Hawk Dinette

[jbf250]

Trying to decide on 2020ish Hawk 4WC dinette front or side can members tell me what they like about their dinette set up? Myself I think side dinette is for me . I am an early riser and would like to sit at the table and have a coffee while the boss sleeps. The side dinette allows for this and front dinette is covered? Not many options for sale in Canada so I have not seen the roll over couch option. Thanks for all your help with this. Jeremy

 

[heinphoto]

We went with the side dinette for the following reasons:

1) Compared to the front dinette, the big side window helps the relatively small interior space feel much more open. My spouse is somewhat claustrophobic, and she actually likes to sleep on the folded down dinette next to the window.

We actually rented a front-dinette Grandby before deciding and she found it to be way too closed in, with cabinets lining both sides, and the two small windows on each side of the dinette are blocked when you are sitting. So, it was a no-go for us (even though I was initially sure that was the floorplan we would purchase).

2) Compared to the rollover couch, you retain use of the "hallway" and can easily access the stove, sink, refrigerator, etc. without disturbing someone who is sleeping on the dinette area. I am also an early riser, often getting up to photograph the sunrise and morning light. I can get up and make coffee and get out without causing too much of a disturbance.

Note that if you have the main bed pulled all the way out to the "King" position, it will block about 1/2 the dinette table, but there is still room to sit and use the other 1/2 of the table. However, it also blocks much of the sink. Aside from that, the big downside is far less interior storage than either the front dinette or rollover couch.

We have had our Grandby for 5 years and are still happy with the decision to go with the side dinette. It was definitely the best choice for us, but you may have different priorities.

If you can find a way to visit FWC in Woodland or one of the dealers and can tour the different floorplans and visualize how you would use it, it is super helpful.

Good luck!
-Scott

 

[GunkHoling]

I've had two hawks, the first with the roll-over couch the and second with the side dinette. As Scott mentions, the roll-over blocks the hallway. If someone is sleeping there its very awkward to climb across from the bed. The side dinette is far more functional, though does limit the sleeping area to just one person.

I can't comment on the front dinette option, my impression is that is maximizes interior storage options if you need more stuff, but would be a less appealing place to relax inside.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

We have a side dinette in our 2009 ATC Bobcat.It was one of the first such configurations
factory built.We find it very functional to use work can be done at the counter while the table is in use.
Frank

 

[Wyo4Life]

I have the Hawk front dinette and I agree with the above comments about the windows on each side being covered by the back cushion on each side while sitting at the dinette. This does curtail more light coming in but the other side of it is you have a lot more storage space with the front dinette, which is key in a small pop up camper. I could have gone with the side dinette but in the end opted for more storage as unless the weather is bad, I am not spending most of my time inside the camper anyway.

 

[Jon R]

I think the front dinette makes more sense for a Grandby than for a Hawk. It allows 4 to sit in the dinette and two to sleep on the lower bed if needed. You don’t get that with a Hawk FD.

 

[K7MDL]

I have had a Grandby and Hawk, both with rollover couches, now have a Hawk Front Dinette.

The rollover, when in sleeping position, blocks the hallway access from the overhead bunk. The Fron dinette keeps that clear which I really like.

Also, I wanted a cassette toilet which for a Hawk, I think is only available with the front dinette option due to floor space. I do prefer the cassette toilet over the porta-potti options I used to have.

 

[AWG_Pics]

We have the Hawk front dinette. Generally we are not in the camper except for darkness/sleeping, very many bugs, or pretty bad weather. The dinette table rarely gets set up. I rise first and make coffee and muesli with a jet boil on a tire table. We cook and food prep outside on the tire table as well. We don't need the dinette except for an occasional game of scrabble just before bed, or as I said, when weather and bugs force us in.

We chose the front dinette after touring several display models. After experiencing about a year of staying in the camper over 5 years, we would make the same decision again based what we know now.

 

[Vic Harder]

or build out a shell the way you like it. Myself and my wife also do not like the "galley" feel that the side dinette or roll over (and most truck campers in general) have, and wanted to maximize the feeling of openness in the camper. So we ended up with a very custom build, with a permanent queen bed (no pull out), a lagun mount side table and flip out seats.