New FWC layout - what do you think?
- Thread starter skiroc
- Start date
FairfaxFWC
New member
Point taken. It probably was a bit negative given that it was my first post, but I have a very strong design sense and for some reason I felt the need to add my two cents about this design. Maybe I took it a bit too far.
However, this should not be taken as a negative opinion of FWC. I am a HUGE fan of both the company, product, owners and employees. I have spent countless hours at both of their factories and several of my design ideas have actually been incorporated into their current products. I want nothing but the best for FWC and am glad they are continuing to try put new ideas into practice.
As I have painfully discovered over the past several days, some people seem to get very attached to their opinions and take any altering viewpoint personally and negatively. Critique is critical in the design process and without it there would never be improvement. I think a forum such as this, and WTW, are incredible assets to those of us who are fans of all types of vehicles, campers, etc...that allow us to travel and explore, and I would hate to see this site or WTW to be a place where personal attacks are tolerated or encouraged, instead of a healthy exchange of opinions and ideas.
However, this should not be taken as a negative opinion of FWC. I am a HUGE fan of both the company, product, owners and employees. I have spent countless hours at both of their factories and several of my design ideas have actually been incorporated into their current products. I want nothing but the best for FWC and am glad they are continuing to try put new ideas into practice.
As I have painfully discovered over the past several days, some people seem to get very attached to their opinions and take any altering viewpoint personally and negatively. Critique is critical in the design process and without it there would never be improvement. I think a forum such as this, and WTW, are incredible assets to those of us who are fans of all types of vehicles, campers, etc...that allow us to travel and explore, and I would hate to see this site or WTW to be a place where personal attacks are tolerated or encouraged, instead of a healthy exchange of opinions and ideas.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
Thanks, that helps us know where you are coming from.
Tone seemed a bit strong but with clarity comes understanding on all sides.
You made your points here & WTW and I countered with my thoughts, some are preference some are just fact (ie the part about you're going to step on the lower bed/couch/dinette regardless) based on my experience in using a FWC hawk with couch setup as a solo traveler, couple, and couple with child. Granted I haven't sat in the new layout but I do then to think it's probably a great improvement for my usage type when working in the constraints of a slide in camper. Ideally a flatbed opens up even greater possibilities, which is why I've gone down that path.olsen_karl
Adventurer
Anyone know if FWC will build a larger cabover section, in order to not have the pullout bed? (I know, I could call them, but it's late...)
This was one of the reasons I passed on a FWC, as they tend to be a more spartan design, and I wanted more creature comforts. They are well built though, and if I could get a FWC with all the stuff in my Northstar camper, I'd strongly consider it for the next one.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
The campers for full size trucks are designed to sleep east-west, with a slide out that is 16''. So you could have a 48x77 bed with no slide out.
NothingClever
Explorer
Man, listen to Hadley's driver and pods8....they're some regular diplomats. I'm gettin' all mushy and fuzzy warm.
Ok, hugger bears and smoochy face for Fairfax.
Ok, hugger bears and smoochy face for Fairfax.
They have stated on WTW at the moment they will not build a larger length cantileaver than currently, so no 60" queen sized bed or such from them at this point. They've said they are looking into it but nothing soon, or something like that.
brianjwilson
Some sort of lost...
I asked and they said they will not do it at this point. Most new trucks have much largers cabs and it only makes sense to offer it, every other manufacturer seems to do it without a problem.
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
I am happy to see that FWC has a self contained model. For just one person, maybe 2 personally i like the layout. It is good to see that they are moving forward. I do agree, on the bed though. I would prefer to not have to pull it out. I am excited about this new model, I am waiting to hear back from the factory on the possibility of making it in a Hawk model.
Included is a link to an article written about this new model
http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/tcm-exclusive:-2012-four-wheel-camper-fleet-self-contained/
Included is a link to an article written about this new model
http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/tcm-exclusive:-2012-four-wheel-camper-fleet-self-contained/
Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
A flatbed would be awesome, The only mfg that makes a flatbed model is Northstar and they are hard sided.
http://northstarcampers.com/online-catalog.php?headerbar=1&view=prods&parentId=15&catId=19
http://northstarcampers.com/online-catalog.php?headerbar=1&view=prods&parentId=15&catId=19
docdave
Aspiring overlander
It looks to me like the design characteristics that allow the FWC such a low profile, would prevent the longer overhand for the cabover. The added depth that would allow a longer cantilever, and under bed storage would trade off with a higher profile. Another selling point of FWC has been improved comparitive fuel economy with most other designs, as the shorter cabover doesn't catch as much air. The nitche that FWC fills so well is a bit more austure than some of the others, ain't it grand that different manufacturers have different philosophies, and can offer products for a multitude of tastes!? Me, I like a bit more comfort....I used to be tickled to death to sleep on the ground in a tent....now a bed, potty and shower are a lot more attractive, hence my older model Hallmark Cuchara.
BTW don't forget Rob at Coyote RV when you're considering a flat bed unit, he'll build you pretty much anything you want.
BTW don't forget Rob at Coyote RV when you're considering a flat bed unit, he'll build you pretty much anything you want.
NothingClever
Explorer
Amongst the great flatbed ideas I'm sure Jason Bahr (design lead at FWC) has banging around his head and hard drive, here's mine I submitted for FWC to work up a quote. The first sketch is based on a Grandby platform and the second one is for a Keystone.
Putting the dinette in the back keeps all the weight over or forward of the axle as long as one doesn't get to greedy with the external storage box on the rear wall.
Also, if cabinet / counter space limits me from putting the fridge where I've indicated, then I'd solve the problem by putting an Engel MT-60 on a slide and with a cushion on top. It would serve double duty as the passenger side bench seat and a slide out fridge. This would put some weight aft of the axle but preserve cabinet space.
Grandby Flatbed Proposal
Keystone Flatbed Proposal
Putting the dinette in the back keeps all the weight over or forward of the axle as long as one doesn't get to greedy with the external storage box on the rear wall.
Also, if cabinet / counter space limits me from putting the fridge where I've indicated, then I'd solve the problem by putting an Engel MT-60 on a slide and with a cushion on top. It would serve double duty as the passenger side bench seat and a slide out fridge. This would put some weight aft of the axle but preserve cabinet space.
Grandby Flatbed Proposal
Keystone Flatbed Proposal