16 replies to this topic

[jrwdlw]

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll have to really figure out what kind of camper I want to get. The flatbed looks amazing but not sure if I want to go through putting a flatbed on

 

Do it, you'll love it.  I don't have a camper yet, but I did build and install a flatbed.  The "build" was a lot of work, the "install" not so bad.  I've added under body tool boxes, which are great.  Now I'm looking at building a flip-top camper.

[XJINTX]

Just saying... I pulled over at a rest stop viewing area in Wyoming.... pretty far from anywhere. At the stop was a Nissan Titan with a full size Alaska Camper I believe. BOTH shock mounts in the rear had broke and were hanging. I had no solution for him nor did he. He headed out before me and said he'd drive slow until next town. I puttered around another 15 min and headed out. Never saw him again so hope he was OK. I think a Flatbed or full size shell is a bit over the edge for a half ton but just my opinion.

[Durango1]

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll have to really figure out what kind of camper I want to get. The flatbed looks amazing but not sure if I want to go through putting a flatbed on

Where are you located? I have an amazing fabrication company in Farmington, NM that did it all for me... painlessly.

Edited by Durango1, 15 July 2018 - 12:58 PM.

[Ronin]

I had a 2003 Tundra and 2005 Hawk for several years. The only suspension mod was overload springs and never felt the need to do anything else. The only negative I had were with the brakes. Whether the Hawk was on or off I always felt the brakes were very marginal. I only carry a minimal amount of gear- only one box of firewood and step stool allowed on the floor- so I don't tend to be overloaded. The '03 was mechanically excellent otherwise. Never in the shop except for a couple of recall items, timing belt and tune at 100K and regular oil changes. That being said I wouldn't recommend a gen 1 Tundra unless there's a way to upgrade the brakes. I currently have a '14 Tundra and so far have been very happy with it. It's a lot heavier and not nearly as nimble as the '03 but I'm not in fear of rear ending someone anymore! I generally get 13-14 mpg with the Hawk on it and 16-17 unloaded. The only suspension mod are air bags that I only pump up to 25lbs. I've looked into an aluminum flatbed but as far as I know, no one makes one for it. A few manufacturers can custom make one but I'd have to leave my truck with them for a week or so.

 

I don't claim that my rig is the best but I'm very happy with it. In a perfect world I'd love to have a 3/4 ton but that would leave Tundra's out. I've owned a 1ton Chevy, 3/4ton Ford, several 1/2 ton Chevy's and have come to the conclusion that I prefer the dependabilty of Tundra's. Good luck on your quest!!

[dharte]

When I was last truck shopping back in 2005, I was having a hard time deciding between a new F150 or F250. At the time, I had a Jayco tent trailer. I'm so glad the salesman steered me to the bigger and much stronger truck-the price difference was minimal compared to the extra capability. He told me "get more truck than you think you'll need", and I think that is good advice (provided you can afford it). Even with the 3/4 ton, I am right at my GVWL with my well-optioned Hawk, wife,dogs and gear. The truck does great and I added air bags for extra support and a smoother ride. I average 14mpg with the camper. With that said, my next (dream) rig will be an F350 with a flatbed/Grandby.

Edited by dharte, 15 July 2018 - 05:15 PM.

[jrwdlw]

Just saying... I pulled over at a rest stop viewing area in Wyoming.... pretty far from anywhere. At the stop was a Nissan Titan with a full size Alaska Camper I believe. BOTH shock mounts in the rear had broke and were hanging. I had no solution for him nor did he. He headed out before me and said he'd drive slow until next town. I puttered around another 15 min and headed out. Never saw him again so hope he was OK. I think a Flatbed or full size shell is a bit over the edge for a half ton but just my opinion.

 

XJINTX,

 

I didn't mean to imply that he should do the flatbed on a 1/2 ton.  IMO, that would be a poor choice.  I have a 2017 F350 CCLB that has a 4400 lb payload capacity.

[wagoneer]

I do believe the Merxican Ford Rangers had a Diesel option, and Canadian builds. Not allowed into US markets.