78 replies to this topic

[CougarCouple]

Real nice looking RR. Looks kinda like the camper is crouching in the bed with the cabover. Wrapping is arms around the cab to become one with.

Russ

[Advmoto18]

VERY NICE rig!

 

Don't know how much clearance you have between the cab roof and bottom of camper, but, be mindful of frame flex when off-road/off-camber.

 

I'm pretty sure if that had been my truck/camper on the "Short Cut" trail on the Burr Trail, I would had contact between the two.

 

I'd call the FWC factory and inquire about their minimum recommended clearance.

 

I went the Amazon route for replacing my tailgate camera;  also mounted to the bottom of my Hawk.

Harness/Adapter. $23  I don't see an offering for the 2017 and later on Amazon.

Camera.  $20 and a whole lot better than the Ford camera, especially at night.

Edited by Advmoto18, 31 October 2017 - 07:06 PM.

[klahanie]

... ah he'll be fine. Isn't the frame 10x stiffer or is it 100x, LOL.

 

Thanks for the update RR. Those numbers look respectable. My worry with the gas is 11 or less, that would be running heavy, with a bit bigger tires and driving in the mtns. Maybe those days are gone (I hope but IDK)

[Riverrunner]

Thanks, I've got about 2" between the cab and the camper.  My driveway is 2 miles of not so smooth (pot hole minefield) gravel and no issues.  

 

Funny you mention the frame...  it's a lot stiffer and the first thing I noticed as I headed down the road was the bed and camper do not flex much at all compared to old SD. Next to none...   I've got a 48gal fuel tank so if even if I get 9 or 10 I still have some range.  

 

I do notice more side to side sway but I drove a dually with airbags for 15 years and I'm totally stock with this one so there should be more sway. 

 

And yes I will find a back up camera solution for sure... Got used to having that pretty quick.

[Advmoto18]

Good to hear!  

 

I had read in the Ford Bodybuilder Manual that the 2017+ F-250/350 SD frame was significantly stiffer.  But, actual use is always the truth teller!

 

The 2018 F450/550 models are getting the technology.  

 

I keep thinking a F-550 SRW home built camper is called for...some day.

Edited by Advmoto18, 01 November 2017 - 12:00 AM.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

RR, I can't remember if we talked about this, but I got a second camera from the parts folks at Tillamook Ford.

[Riverrunner]

RR, I can't remember if we talked about this, but I got a second camera from the parts folks at Tillamook Ford.

 

Yes we did!   On my list of things to do!  

 

I'm totally impressed with the truck and no regrets on going gas.  Glad I waited for the 17's before making a choice.  Can't say enough about how quiet and comfortable it is and mine is a low end XLT.  The vinyl floors are the bomb!  I really miss my Jeep as a daily driver and wheeler but I don't miss all of the issues it had.   

 

One thing I'll add...taking the tailgate off is a pain and tough by yourself.  The hinges are a pretty tight fit.  I used to do the old SD by myself and it was easy.  It took the wife and I to put it back on.  And with the camera and tailgate having a lock, you have to get on your back under the truck to unplug the 2 wire harnesses.  Not much fun if it's wet.  

[Openroad]

Greetings, I'm new to the forum and also considering a new F350 and Hawk.  

 

Sounds like these new trucks are working out great. For those of you that have the new 2017 or 2018 Super Duty (F250 or F350), what is the distance from the top of your camper to the ground?  I'm trying to figure out if this combo will fit into my 8' garage opening. I know these trucks will squat under load but how much?  Previous threads have discussed this but the new Super Duty's are higher off the ground and I suspect this might be a push.

 

I think Four Wheel has kept their Grandby and Hawk camper height at about 59" for awhile now and I know that options and other "stuff" does make a difference but your thoughts and help on the matter would be great.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Riverrunner]

Openroad, 

 

I don't have the camper on the truck at the moment so can't give you any measurements.  I do know the truck didn't squat much...maybe 2" at most and I still had a good inch before the overload spring would engage.  These trucks do sit higher off the ground for sure...I'd say a good 2-3" or more at least compared to the early 2000's SD.  

 

Updated report:

Average MPG's are up to 11.6 after 6300miles.  11ish in town and anywhere from 13.3 to 15.8 on the freeway empty. 8-9mpg towing anything over 5500lbs seems to be the norm. 

 

Speaking of towing, I know not a lot of folks tow much on this forum but I can verify that the 6.2L will tow fine within it's capacity.  We recently acquired a new to us travel trailer that weighs in between 8700-9200lbs semi wet (11K GVWR) . The truck drags it around very well and I don't feel like it's under powered at all. There is a lot of power once you get over 3000rpm (as mentioned) and I have yet to find a hill that I can't accelerate up past 65mph with the TT hooked up. In some situations I'll lock out 5th and 6th gear just to keep the shifting down but the 6.2 will sing that V8 song and not even breath hard.  I continue to be impressed with it and still don't miss a diesel.