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Prospective buyer here. Will a base F150 and a FWC Shell model work?

Ford F150 FWC Four Wheel Camper Shell

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#1 natetripsus

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Posted 07 November 2019 - 07:35 PM

Looking at the specs for a new F150 XL base model with the 3.3L V6 regular cab.  The max payload (brochure) is 1990lbs for 6' bed and 1960lbs for 8' bed. In 4x4 it's 1730lbs and 1920lbs respectively. 

 

A FWC Shell model as I've optioned it weighs (website) 951lbs for Hawk 6' bed and 1041lbs for Grandby 8' bed.  This, on paper, means that my dry weights are approx 50-60% of max payload. factor in two avg adults plus gear and provisions and I shouls still be under the brochure payload.

 

I've read as much as I can find on FWCs and F150s and I know there are bigger more expensive engines and upgrades most people want. The theoretical question here is: will the base model F150 XL regular cab + FWC Shell work or will it suck? 

 

The short bed regular cab appeals to me and the camper would be on full time. Travels are mostly Western US and Canada. The long bed is probably too big for my in town use but the extra camper sounds nice.


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#2 Happyjax

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Posted 07 November 2019 - 08:14 PM

Make sure you get load rated E tires. You need that and it may come in one of the packages. That would increase your payload if it were built that way. Adding them later may make you safer but will not increase the legal payload....... Those tricky legal eagles.......


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#3 Kolockum

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Posted 07 November 2019 - 08:43 PM

Most of us are at or over advertised "max" weight. We make up for it with suspension, tire and, for some, brake upgrades. My buddy pulles a 24' camper trailer with his 150. Power wise I think you would be fine. FWC and their cousin ATC (All Terrain Campers) are great companies, give them a call and the will gladly answer your questions. Best industry customer service and support.


Edited by Kolockum, 07 November 2019 - 08:44 PM.

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#4 Smokecreek1

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Posted 07 November 2019 - 09:04 PM

My old 99 F-150 4x4 has been hauling around a 05 Granby full time since 05 B) After years of blown  shocks and trying out different  heavy duty reinforced springs, my  local ford dealer  sent me to a local blacksmith shop that specialized in up grading 1/2 ton into 3/4 ton pu's; they installed a 3/4 ton springs/suspension set up that  solved the problems-best $500.00 I ever spent. Yep-get 10 ply A/T, MS tires.

 

Smoke


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#5 larryqp

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Posted 07 November 2019 - 09:14 PM

I just took delivery on a 2019 Hawk Shell with options, dry weight on my paperwork is 1050 lbs. I installed it on a 2016, F150 XLT, supercab 6.5 ft bed with the 2.7 L Eco Boost engine. Prior to having it bolted on, I installed BFG KO load range E tires and airlift bags. I drove 1800 miles in an empty truck to dealer, then 1800 miles back with the camper. I didn't notice any discernible difference, except a drop in MPG. It'd cruised up and down the mountains at highway speeds. MPG went from 17.9 MPG to 15 MPG. I didn't drive for gas mileage. 

 

You should do even better with the bigger engine, plus I think the base model has a higher payload than the supercab.


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2016 F150, FX4, XLT super cab

2019 FWC Hawk Shell

2009 Ford Ranger 4x4, XLT, Supercab total loss on 7/30/19

2014 FWC Shell total loss on 7/30/19

Towed behind our home which is a 2005 Kountry Star Diesel Pusher


#6 Oilbrnr

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Posted 07 November 2019 - 09:29 PM

Not sure where you are planning on taking it, but not sure the NA V6 would be my first or second choice. I'd pony up for the 2.7 but that said, I would not consider a 1/2 ton period and that is more based on the chassis in general. That's just me.


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#7 Ohpyramids

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Posted 07 November 2019 - 09:45 PM

I have a 2019 f150 Supercrew 3.5 ecoboost 4x4 and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. The motor and brakes are plenty powerful and I would only recommend adding tires and airbags.

4900 lbs stock with 36 gal of gas.
7400lbs fully loaded with camper, 3 people, 26gal of water, E rated 33”s, and gear. My raven is 1238lbs.

FYI I have the max payload package and am about 500lbs over weight. Hope this helps.

Adjustments.jpg IMG_0126.jpg

Edited by Ohpyramids, 07 November 2019 - 09:46 PM.

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#8 Casa Escarlata Robles Too

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Posted 08 November 2019 - 12:09 AM

Welcome to the cult.

Only thing I would add is why the regular cab?

Our campers don't have much storage,at least with the

cab that has the small rear seat area would give you added room.

If you notice a lot of us have trucks with the bigger cabs.

 

I take full use of my Tundra AC cab,The extra room really makes it easier

to store things and not be climbing over ,or moving gear out of the way.

Frank


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#9 ClimberRob

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Posted 08 November 2019 - 02:29 AM

After owning, building, and camping in quite a number of vehicles from a first-year Toyota 4x4 and up, I would never consider putting a slide-in camper on anything smaller than a 3/4 ton again. You WILL end up way over GVWR; really, you will. The first question you should ask yourself, before all of the other "pros/cons" is: How are you going to handle the insurance company and lawyers when "whatever situation you're in" ends up including the fact that your rig was over the GVWR of the vehicle you were driving?


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#10 Dphillip

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Posted 08 November 2019 - 03:48 AM

We have a GMC half ton regular cab with air bags. Our Hawk is about 1100 lbs. dry weight. Fully loaded we are about 100 lbs. over GVW but our truck drives and handles just fine. When towing the trailer and Jeep along with the camper it still works ok until we travel over the mountains then It struggles some. Even fully loaded like this I’m still under the gross combination weight rating.

 

The Fords you mentioned have a pretty high GVW rating, my opinion is they would handle the camper just fine.

 

 

 

 

02F246B3-514B-4544-BC48-6A04944DF1A8.jpeg


Edited by Dphillip, 08 November 2019 - 03:49 AM.

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