F350 SuperCab 4x4 Lariat 6.2 V8 Build Story - Completed

[Kingsize24]

Same brother! We are in the same boat.

 

[mk216v]

How's the Hallmark bankruptcy going to affect your camper?
Honestly not sure it will at all, they're still working as if nothing's happened, but it seems there was an issue with the old glass supplier that brought this about, hence the move to the new supplier. I am unaware of the name of the previous or current supplier, so can't help there, so I'm just hoping my dream build will be a dream build!

Unsure who the new supplier is, but the old supplier seems to be CF Maier. Seems CFM wasn't too keen on Hallmark owing them $1.75M for fiberglass; https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/important-hallmark-manufacturing-announcement/

Hallmark Truck Camper Company files for bankruptcy

From Business Insider; A Colorado camper manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy. Hallmark RV, which operates in Fort Lupton at 12524 Weld County Road, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week. The company said it has 50 to 99 creditors with unsecured claims. The top 20 creditors were listed in...

expeditionportal.com

I really hope these bumps in the road DO NOT affect your build, or future warranty/servicing!

 

[Macfly]

This got me looking, and I found a couple of posts about the C-11 and the 'Stromtrooper' rig that was my inspiration for the build...

Hallmark RV Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - Truck Camper Adventure

Truck Camper Adventure has learned that Hallmark RV filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on March 9, 2023. For those who are unfamiliar with a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, such cases are referred to as a "reorganization" bankruptcy. According to the uscourts.gov website, "usually, the debtor remains 'in...

www.truckcamperadventure.com

In the Spotlight: F350 Hallmark Guanella 'Stormtrooper' Rig | Truck Camper Adventure

Interview and review with Michael Hoyt on his F350 Hallmark Guanella "Stormtrooper" truck camper rig, featuring a Bowen Customs truck bed.

www.truckcamperadventure.com

Hah, I just realized we double-posted!!

I'm too deep in to do anything but complete the build and see where it takes me. Fingers and toes crossed for the very best of outcomes for everyone, especially Hallmark as I really liked the folks, their history and their experience with their product, which is why I went with them.

 

[Macfly]

I just fitted this fab little upgrade to help keep some dirt off the Warn, and keep me legal from Cascadia Off-road.

 

[Macfly]

My long, slow build story just got longer and slower, with a projected finish date now looking like mid-late September.

Since I'll be driving back to Cali from Hallmark in the Denver area I plan to take the I-70 and do several stops along the way to test out off-grid and off-road living, so love to get any suggestions from you guys of must visit spots along that route.

 

[El_jefe_83]

My long, slow build story just got longer and slower, with a projected finish date now looking like mid-late September.

Since I'll be driving back to Cali from Hallmark in the Denver area I plan to take the I-70 and do several stops along the way to test out off-grid and off-road living, so love to get any suggestions from you guys of must visit spots along that route.

Is the flat bed the hold up? Dig your build. I'm considering selling my AT Summit and moving to a flat bad with removable camper.

 

[Macfly]

The biggest hold-up has actually been my own work schedule, Bowens and Hallmark for both been incredibly understanding and super helpful. I just had to slide back another three weeks, but I will be posting the story of the drive out to Denver, the build and my long, slow drive home. I'm not building mine as a quick-remove unit, as I just don't see the need for that in my travel plans, so mine will be a full-time locked-down liveaboard unit.

 

[Macfly]

Two weeks to D-Day, that's Denver Day, and my visit to Bowens, Juniper and then Hallmark to finally become the rig I've been dreaming of for all this time!

In preparation, I finally fitted the very well-made and thought-out Bellfab skidplate and cat cover, which I'd give a two thumbs up to.

 

[Macfly]

Next up, the all-important weighing to discover my final base weight, fully filled wth all upgrades installed.

Front Axle 4440 - Rear Axle 3240 for a total of 7680 lbs, so according to my door sticker rated maximum of 11300 lbs, I have 3620 lbs to play with.

It seems from reading posts around the net that the heaviest fully loaded Gunella like the one I'm getting comes close to 3200 lbs trip ready, fridge full etc, so I have approximately 400 lbs in hand for the difference of the Bowens flatbed, etc. I feel very happy with my choice of getting an F350 now I see all the weights, even though they say there isn't any chassis difference between it and the 250, especially since I swapped out the suspension.

 

[Macfly]

Yesterday was my truck's last day as a pick-up, and we did the 1022 miles from LA to Denver in 14.5 hours, holding between 70-80 mph on the freeways with a trip average of 11.1mpg. I'm super happy with the Lariat F350's outstanding comfort, it's one of the easiest long-distance platforms I've driven, and after many years with 1990's FJ80 Land Crusiers, it's great having the mod-cons of Apple connect and an excellent sound system.

I dropped the truck off at Bowens at 6:30 a.m. this morning, so the next time I see it will be when the bed gets put on.

 

[Macfly]

Got to spend an hour being blown away by the workmanship, efficiency, and design excellence (not to mention the serious weld porn!) at Bowens this afternoon. These guys are the real deal!

 

[TexasSixSeven]

My next rig will have a Bowens tray on it!

 

[Littlehouse]

Really like that you went with the extended vs. crew cab. Slightly easier to deal with. That tray is going to look amazing

 

[Macfly]

Early morning pick up of the final finished unit at Bowens, and I could not be happier about the work and the way the whole crew busted their asses to get me done in good time. I honestly couldn't give these guys a higher recommendation.

 

[ITTOG]

That looks amazing on your truck.