Four Wheel Camper Considerations

[elmo_4_vt]

We just made our decision, so realize that this opinion is worth what you're paying for it, but what pushed us to the FWC versus a van or ambulance are as follows:

- Lower cost of admission. I guess this is debatable, but in our case we were able to find a good condition used truck for a good price. While a new FWC certainly isn't cheap, we felt the "camper" piece would be similar in cost to most other builds above the price of the vehicle. A lot of other brands/builds (Sportsmobile for instance) that we've seen are much more expensive as a package until they get a lot of miles/use on them. Home-made may have better results though.
- With a FWC, we will also be able to tow (something we do very often) and be used as a truck if necessary (something we may need 1 or 2 times a year). A full size diesel will offer an immense amount of power.
- Obsolescence. We figure the FWC can be switched across trucks down the road if we wear the truck out or break it or to another truck if a future new owner has different platform preference. I can only wish we'll be able to put that many miles on the truck.
- Off road ability. It will be able to get off to most places we'd want to go, but I'm not sure a truck large enough to seat a family (crew cab) and haul a FWC will be much better than a sportsmobile off-road, but it will be easier and cheaper to modify due to aftermarket support. Even in stock form, it will be better than most other types of vehicles.
- For stuff, we plan to pull a small trailer. This should give us plenty of room for "stuff", kids bikes, camp gear, motorcycles, etc.

The main con is space while driving. Not that you'd be able to move around much while actually driving, but it would be nice to have the extra room. Best of both worlds would be a pass through on a FWC, but that isn't going to happen any time soon.

Hope that this helps.

Don

-

 

[Butch1979]

Elmo_4_vt

Did you go with a flatbed build? I really like the idea of the extra space in the camper and potential storage boxes under a flatbed, but don't love the extra cost... I would REALLY like to be able to hit some harder dirt roads this next season, and that is the primary driver behind changing platforms.

 

[elmo_4_vt]

Yes, we went with a Hawk flatbed. Part of the cost compromise, but we wanted to make sure we had enough room to be inside in bad weather. And yes, the off-road-ability will be nice. Can't wait to get out to CO to really put it to good use.

Don

-

 

[Butch1979]

I look forward to seeing pics! I do agree with the point that your camper purchase is now mobile and in turn not tied to the mileage of the platform. I'm really set on a Tundra...

Every time I think this decision is made, somebody else comes back with a solid point.

 

[Super Doody]

I owned 2 FWCs. The first one was an Eagle shell which went on top of my 2003 Tacoma 4x4 TRD. It was a great way to travel for two people. Super simple and super light. The draw back was the gear shuffle. I thought I'd be able to keep this setup forever.

Due to the birth of my daughter and not being able to safety install a rear facing child seat, by chance I stumbled upon and purchased a 2006 4x4 Tundra double cab with only 67K miles.

I sold Eagle shell for more than what I paid for and regrettably sold my Tacoma.

I have a 2015 Hawk with many options, flush appliance, side dinette and awning. Our setup has been working out well for the past 8 months. I put my daughter's pack n play on the dinette bed for sleeping. Even with the cabinets and storage, there are still some gear shuffle. Its annoying when you have grab something out of the camper while en route. You usually have to unload the boxes in the aisle or tip toe around them .

The front dinette is definitely the way to go if you need more room. With the Grandby front dinette, two people can set at the table with the bed fully extended.

 

[Durango]

Yes, we went with a Hawk flatbed. Part of the cost compromise, but we wanted to make sure we had enough room to be inside in bad weather. And yes, the off-road-ability will be nice. Can't wait to get out to CO to really put it to good use.

Don

-

You will really like your Hawk Flatbed. We've been super impressed with our 2015 model. Sadly, I've been too busy to either use or modify it since picking it up in October.

 

[sourdough]

I owned 2 FWCs. The first one was an Eagle shell which went on top of my 2003 Tacoma 4x4 TRD. It was a great way to travel for two people. Super simple and super light. The draw back was the gear shuffle. I thought I'd be able to keep this setup forever.
I have a 2015 Hawk with many options, flush appliance, side dinette and awning. Our setup has been working out well for the past 8 months. I put my daughter's pack n play on the dinette bed for sleeping. Even with the cabinets and storage, there are still some gear shuffle. Its annoying when you have grab something out of the camper while en route. You usually have to unload the boxes in the aisle or tip toe around them .

I don't know how you can carry a loaded Hawk on a Tundra. My Tundra(1400lb capacity) was at max. with a lightly optioned Hawk(1075 lbs) shell and my junk another 400 lbs. After blowing air bags, shocks and suffering trips in the 12 MPG range and poor handling I sold my Hawk. A 3/4 Ton truck is needed. A diesel makes sense too.

 

[Durango]

I don't know how you can carry a loaded Hawk on a Tundra. My Tundra(1400lb capacity) was at max. with a lightly optioned Hawk(1075 lbs) shell and my junk another 400 lbs. After blowing air bags, shocks and suffering trips in the 12 MPG range and poor handling I sold my Hawk. A 3/4 Ton truck is needed. A diesel makes sense too.

This is an "eternal topic", Sourdough.

Hard numbers: My aluminum flatbed weighs 190# LESS than the steel bed we took off. Even so, without the "spousal unit" on board and lightly loaded with food, etc. (but with pretty full fuel and water) my 2012 Ram 2500/ Hawk combo weighed in at 9900# on the scales. The GVWR? 9800#!

That said, the Ram drives fine. The only thing I've done suspension wise is add airbags to bring the nose down a bit. So yes, my guess is most EXPO rigs are over GVW. We just don't like to admit it!

 

[extremehabit]

my Tacoma/fleet is much smaller and more nimble off road and fits comfortably in my garage.

Really, this is curious, it fits in your garage? Regular height garage? Do you have a pic of this?

 

[RPS]

Really, this is curious, it fits in your garage? Regular height garage? Do you have a pic of this?

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/140355-Another-Tacoma-Build-%28Brian-s-2015-DCLB%29?p=1875045#post1875045
From his build thread

 

[Super Doody]

I don't know how you can carry a loaded Hawk on a Tundra. My Tundra(1400lb capacity) was at max. with a lightly optioned Hawk(1075 lbs) shell and my junk another 400 lbs. After blowing air bags, shocks and suffering trips in the 12 MPG range and poor handling I sold my Hawk. A 3/4 Ton truck is needed. A diesel makes sense too.

Upgraded brake pads, rotors, front coilovers, air bag and rear sway bar. Only thing I installed was rear sway bar. Everything else came with the truck. No doubt 3/4 ton would work better but this what I have now.

 

[brianjwilson]

Really, this is curious, it fits in your garage? Regular height garage? Do you have a pic of this?

8' garage door. It was a requirement when we were house shopping.


I discovered that if I park just right I can even open the camper inside!

 

[NikonRon]

That is so nice, I am having to replace a 7' door on my shop and install an 8 footer. Well worth it to be able to store truck and camper indoors. Ron

 

[rotti]

That is so nice, I am having to replace a 7' door on my shop and install an 8 footer. Well worth it to be able to store truck and camper indoors. Ron

I did the same, replaced my 7' with an 8' door.
My 3/4 ton just clears by a couple of inches. No way to pop it up though!

 

[Durango]

8' garage door. It was a requirement when we were house shopping.


I discovered that if I park just right I can even open the camper inside!

I'm jealous. My previous slide in Hawk on the Ram 2500 would JUST BARELY fit under my 8' garage door. The Hawk Flat Bed? Not a chance. Came in about 5" higher! I miss not being able to back it in to work on it under cover... especially with the 12" of snow we've had in the last 24 hours!