Hawk or granby
#1
Posted 21 April 2019 - 02:44 AM
#2
Posted 21 April 2019 - 03:14 AM
Tailgate down looks totally wrong IMO
#3
Posted 21 April 2019 - 03:49 AM
Cons w tailgate down:
1) Ruin your tailgate from rocks/dirt hitting it
2) Weight is way too far back. Front wheels will be light and steering/control will suffer
I just sold my 3/4 ton... and I loved that truck... to get a 1 ton 8' bed for my PUMA/Grandby build.
2012 ATC Puma Shell build - https://www.wanderth...012-puma-build/
Power considerations thread - https://www.wanderth...e-power-scotty/
Building out an electrical system - So, you want to setup a good electrical system in your camper? - Electrical, Charging, Solar, Batteries and Generators - Wander the West
#4
Posted 21 April 2019 - 05:36 AM
We bought the shortbed for the tighter turning radius. I didn't want to drive a longbed.
#5
Posted 21 April 2019 - 02:29 PM
I am haunted by waters
#6
Posted 21 April 2019 - 03:10 PM
We have 6.5 bed f150 with Granby.. like the extra room. Ours however is built light .. 1000 lbs.. and therefore I don't think its an issue. Hardly notice it is there with airbags and good tires.. IF.. I had a fully loaded Granby I would want a bigger truck, but ours is not on full time and I need a truck for work..
#7
Posted 21 April 2019 - 10:31 PM
Pennarcher
Hello and welcome.
One way to consider your decision is to go buy 15-1800 pounds of rock or cinder blocks on a pallet.
Loaded with supplies, water, food and toys you may easily reach those weights when heading out for a two week trip.
Position it in your truck at the center of gravity for a Hawk and then for a Grandby and see what you think.
A whole lot will depend on your driving skills and whether you ever leave asphalt.
Do you intend to leave the camper on your truck full time?
David Graves
#8
Posted 21 April 2019 - 11:09 PM
Russ
Edited by CougarCouple, 21 April 2019 - 11:09 PM.
#9
Posted 22 April 2019 - 02:46 AM
As you can see from my thumbnail picture, our 2009 Hawk fits perfectly on our 2011 F-250 extended cab with 6+ bed. I leave the Hawk mounted on the truck most of the time and am so happy that it isn't any longer. It's almost a daily driver still at this size. The rear bumper is totally accessible, works as a step, and allows easy access to the spare tire if necessary. I don't have to worry about banging a corner of the camper on anything.
Several years ago we stopped by the FWC factory for a tour and I showed my rig to one of the employees and mused that maybe I should have gotten the longer Grandby. He was definitely of the mind that if you can't fit it in a Hawk, you don't need it!
#10
Posted 22 April 2019 - 04:03 AM
For us, if we wanted a Granby, we would have gotten a long bed. As I have gotten older, I've become a big fan of using things for what they are designed for. Tailgates are not meant to support the back of a camper, and they are not meant to spend a lot of miles in the down position. I have driven plenty of lumber around with various tailgates down, but I wouldn't want to do extended highway and offroading like that. The center of gravity thing is probably the most important thing safety-wise. Does FWC say that using a Granby in a short bed is ok? If they don't, you'd have a hard time defending yourself from civil action in the case of an accident. Plus you have to either redesign the spare tire carrier, or do without it, which is not good.
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