Jump to content


Photo
- - - - -

Hawk Shell Mods

hawk mod shell

  • Please log in to reply
18 replies to this topic

#11 robcocquyt

robcocquyt

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 14 posts
  • LocationSquamish, BC

Posted 06 February 2019 - 09:00 PM

There was a post on removing a loaded camper and using it off the truck. FWC advised against it. The bottom needs to be fully support. The biggest issue is lifting the heavy camper off the bed. As stated previously the wood tub is stapled to the frame. Ask yourself this question: What will I do if the bottom falls out on a trip? How will I get everything back in the truck bed? Each his own, but doing this has risks and probably isn't done or considered by the majority of FWC Owners.

Thanks for the input.  I didn't know that the tub was stapled to the frame...that is good to know (and hard to imagine).  When I take the camper off I do lower it onto two mini / foldable sawhorses and only have a bit of weight, for stability, on the camper legs.  It would be a bit of shock to have the unsupported bottom drop out!


  • 0

#12 RC Pilot Jim

RC Pilot Jim

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 1,544 posts
  • LocationSan Diego Calif

Posted 08 February 2019 - 06:36 PM

Robo - you've done a great job. I especially like the drawers. We added two of them in the rear in the Eagle and they work great.

 

We use a small block of wood to hold them closed. 

 

gallery_2684_938_45538.jpg

 

 

Solar Panel

You mentioned you added a 100 watt. We do a lot of winter off the grid camping. We average 2-3 amp draw (Engel, lights, fan) plus budget 2 amps charging. We upgraded to a 150 watt panel as our 100 was too small because we can't angle the panel into the sun. When the battery is at 70% it charges at 5 amps on December 22nd. Works very well in the field and easily maintains the battery at 100% when truck is parked in our north facing carport. (We get sun reflection off our neighbors white roof).

 

Happy Camping


Edited by RC Pilot Jim, 08 February 2019 - 06:38 PM.

  • 0

Jim

Retired from truck camping June 2021

Our Basic Eagle/Fleet Shell Build


#13 James T Kirk

James T Kirk

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 54 posts
  • LocationMoab

Posted 08 February 2019 - 08:26 PM

 

gallery_2684_938_45538.jpg

 

 

 

These are excellent! I have a large cabinet right there that's divided into three shelves. Always digging around at the back to find stuff. This is on my Mod List!!!  -kirk out


Edited by James T Kirk, 08 February 2019 - 08:26 PM.

  • 0

#14 RC Pilot Jim

RC Pilot Jim

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 1,544 posts
  • LocationSan Diego Calif

Posted 09 February 2019 - 08:59 PM

Hi Jim,

 

I just saw an old movie featuring "you" and Capt Jean Luc Picard..."Startrek Generation". You seem to be aging well at least in that movie. And you displayed a lot of energy "chopping wood and horseback riding" in the Nexus.

 

Back to the FWC shelves. I know they look odd as the big one is on the top. Top one holds kitchen items. Bottom one holds Misc.

Go to my gallery, "Build Out # 2 for more pictures. Text and photos are on page 11 - Reply #'s 104 and 106


  • 0

Jim

Retired from truck camping June 2021

Our Basic Eagle/Fleet Shell Build


#15 robcocquyt

robcocquyt

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 14 posts
  • LocationSquamish, BC

Posted 13 February 2019 - 03:29 PM

Thanks Jim.  It seemed like a lot of work at the time (and I was wondering whether I should have just gone with a built out model) but after living in it for the past two months all of the custom mods really made it feel like "our" home.

 

So far the 100W panel is keeping us topped up quite well...but we also typically drive for at least an hour a day as well so the truck system is probably doing a good job in filling in any small deficiencies.   

 

Your drawers look like a solid addition.   Can't say enough good things about drawers vs cupboards.\

 

 

 

Robo - you've done a great job. I especially like the drawers. We added two of them in the rear in the Eagle and they work great.

 

We use a small block of wood to hold them closed. 

 

gallery_2684_938_45538.jpg

 

 

Solar Panel

You mentioned you added a 100 watt. We do a lot of winter off the grid camping. We average 2-3 amp draw (Engel, lights, fan) plus budget 2 amps charging. We upgraded to a 150 watt panel as our 100 was too small because we can't angle the panel into the sun. When the battery is at 70% it charges at 5 amps on December 22nd. Works very well in the field and easily maintains the battery at 100% when truck is parked in our north facing carport. (We get sun reflection off our neighbors white roof).

 

Happy Camping


  • 0

#16 jjcpms

jjcpms

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 4 posts

Posted 14 February 2019 - 01:15 PM

Hey Robo- Very nice job. Like the cut the bumper down idea. My question is what trick did you use to find the aluminum studs in the walls. I assume you tapped into these based on the mods. This is always a question that I cant quite seem to get a handle on. Thx


  • 0

#17 RC Pilot Jim

RC Pilot Jim

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 1,544 posts
  • LocationSan Diego Calif

Posted 15 February 2019 - 11:09 PM

There was no diagram for mine either when I put the sink in and the "thru-wall" connector for the drain, I ran my hand along the side - pressing down hard and felt a slight "bulge" where the stud was located then measured outside and in to pick up the second one for the counter angel-aluminum across the back wall.

 

When I drilled the hole I just hit the side of the stud about 1/4 inch in, Moved hole over slightly. Added a wood plate to cover it. Worked well. Has not become loose in almost 7 years of use.

 

Pictures in my gallery. Here is the SINK link  Post  I out up in 2012.


Edited by RC Pilot Jim, 15 February 2019 - 11:14 PM.

  • 0

Jim

Retired from truck camping June 2021

Our Basic Eagle/Fleet Shell Build


#18 Jaybirdp8870

Jaybirdp8870

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 1 posts

Posted 27 January 2021 - 05:10 AM

I really like your layout great work. I recently bought a Hawk side dinette and I would like to do some modifications myself. How did you attach the storage compartment over behind the sink? I’m worried about screwing into that wall area. Also, I want to shave 2 inches off the rear bumpers too; what tool did you use to cut them? Thanks for posting this as it’s really helpful to me thinking out what I want to do.
  • 0

#19 Paul H

Paul H

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 1 posts

Posted 31 March 2021 - 09:10 PM

Very nice looking cabinets! I have a new Hawk Shell coming soon and was wondering if you have as-built dimensions available for the new one piece counter top and a length and height of the side cabinet you made? I'm planning on making one ahead of time so I can pop it in when I have the camper in hand. Thanks.


  • 0





Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: hawk, mod, shell

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users