Hawk Shell

[chnlisle]

We got tired of the sleeping on the ground and the box of our '95 T-100.
we're old. So I've been looking for a used FWC Hawk. As you might expect I've met with very little luck. Since I would prefer not to spend 8 or 9 grand I've given some thought to a shell model. Do any of you know of a site or sites that shows some of the owner modified FWC's.

 

[simimike]

I don't know of a specific site but you might try doing a general search of Fourwheel Campers. There are a lot of individual sites where people have done modification to their campers. Also try "RV.Net" go to the forum and do a search there.
I have suggestion, Buy the base Hawk. You get a nifty foldout sofa that is great for roadside naps. A icebox that drains to the outside of the camper, no lugging a heavy ice chest in and out the door to drain it. A built in stove that you don't have to change a small gas bottle every couple of days. A sink with a faucet and a 20 gallon water tank. Curtains for the windows. Storage cabinets. The one option I would recommend would be the FantasticFan, great for moving air inside the camper.
All this for about $2800 more. If you do a custom interior your self you would spend , maybe $1000 plus time to do a nice job. So for about $1800 it's done for you. No fuss no muss.
I am waiting for my camper to be built. I ordered a Granby with most of the options (ouch$$). But these are a very nice step up from tent camping. I to am old but I still motorcycle camp, however the wife won't go with me. Go figure!

 

[chnlisle]

Hi Mike, thanks for your help. Aside from the cost there are some things I just can live without. I want the ability to cook out side without carrying an additional camp stove. As far as the fan goes its been my experiences with a privious FWC the life of the vent is short because of wind breakage and other mishaps (especially in Baja and Saline Valley) and leaks. We do a lot of back roading on dirt and its tough on equipment. I'm pretty sure I can mount a propane tank and I like the portability of a couple of 40 qt coolers and one can be used for stuff like drinks and snacks without sacraficing the ice in the other. I just sold cruising sail boat that I've owned for years for years and I'm pretty handy at building and modifying.

I am searching the millions of FWC sites that I've googled on a daily basis and I really appreciate your input. Goodluck with your new Grandby.

 

[captainkettel]

Not sure where your are located but, while checking on craigslist under "Keystone" camper I just found 5. Thats right five! All listed for under $2500.They are calling them keystone Four Wheel campers. They show pictures and some are quite nice for used condition. You might want to check this out. Good luck...captainkettel...

 

[chnlisle]

I drove up to the San Juan Islands (from SoCal)and picked up a Ranger that is practically brand new. Had a great trip and now have a great camper. Thanks or your suggestions.

 

[captainkettel]

Right On! Score one for the good guy's.

That's great you found a Four Wheel camper used. You even got a nice trip to the Pacific NorthWest. I live across the water from the San Juan Islands in Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula. I looked forever for a Ranger model myself. I finally had to give in and buy a Sportsmobile 4X4. I am still looking for a killer deal on the Ranger model for my 1986 Jeep Comanche 4X4 pickup. Believe me, they are few and far between. I think most folks that have Four Wheel Campers like them so much they just never part with them. Hope you have many great trips with yours and maybe we'll see you down on the Baja someday. I'm going in the fall with the Turtle Expedition!

 

[chnlisle]

Thats going to be a great trip for you. Have you been to Baja before? We spend a lot of time ther so this camper will be a nice addition. We are heading for Denali in August for a month or so. Keep in touch and let me know how your trip goes.

 

[DirtyDog]

Wow, I'd love to take a Turtle Expedition trip. Let us know how it goes!

 

[captainkettel]

North or South?

Oddly enough the main trip I take each year is to Alaska. I have a small rental home in Anchor Point. I do my annual inspection in July or August while the fishing is excellent! Last year was a three week 6500 mile trek. Have driven back and forth 4 or 5 times now. So going to the Baja Coast will be a little different. But boy I love fresh lobster! I'm looking forward to that. I'm going to AK in August and am going up to one of my favorite spots to fish for silvers (coho) about 88 miles north of Anchorage. That's after a week or so down the Kenai Peninsula at Anchor Point and camped on the beach in Homer. If you have never been their it is hard to explain how cool it is and if you have, need I say more. Happing Camping...Dennis...

