Drilling into the camper

[Liebe2reisen]

We'd like to mount a back-up camera either above the door or above the light on the Fleet. I'm looking for information about how to do this. Where are the aluminum "studs"?

We'd also like to install a short track right outside the door for mounting a drop-down shelf/utility table. Any ideas greatly appreciated!

 

[moveinon]

You should be able to contact 4 wheel campers and based on year and number get a plan for where the stud placement is. I think that changed some on different years and models. Good luck, hardest thing for me was to drill into the outside of my fleet for the solar hookup. I have mounted a camera off a wrecked truck on the underside of my Fleet with a simple homemade bracket and it works well OEM just plugs in like the tailgate.

 

[Liebe2reisen]

I too mounted the new camera under the Fleet - works great, but I've just purchased a hitch-mount bike rack so I need to move it. Thanks for the suggestion to contact 4-Wheel.

 

[Vic Harder]

when i gutted my Hawk last year I took lots of pics of the framing. Made it very easy to locate a 2 /12 hole between studs only 3" apart last weekend.

Maybe you can look for staples to see where the studs are?

 

[inciter]

Remember when screwing into Aluminum siding you are use compatible screws. Other than that as long as you can secure it while driving (Fold Up) locked your good to go.

Does anyone have specs as to the studs and the distance?

Tim

PS Great Idea! ! !

 

[JaSAn]

I ran a Mr. Heater in my camper this winter. After about 20 minutes water was condensing on the walls where they touched the frame, giving me their location. Could still do it if your area has low dew points.

jim

 

[Tippycanoe2]

I hope these help. I downloaded these off the internet. They are of an older FWC model. Good for reference anyway.

 

[Atlin]

Anybody try using a studfinder? I would think that the aluminum studs would be higher density than the rest of the walls, but maybe not enough difference to show up on a studfinder (I'm thinking the Zircon density type, not just a simple magnet).

 

[BFH4N]

I got someone at FWC to send me pictures of the frame.

 

[The Fawker]

I hope these help. I downloaded these off the internet. They are of an older FWC model. Good for reference anyway.

Tippy: any idea on the year/model for these?

 

[cuervo]

I hope these help. I downloaded these off the internet. They are of an older FWC model. Good for reference anyway.

Very entertaining if nothing else.

 

[FoxenTec]

We pick up our 2018 Grandby next week.

I had read somewhere that FWC provided multiple owners with some diagrams or specs on their particular model. Sorry if I sound a bit unhappy but I have received very little help from anyone at FWC regarding any questions I have asked during our 3+ month build. One question was as simple as what type of connector is on our roof for the pre-wired solar. I assumed SAE based on others here on the forum. They couldn't tell me at FWC. My latest question was about being able to have some way of knowing where I could drill in the rear of the camper for mounting a RotoPax.

Their response was (exact text they wrote) "I don't know where they (meaning other FWC owners) are getting the info from as our service department doesn't have access to any drawings. This is because most builds are not standardized and are hand built. The measurements can be off at any given location".

Basically, that is telling me that with our Grandby Shell, we can't help you with any ideas on where to drill into. I will try a few ideas to figure out where to drill, such as the construction pictures found here on the forum.

We are looking forward to picking up our camper next week and hope they are helpful with the install and answering a couple questions.

 

[Crickert]

FoxenTec,
When I picked up my new flatbed camper last month at the Woodland Factory the installers were able to give me good idea where things were located. Good as in, pretty spot on but, once you drill/ modify the camper it’s on you. From my observevations while there, I would agree with the statement some things might be different from one camper to the next ”not standardized”.
I’m sure you will be able to find the information your seeking, just have a conversation with the install crew.

 

[FoxenTec]

Thank you Crickert. I will check with them.

 

[FoxenTec]

FoxenTec,
When I picked up my new flatbed camper last month at the Woodland Factory the installers were able to give me good idea where things were located. Good as in, pretty spot on but, once you drill/ modify the camper it’s on you. From my observevations while there, I would agree with the statement some things might be different from one camper to the next ”not standardized”.
I’m sure you will be able to find the information your seeking, just have a conversation with the install crew.

You were fortunate to have someone helpful at the factory. Since I received nothing from them to help with questions during the build, I was hoping to get some good info when picking up the unit at the factory. Unfortunately nothing.

When I asked about any helpful tips on drilling into the roof for mounting my solar panels, I was told, "you should buy our solar panels". Another staff member said, "you will void your warranty, so don't drill into your unit."

When I asked about spacing of vertical supports on the frame, I got the canned response, "to many unique campers, we can't help you".

Since they make the "Shell" model as a purchasing option, they understand that some buyers like having the ability to setup their camper a bit different then the factory camper and so I am surprised they were not more forthcoming with some positive help.

Expected a better experience.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

AM Solar has YouTube videos that show how to mount panels without drilling. I think FWC is now putting a solar connector on both the top and back wall, so if true, it will eliminate the need to drill to fish out the pre wiring to the controller.

 

[FoxenTec]

Yes, that is great that they install (pre-wire) an SAE connector on the roof and at the rear of the camper. I am concerned about theft of the solar panels on the roof and would like to make them as secure as possible. We just moved to this area and it seems that tweakers will steal anything not bolted down or secure. I just want to make it tough for them to be removed.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Jon, I believe VHB tape for the feet, covered in Dicor lap sealant would be as good as something screwed into the roof. Either way exposes the panel to mounting foot connection as a vulnerability.

 

[FoxenTec]

Thank you for the tip on the VHB tape!