FWC Raven

[nomad73]

Looking at getting a Raven for our short bed Dodge Ram, thinking the Hawk is not a viable option since it would stick over the end too far (and no we are not getting a new truck anytime soon ).
Anyone have a Raven? I'm really wanting some pictures of the inside, not many out there and those I can find don't show the bench side. Would love to hear your thoughts and see some pics. It's for a family of 3.
Thanks in advance

 

[jha6av8r]

I have a Grandy (8' floor) on a 6 1/2' bed with the tailgate down. Truck is a crew cab. We have 3. Son will be 5 in June. You'll appreciate the extra space.

 

[BobM]

I have a Grandy (8' floor) on a 6 1/2' bed with the tailgate down. Truck is a crew cab. We have 3. Son will be 5 in June. You'll appreciate the extra space.

I have a Raven and it's on my 2012 Ram 5'8" bed and fits great. Message me your email and I will send you photos of interior/exterior. You can also read some of my old posts which should have some photos.

 

[nomad73]

I have a Raven and it's on my 2012 Ram 5'8" bed and fits great. Message me your email and I will send you photos of interior/exterior. You can also read some of my old posts which should have some photos.


Thanks Bob. I tried to message you but it must be an old work email. Small world, I think I just tried to contact you via the FWC facebook page (check in your message folder). Looking forward to some pictures.

 

[Wooj11]

Hey guys, sorry to butt in. But I too just purchased a Ram 1500 crew and thinking about the same set up. Are you guys making any changes to the rear suspension?
Also, I noticed manufacturer recommendation is against having a camper in the back, but it seems people are fine hauling campers in a 1/2 ton. Will this void the warranty?

 

[BobM]

Hey guys, sorry to butt in. But I too just purchased a Ram 1500 crew and thinking about the same set up. Are you guys making any changes to the rear suspension?
Also, I noticed manufacturer recommendation is against having a camper in the back, but it seems people are fine hauling campers in a 1/2 ton. Will this void the warranty?

I put coil spring airbags in before I got the camper. I only put 5 lbs of pressure so they might not even be required.
Here's an interior photo showing the porta potti
Here's an interior photo of the bench
Queen bed

 

[nomad73]

I put coil spring airbags in before I got the camper. I only put 5 lbs of pressure so they might not even be required.
Here's an interior photo showing the porta pottiView attachment 16226
Here's an interior photo of the benchView attachment 16227
Queen bed View attachment 16228


Thanks for the pictures Bob. Now that you have had the unit for a while are you guys happy with the bench configuration (rather than the dinette)? Just trying to get as much info as we can prior to buying the unit since we are doing this sight unseen (saw the Hawk, Eagle, Grandby, just not the Raven) Do you guys ever use the bench as a bed? I imagine there isn't much room to move around once it's in that config.

We are also planning on getting some coil spring airbags for the truck, better safe than sorry. We also need to get some new tires as the ones we have on there are not rated for that kind of weight.

 

[captainphx]

Here's what our Raven looked like before the remodel.





And after the remodel!!

 

[nomad73]

Here's what our Raven looked like before the remodel.

View attachment 16232



And after the remodel!!

View attachment 16233


View attachment 16234

You did a great job on the remodeling.
Thanks for the pics, do you think that the dinette would be comfortable as a bed for a small person?

 

[BobM]

Thanks for the pictures Bob. Now that you have had the unit for a while are you guys happy with the bench configuration (rather than the dinette)? Just trying to get as much info as we can prior to buying the unit since we are doing this sight unseen (saw the Hawk, Eagle, Grandby, just not the Raven) Do you guys ever use the bench as a bed? I imagine there isn't much room to move around once it's in that config.

We are also planning on getting some coil spring airbags for the truck, better safe than sorry. We also need to get some new tires as the ones we have on there are not rated for that kind of weight.

We didn't get the dinette because we're both tall and it was too tight. I do wish the back of the bench reclined more but pillows help for long sitting. Haven't slept with the beck flat but would if I was taking a nap with the top down. You can't use the porta potti with the bench flat because you only have enough floor space for your feet/legs.

 

[BobM]

Here's a quick video showing the bench seat in action

 

[captainphx]

You did a great job on the remodeling.
Thanks for the pics, do you think that the dinette would be comfortable as a bed for a small person?


Yes, I do think it would be comfortable for a person less than 5' 4'' or so. But keep in mind that my wife and I find our original FWC mattresses very comfortable. We use a large, heavy comforter up there. Very cozy. We lay out some blankets on the folded down dinette and our two rather large dogs can sleep there with room to spare.

 

[Espresso]

I have the Grandby on a RAM 1500 crewcab. The extra space is very nice, but it does come with a few tradeoffs. With my setup, I there is quite a bit of weight behind the rear wheels. I added air bags and they make a huge difference in handling and body roll. The extra length also makes it difficult to carry bikes, etc. I used a friend's hitch extension and tried a bike rack, but that adds another 150 lbs. way out back. But the extra space is nice. I can fire up the tea kettle with the bed extended, etc.


Regarding the bench seat, I think it is somewhat useless. It is uncomfortable for sitting and I've never used the table. The front or side dinette is much more practical.

 

[nomad73]

I have the Grandby on a RAM 1500 crewcab. The extra space is very nice, but it does come with a few tradeoffs. With my setup, I there is quite a bit of weight behind the rear wheels. I added air bags and they make a huge difference in handling and body roll. The extra length also makes it difficult to carry bikes, etc. I used a friend's hitch extension and tried a bike rack, but that adds another 150 lbs. way out back. But the extra space is nice. I can fire up the tea kettle with the bed extended, etc.


Regarding the bench seat, I think it is somewhat useless. It is uncomfortable for sitting and I've never used the table. The front or side dinette is much more practical.


We will definitely be carrying bikes with us and thought that it might be an issue even with the Hawk since that unit would hang off the end about 13". I have just heard that the dinette might not even be an option in the Raven anymore, hoping to get that confirmed in the next day or so. Getting close to ordering the unit, looking forward to getting out and doing some exploring.

 

[nomad73]

Here's a quick video showing the bench seat in action



Great, thanks! Not sure if we can even get the dinette but we are pretty torn between the two configs.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Great, thanks! Not sure if we can even get the dinette but we are pretty torn between the two configs.

Have you seen one with the dinette?It is something to look into.We enjoy ours,but we have a Bobcat.
Frank