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Ram trucks, payload, suspension, and off-road ability


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#41 NorCalHawk

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Posted 19 April 2016 - 12:25 AM

In short, nothing!  The Hawk is built for the full size truck market.  For those of us who own a Toyota Tundra, 2000-2006, we were cursed with shallow truck beds. The bed height on these Tundra's are ~17", from the floor to the bed rail.  The Hawk is made for trucks with a deeper bed height, floor to the bed rail.  That said, the Hawk fits nicely on these Tundra's, but they sit high, exposing ~4-5" of the camper's exterior side wall and also showing the cab over sitting ~4-5" above the truck cab.  

 

FWC's had a brilliant solution....build a camper that will fit nicely for the 1st generation Tundra's. They called it the Kestrel.  Basically, the same as a Hawk, (width/length), except the lower walls on the Kestrel camper are ~4-5" shorter, therefore sitting ~1" above the bed rail and "not" 4+ inches above the rail as it does on mine. I do not think a Kestrel will fit in today's newer trucks unless you build up the height, so the camper will clear the bed rail. So, I installed my Hawk onto my 2002 Tundra and used the ~4-5" space above the rails for storage (installed 4" PVC pipe for long items, fishing and awning poles )...I see some Hawk owners with 1 generation Tundra's who are fine with this space.      

 

When I bought my Hawk camper in 2012, I had a future plan to upgrade to a full size truck.  That day has come:)  When I receive my new Ram, I will simply slide her into the bed.  The camper will clear the bed rail ~1-2".  I intend to attach one of my 4" PVC pipes onto my roof rack.  

 

Hope this helps... 


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#42 Vic Harder

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Posted 05 May 2016 - 04:35 AM

Does this make the door of the Kestrel ~4-5" shorter as well?  That would drastically affect ease of in/egress no?


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#43 NorCalHawk

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Posted 07 May 2016 - 02:23 AM

Vic,

Good question....I don't know if the height of the door is shorter on the Kestrel.  Contact FWC and they can give you the exact specs/measurements.


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#44 kmcintyre

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Posted 07 May 2016 - 12:33 PM

When considering going to a 1 ton truck, you may want to check with your DMV about registration.  In some states a 1 ton is considered a commercial vehicle and registration is a lot more.

 

You guys must be carrying a boat load more stuff than I do.  I do ok with my 1/2ton Dakota (4.7L) with a Eagle on it but we're no where 2000lbs of camper.  Sure, the FWC/ATC's for full size trucks weigh more, but not that much more.  It could be the extra beer you are carrying I guess :-)


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Boise, ID

2022 Chevy 3500 HD

2023 FWC Flatbed Hawk


#45 verynice

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Posted 08 May 2016 - 02:23 PM

http://www.aev-conve...cles/prospector

 

Pretty much the ultimate set up.  Add some custom spring/weight valved 2.5" body shocks, 4.10 gears and 37" Toyo tires.  Maybe not orange in color :wacko:  I've had quite a few 3/4 ton Dodge setups and unless you're running a big Lance or the like, it's plenty of truck for a pop up camper with little modification, sometimes too much is too much.  Currently have an older 2500 with a Northstar with Kore suspension and lightened rear leaf pack and it rides beautiful with 8-10lbs in the 14" travel hellwig air bags.


Edited by verynice, 08 May 2016 - 02:39 PM.

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 1992 Chevrolet 2500 350 4X4- Utility bed Factory Alaskan Truck/Camper combo-

 1999 Northstar TC800, 2000 Six Pac D850, Many Callen Canopies-

 2004.5 Dodge 2500 5.9D 4x4-2010 Lance 825-Toyo, Thuren, Solar, Hellwig BigWig everything- current rig

 

 





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