 

[simimike]

score

Hay, chnlisle
Nice score! To he who waits all shall come.Pics?

 

[DirtyDog]

Oddly enough the main trip I take each year is to Alaska. I have a small rental home in Anchor Point. I do my annual inspection in July or August while the fishing is excellent! Last year was a three week 6500 mile trek. Have driven back and forth 4 or 5 times now. So going to the Baja Coast will be a little different. But boy I love fresh lobster! I'm looking forward to that. I'm going to AK in August and am going up to one of my favorite spots to fish for silvers (coho) about 88 miles north of Anchorage. That's after a week or so down the Kenai Peninsula at Anchor Point and camped on the beach in Homer. If you have never been their it is hard to explain how cool it is and if you have, need I say more. Happing Camping...Dennis...

I would like to hear about your Alaska experiences but I wanted to start a new thread about it.

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/showthread.php?p=55#post55

 

[chnlisle]

Thanks Mike. If I can figure this out ... well lets see if it works

 

[OutbacKamper]

Do any of you know of a site or sites that shows some of the owner modified FWC's.

Here are a few that I found useful:

http://www.dodgeram.org/ki4cy/camper/Ram_camper.htm

http://earthroamer.com/main_truck/truck_camper_old.html

http://turtleexpedition.com/vehicles/turtle4.php

http://turtleexpedition.com/vehicles/turtle3.php

Also there is some info on my custom Hawk shell model here:

http://www.expeditioncampers.com/outbackamper.html

Cheers
Mark

 

[chnlisle]

Sorry it took so long to reply. I couldn't figure out how to post a pic. But with the help of forum member here is the first pic of the camper on my truck up on Lopez Island,

 

[jimjxsn]

Ranger advice

Hey chnlisle,
I was glad to find the pictures you posted of your Ranger camper.

I'm interested in hearing of your experiences with your Ranger on your T-100. I am considering making an offer on a Ranger. I have a Toyota Tundra extra cab and am curious what affect having the camper that far back might have. I'm not a big off-roader so I'm not too worried about the reduced exit angle - maybe

Plus, I haven’t had much luck at all finding a used Eagle at a good price. And it would seem that having the extra storage room inside the camper might be a good thing.

If you had it to do over again, would you get another FWC Ranger?

Thanks for the advice!
Jim

 

[chnlisle]

Hi Jim,
We have really used this camper a lot since we got it used back in May. Since then we've been to Baja, Utah, Colorado and Saline Valley. We are off to Kofa NWR and Prescott AZ on Monday. So I guess the short answer to your question is yes I would get another one. It has a great queen sized bed and plenty of room for the 2 of us.

I have found that by putting a 24X 16 inch piece of quarter inch ply just at the back of the bed the camper sits very level. We've been on some very rough roads with the truck and camper aquitting themselves well.

Our plan is to use all of next year and then get a full size truck probably a Dodge diesel and put an All Terraine Camper on it.

Good luck, Jay

 

[jimjxsn]

Jay,
Thanks for the reply. I did notice that the tailgate on my Tunda does seem to sit a little lower than the bed when open. The plywood sounds like a good solution. Have a great trip
Jim

Hi Jim,
We have really used this camper a lot since we got it used back in May. Since then we've been to Baja, Utah, Colorado and Saline Valley. We are off to Kofa NWR and Prescott AZ on Monday. So I guess the short answer to your question is yes I would get another one. It has a great queen sized bed and plenty of room for the 2 of us.

I have found that by putting a 24X 16 inch piece of quarter inch ply just at the back of the bed the camper sits very level. We've been on some very rough roads with the truck and camper aquitting themselves well.

Our plan is to use all of next year and then get a full size truck probably a Dodge diesel and put an All Terraine Camper on it.

Good luck, Jay