This is not possible or available on the Hudson Bay.
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- The Base Camp center of gravity is slightly lower due to direct to subframe mounting, entry door is also 2 inches lower.
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- Pricing on the Base Camp also includes factory installation onto the chassis for a turn-key product. Due to the removable nature of the Hudson Bay those installation costs occur at the dealer level, as our dealers are trained in the installation of that product line along with the Aluma Tray.
The differences in application are many, it really comes down to what level of utility you require from your chassis and your camper. The Base Camp is designed for use on a commercial cab chassis truck with a 60” CA measurement. There are no options for chassis style, other than manufacturer. This is generally a new purchase for most people. You end up with a dedicated expedition class vehicle, with the benefits of an expedition class vehicle. You are not carrying extra unused weight of a flat bed, you have climate control while driving which makes a massive difference in cold weather, you have redundant heat sources, and fuel sources. It simply works better in all aspects because of the focus on a single purpose vehicle.
The Hudson Bay, on the other hand, can utilize any ¾ or 1-ton pickup chassis, short bed or long bed. The Aluma Tray provides secure storage even when the camper is removed so you don’t have to do a complete unload to use the truck for a different purpose. The tray is muck more useful than a factory box. This reduces initial cost in many cases as the potential buyer may already have the truck, and you are carrying less overall insurance, as well as the maintenance costs of multiple vehicles. The utility aspect is pretty hard to beat if that is one of the factors being considered.