I want to CUT my FWC (in a nice way).

[nevadamerica]

Hello,
First time poster, short time lurker. Got this '97 Ranger II for my '03 Tundra in August '13
In the process of a few things, from electrical, to thoughts on solar, to looking for a fridge.
One of the main things I researched, to no success, through the people at FWC was trying to figure out if I could "cut out" the "taillight" sections of this Ranger II model to better fit my truck. (The extra 4~" of camper/frame leaves a space towards the front of the bed, and that extra weight placed further back on the truck) I was told that there is structurally integral framing that runs throughout these areas of the back left/back right of the camper and was advised to not do so. Getting any technical information as far as drawings or anything from FWC was out of the question, even though this is a discontinued model. It was kind of a goose chase getting something this technical sorted out through FWC...Nevertheless I still want to do it, whether cutting it flush and welding a plate to the bottom of the framing would do the trick or not, I'm not sure...Thoughts?
The area I'm concerned with involves: If I were to remove this area of square aluminum framing, will the jacks still function the same (since they are located above this area), or will I run too much of a risk of sorts when trying to lift the camper using the corner jacks? The last two photos might serve best to see what I am talking about. Any input is much appreciated.
Thanks!

A few pics from Yosemite and Lundy Canyon.
I will only answer one or two questions about the awesome Toyota Chinook pictured

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

First welcome.
Have you thought about asking Marty at ATC
about your problem.
He might have some good info for you,since he worked at
FWC before starting his own company.

ATC would have more time to do some of the mods you want or at least walk you through it.
Just my thoughts.
Frank

 

[norcalhusky]

I believe 4wheelresto cut this part off his camper. There is some detail to the process here; http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/137714-4WheelResto/page7

 

[craig333]

Someone just did this, was that here or over on expo? But its not a simple job. You'll need to reframe the area. How's your welding skills?

Yes, it was expo. Can read the whole thread or just jump to page seven.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/137714-4WheelResto/page7

 

[nevadamerica]

I believe 4wheelresto cut this part off his camper. There is some detail to the process here; http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/137714-4WheelResto/page7

Someone just did this, was that here or over on expo? But its not a simple job. You'll need to reframe the area. How's your welding skills?

Yes, it was expo. Can read the whole thread or just jump to page seven.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/137714-4WheelResto/page7

Thanks for the link. That's a beautiful restoration, although about 8 years older than my FWC.
Staring at the construction for a bit, it does appear mostly the same, with maybe a few differences,
and it's good to know that this has been done. I guess I won't know 100% what to expect until I
pull more siding and wood paneling off to peek underneath. I'll attach a pic of what I can see now.
I'll probably encounter something very similar to that build, and will just need to find someone who
can TIG aluminum better than I can.
Thanks again, if there's any more advice I would very much appreciate it!

Ken

 

[Mic]

Nice pictures!!