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FWC Keystone design and history ?


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#1 DavidGraves

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Posted 25 May 2023 - 01:51 PM

Howdy All

 

I have often wondered about the FWC Keystone models.

 

How long were they produced and how useful for current use on the typical 8 foot bed truck of today ?

 

Any notion of the weight ? When did they stop making them?

 

Many thanks

 

David Graves


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#2 ckent323

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Posted 25 May 2023 - 06:03 PM

David,

 

I have a 2007 FWC Keystone.  Previously I had a mid 1980's FWC Keystone.  In general the Keystone is a foot longer than the Grandby (9 ft vs 8 ft). 

We like the extra room of the Keystone and do not think the extra length is a problem.  We leave the tailgate on and folded down which serves as a narrow ledge to stand on or set things on when getting in and out of the camper.  It also protects the bottom of the camper that extends beyond the cargo bed floor.  The tailgate ledge is about as wide as a stair tread so with the Little Giant 3 step ladder we use it functions like the top step. 

The ledge is very handy to stand on to access the rear latches or the roof rack (our truck is a 4wd that is lifted 2" so there is no way to reach the latches when standing on the ground (unless you are 7 ft tall)

I know that the Keystone model was available before 1983.   It is my recollection that the Keystone model was discontinued after 2012 or 2013.  It think there were also a few years in between the early years and 2012 when it was not made. Apparently they were never a big seller.

Early model dimensions were:

  • 144" overall length
  • 112" x 80" main body
  • 32" overhead

 

2007 Dimensions and Weight (dry)

  • Dry Weight: 1050 Lbs. 
  • Height down (including vent) 59”
  • Interior Height Extended: 6.6’
  • Roof Length: Std.140”/ Ext.156”
  • Floor Length: 108” 
  • Body Width: 80“ 

The floor pack in all FWC campers after about 1996 are narrower to fit the newer pickup cargo beds which are all narrower than the cargo beds before about 1996..


Edited by ckent323, 25 May 2023 - 06:09 PM.

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1993 Dodge Cummins W-250 Club Cab long bed, 2007 FWC Keystone


#3 DavidGraves

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Posted 31 May 2023 - 02:57 AM

Hi Craig

 

And many thanks for the Keystoneography .

 

I killed my computer screen and it took a while to get a replacement working.

 

Have my eye on an early Keystone locally but unsure when I will get to see it in person.

 

Best Regards

 

David


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#4 Black914

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Posted 18 March 2024 - 04:10 AM

Scan 5.jpeg Scan 4.jpeg

 

Just joined and saw this thread and thought that I would post that I had a Vintage Keystone ( probably mid 80s) mounted on a1997 Ford F250 Supercab 4x4. Only had it for a few trips before getting a fully self contained S&S hard side. Our first camper was a new Granby from the factory in Lakewood Colorado about 1984/5. The S&S just got totaled in a hail storm, so toying with the idea of a vintage FWC to play with. Also wondering if the later model campers such as the 2007 Keystone mentioned by David are similar to my early ones or more like the currently available models?

 

Dan


Edited by Black914, 18 March 2024 - 10:03 PM.

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#5 ckent323

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Posted 19 March 2024 - 01:45 AM

Black914,  

The Keystone model was discontinued about 2012 or 2013.   Our 2007 model is for narrower bed trucks that began to be made after about 1996.

Pre 1996 trucks had wider tailgate openings and can accomodate the earlier version campers.  The pre 1995/1996 campers will not fit in truck beds made after that time frame.

FWC used to have a used camper fitment guide with manufaturer dates for when the tailgate opening widths changed (as well as info and downloadable manuals on older campers) on their web site but a lot of the vintage info has disappeared in the recent web changes.   ;-(



 


Edited by ckent323, 19 March 2024 - 01:47 AM.

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1993 Dodge Cummins W-250 Club Cab long bed, 2007 FWC Keystone





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