16 replies to this topic

[photohc]

Had my 2013 Hawk on a 2013 F150 and just got my new 2018 F250. What I thought would be a 5" clearance from the top of the truck cab to the bottom of Hawk overhang is actually 2" with this new truck.  FWC is saying, I should really have a 3"-6" clearance to be safe. I wonder if anyone has had this 2" clearance issue and what did you do. 

Suggestion was to add a thick rubber mat or install 1x3 slats to the bottom. Any feedback would be much appreciated. 

 

Harv

 

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Are you planning some serious off road adventures?
. Do you know if the new trucks flex more than the older models

[photohc]

Are you planning some serious off road adventures?
. Do you know if the new trucks flex more than the older models

Most I've done is going down Canyonlands White Rim trail. No major rock climbing. These new (2017+) Super Duties are suppose to have a stiffer closed box frame.

[Mickey Bitsko]

Your idea of a 1" rubber mat would put you at the mfg recommended minimum, I would think 3" is would plenty.
I have an Eagle on a 150 with about an 1" gap and have not had an issue. Doesn't seem like my truck flexes very much.

[esimmers]

A heavy rubber mat not only gives you a bit more clearance but it makes the floor warmer, too. That's what I did. Three inches of clearance is plenty; two inches is OK if you don't off-road and twist the bed sideways.

[kmcintyre]

I guess I would ask, why risk it even if you don't plan on 'off-roading'?  Put a few 2x4 spacers under the camper and call it good.  Never worry about it again.  Or you could put a few piece of 1" strips of plywood underneath too (save some weight).  ATC did that to mine at one point to clear the water drain (on my Eagle w/ a Dakota; old set up).

[rtpvibes]

I had my hawk on tundra 2 on roof and 1/2 on truck sides . No issues now if your off roading then may need it

[klahanie]

Harv, 2" would be my target clearance if I was spec'ing out a flatdeck or camper and choose the number. I'm surprised FWC states 3-6", seems like they are expecting a lot of slop in their construction - not something I have experienced with our old Granby. Mind you our camper overhang is 30" and yours might be more which I expect would make a difference.

 

I don't think your new truck itself will need that much - it won't have anywhere near the frame and box flex my old '91 F250 had and there was only ~2" cab clearance with that set up.

 

I do like a rubber mat underneath and also some method of addressing drainage.

 

This all assumes you are measuring from the highest point of the cab, all areas sloping down from there and therefore adding to the amount of clearance.

[longhorn1]

The height difference recommended by FWC back in 2014 was a minimum of 2". Something isn't right about 3"-6"!!

[Durango1]

In my new Grandby Flatbed/Ram 3500 Chassis Cab I'm (impatiently) waiting on the cabover clearance should be around 2 5/8". I'd prefer getting it down around 1 1/2". New trucks just don't flex.

 

Steve