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New Member - Hawk on order


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#11 paclow

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Posted 01 August 2006 - 01:39 PM

Dirty Dog:

Thanks for the tip! I'm going to dump the luggage rack and go with the long Yakima rack instead. I believe I'll go ahead and get the awning while it's at the factory!

I believe you when you say it is not all that practical to carry too much stuff on the top. Wind resistance and weight are critical factors!

Philip
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#12 kcowyo

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Posted 01 August 2006 - 03:20 PM

The awning sure would be nice on occaision. Wish I had one.

This has been good reading about roof racks. I was considering a roof rack to carry fuel cans and extra firewood plus maybe a couple of lights. I think I'll just find another solution. I'm thinking I'll just mount a solar panel up top and that's it.

For long distance the wind resistance and loss of mpg should be taken into consideration. Especially with fuel prices lately. Yup, I agree, pack low! ;)
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#13 OutbacKamper

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Posted 02 August 2006 - 12:14 AM

When I installed m my 2 Yakima cross bars and the load warrior basket on the roof, I could only just lift the roof. The basket was empty!
Now I have a solar panel (rear) and one Yakima bar (front) used as a brush guard to protect the vents and solar panel from low branches, I would not want any more weight than this on my roof.
Cheers
Mark
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#14 DirtyDog

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Posted 02 August 2006 - 04:08 AM

Yeah no joke, I found out the hard way that even an EMPTY Yakima Rocket Box was too heavy to lift the roof with. Just about broke my neck. The good news is that anyone that can lend you a third hand makes the job pretty easy. You put all your muscle into lifting the heavy part of the roof, assistant merely lifts the end panel into position. I'm still glad I have the rack for those occasions I need to haul the extra gear.
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#15 paclow

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Posted 02 August 2006 - 05:17 AM

Too bad FWC does not have a better lift system. I toured Outfitter Manufacturing in Longmont, CO a month ago. They make a really nice pop-up with a nice lift system. Bad new is that they cost 3K-5K more. I just could not stomach spending even more $ on a pop-up so I went with FWC. It is nice to have them within a days drive if I ever have trouble. September will be here before you know it and I'll be headed to Woodburn, OR to pick up my new Hawk and save the sales tax!

I called Stan today and ordered the awning and cancelled the luggage rack.

Thanks for all your help!!
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#16 DirtyDog

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Posted 02 August 2006 - 05:25 AM

Be sure you get the Yakima tracks - makes rack mounting MUCH simpler.
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#17 paclow

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Posted 02 August 2006 - 05:34 AM

Dirty Dog:

I planned to have FWC mount the tracks, Yakima towers and cross bars. Do you think it's all Yakima?

Have you ever thought about the solar panels? How useful can they be?
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#18 DirtyDog

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Posted 02 August 2006 - 05:45 AM

I think it's probably all Yakima gear since they mention the Yakima name in their product descriptions. My sales contact at FWC couldn't give me any useful information on the panels. I asked if they were useful in charging the battery and they said "not really" but didn't elaborate on just what the panels WERE good for. Still a mystery to me.
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#19 kcowyo

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Posted 02 August 2006 - 04:52 PM

Currently I'm using a small solar panel because my aux battery doesn't tie into my truck's alternator or any type of charging system. The previous owner put it on a small trickle charger to charge it up before he went out. I like not having any connections between the truck and camper so if I need the truck bed, I can just remove the camper and not worry about disconnecting this or that.

At a local car dealership I noticed many of the cars had a small solar panel on the dash with a plug going into the cigarette lighter. When I asked about it, they said they use them for keeping the vehicles charged up since sometimes several cars sit there for days and weeks without being turned over. The salesmen got tired of trying to show a vehicle only to find it had a dead battery, so they use these small (14" x 6") panles.

What's great about these small panels is they also have battery clips in addition to the 120v plug in. So I bought one from their parts dept and keep it in the camper. They also come with 4 suction cups, so I can stick it to the large window on the pass side, on the inside, and clip it to my battery to charge while I roll. I can also set it out on the back bumper in the late afternoon to charge the battery while I make a fire and dinner.

I like it being portable as opposed to mounting it it one place. I can move it where the sun is instead of trying to park the truck where the panel will get the most direct light. Another benefit is, should I kill the battery in the truck by leaving a dome light on or something, I can use this to charge my battery back up. At least enough to get the engine to turn over. Might take a few hours (I have no idea, haven't needed to do it yet) but it sure beats hiking out and paying AAA to come jump start me on a mountain!

I'll try to get some pics and a product name of mine put up later. For the space and cost I think solar panels are a great option, especially if you boondock a lot.
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