300 replies to this topic

[Bombsight]

 Hello everyone!

 

Just joined the forum with my mind made up to order a 2016 FWC Raven (Correction* - Hawk model). A five year no leak warranty cant be beat! It seems like everyone is really happy with FWC's.

 

I plan on having a Hawk* model built and installed on a 2016 GMC 300HD with a BDS 6.5" lift (see attachment).

 

After reading a long list of threads on here and right click/saving tons of photos, I'm convinced that this future rig is the best, most agile off road rig out there for my purposes. 

 

In the future, you guys will see many photos from me dealing with modifications to the camper/truck as well as videos & photos from my expeditions in the FWC. I'm a hobbyist/photographer. 

 

I'd like to start this thread off by asking those of you who have time to comment .... what would you do ... or not do (installations) when it comes to building the best Hawk FWC anyone could imagine. Keep in mind, I plan on staying out in the bush for long periods of time ... and the grid will be all but forgotten.

 

Thanks in advance for your opinions. I hope to share some really cool things with all of you soon as I invest in my retirement plans ... and this beautiful land we call The Americas.

 

 

Bombsight

Edited by Bombsight, 03 November 2016 - 10:38 PM.

[DrJ]

Love your truck.

Sounds like a great adventure.

 

Why the Raven model?

 

Any reason not to have the Hawk?

I have a 3500 HD 6.5 ft bed and the Hawk fits perfectly.

[Bombsight]

Love your truck.

Sounds like a great adventure.

 

Why the Raven model?

 

Any reason not to have the Hawk?

 

 

I have a 3500 HD 6.5 ft bed and the Hawk fits perfectly.

 

Thanks ... not mine yet though. Truck & camper to be bought together soon.

 

Will the Hawk fit in the Crew max bed without any of it hanging over?

I thought the GMC 35OO HD had a 5.6 as opposed to your 6.5 bed.

 

Believe me, I'll choose the Hawk if it will fit the short wheel base crew max bed.

Edited by Bombsight, 03 November 2016 - 10:39 PM.

[DrJ]

I believe it has the 6.5 ft bed. The shorter bed at 5.6 ft (I'm not sure of exact length here) is on the half ton trucks.

I'm not sure you can ever order that size bed in the HD (3/4 and 1 ton) GM trucks.

 

The Hawk model is the perfect one for the 6.5 ft bed and what I would do as long as that is the real size of the bed.

[billharr]

The 2500 will have a 6.5 bed I am looking to move up to a 3/4 ton. 

[Bombsight]

I stand corrected and I'm thrilled, DrJ! Thanks

 

Scott @ FWC (New Braunfels, Texas) informed me just now that it is the "Hawk" version I should be looking at. 

He said the Raven is for 1/2 ton trucks.

 

Thanks for the heads up ... The build plan just took a whole new direction. 

[Bombsight]

The 2500 will have a 6.5 bed I am looking to move up to a 3/4 ton. 

Thanks, Bill. I watched your video and it was a big help with my dreams. Thanks for posting that. I will watch it more than once.

[Bombsight]

OK ... Now that there are three floor plans for an option, which seems to be most functional for most?

 

I have to say the long bench fold over seat looks like its a waste of space?

 

I'm torn between the front Dinette and the side Dinette. Opinions please...

 

Can the front Dinette floor plan actually sleep four adults as opposed to just three with the side Dinette floor plan?

 

Is the shower in the front Dinette really functional?

Seems as though overspray from showering would be an issue on the seating? Does FWC make a special shower curtain or what? Where & how does one get a shower head to shower with inside?

 

Opinions on the FWC cassette toilet as opposed to a Thetford "Curve" toilet?

Edited by Bombsight, 05 May 2015 - 12:47 AM.

[DrJ]

There have been lots of opinions over the years on dinette seating. 

FWC does have some great videos by Tom on their website about this very topic.

 

 

I have sat in the Hawk and Grandby front dinette and can tell you that 4 adults are not going to make it in the Hawk front dinette.

But in the Grandby it works great for 4 adults.

 

You can add a lagun table in the roll over bench model which works good for me. Check out these:

 

 

 

If/when I buy another one, I would do a Grandby front dinette model.

But I don't have a long bed truck and was not excited about the camper hangover issue.

 

Not much experience with the toilet or indoor shower.

But if you do a search there have been lots of comments on those in the past.

Edited by DrJ, 05 May 2015 - 01:46 AM.

[Bombsight]

Thanks, DrJ ... you have been a big help.