SLO's FWC Hawk Refurb/Build...

[CLynn85]

Paul, your setup's come a long way, very impressed with the end product!

Good to know about the solar, I've been thinking about a similar setup for the ambo. I'm assuming you've had good luck with the Wal-Mart batts? Are they just the generic marine deep cycle units?

 

[Titof250]

Did you get these from FWC? What was the cost? I was on there website and I could not find them there.

LOOK WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL YESTERDAY! :wings:

 

[SLO_F-250]

Paul, your setup's come a long way, very impressed with the end product!

Good to know about the solar, I've been thinking about a similar setup for the ambo. I'm assuming you've had good luck with the Wal-Mart batts? Are they just the generic marine deep cycle units?

Hey Carl! Thanks for the compliment! The ambo wants solar for sure. It is really nice not to worry about power. The Wal-Mart batteries have been fine. One is 4 years old and one is 2. I know people say not to mix ages, but at $70 a pop Im ok with it. I have not been able to drain them down for what I have on 12V. Go for it!

 

[SLO_F-250]

Did you get these from FWC? What was the cost? I was on there website and I could not find them there.

Yes I did. They dont have them advertised but call Terry at FWC. Im not sure they still sell replacement wood ones. THey use a new composite material now a days and they are much more expensive. Around $400 I think. I would also recommend calling Marty at ATC campers. He still sells the old wood ones as well. Good Luck!

 

[SLO_F-250]

Been a while since I posted so I figured it is time for an update. Just got back from a 9 day adventure. Camper worked great and I will post more on that soon.

Recently a buddy told me he wanted to get a similar setup for him to use and to take his 2 year old daughter camping. About 3 weeks later I saw a 90 Hawk popped up about 30 miles away from him. He picked it up a few days later. Having watched both my camper transformations he called me on his way home and said get ready to start #3! I laughed and told him to make sure his fridge was stocked.

Few weekends later we had coordinated some time. First things first was to properly mount it on the rig. Only flat spot we could find was in the lawn! Pretty funny having 2 superduty camper setups in front of the house! :elkgrin:



This was an early 1990 as the storm flaps were not on the canvas yet. It was also directly mounted to the bed via floor bolts and never had any eye hooks install. We went about cutting in access holes and getting some eye bolts installed.



While he was working on that I went about making another shim platform. Same as I made for my truck. Added 1-1/2" insulation too.



Platform Done.


I also built him a battery box to house his batteries similar to mine. We'll see how far he goes with the build, but it turned out great. LED lights, sink, stove, and heater. Just needs a new fridge.
Shot of it mounted to the truck.



Our rigs in the parking lot. He owed me dinner for sure!

 

[CLynn85]

Nice work!

 

[Overland Hadley]

Nice work!

x2

 

[SLO_F-250]

Thanks Guys! I'm sure it will be a fun project.

Now for some of MY camper updates..... No real modifications, but on the list soon is modifying the bench for a dinette. Just recently got back from the annual summer trip. We spent most of the time on the eastern side of the sierras in CA and in Tahoe CA. Trip Report on WTW is started.

Now for a few teaser shots. :bike_rider:

 

[GCecchetto]

Hey SLO;

Love the pics of the Eastern Sierras. I'm taking the Sherpa out to Mono with my son on its maiden voyage as an empty shell at 4:00 AM in the morning. I noticed you have added the gas struts to help lift your roof. Have you got a part number?

Thanks

GC

 

[SLO_F-250]

Hey SLO;

Love the pics of the Eastern Sierras. I'm taking the Sherpa out to Mono with my son on its maiden voyage as an empty shell at 4:00 AM in the morning. I noticed you have added the gas struts to help lift your roof. Have you got a part number?

Thanks

GC

GC,
Good luck with the maiden voyage! I am interested to hear where you guys set up, and what you do out there. We always drive by Mono and wonder that the possibilities.

I believe the part # is Suspa C16-15952. I bought the 40lbs struts and they work great. This is a link to a thread on WTW with lots of info regarding the lifters.

Have a fun safe trip!

Paul

 

[craig333]

You should warn people, that thread goes on, and on and on

 

[SLO_F-250]

You should warn people, that thread goes on, and on and on

Very TRUE! My bad GC! haha :elkgrin:

I was able to get some more picts of the trip up. Makes me want to go back!

 

[SLO_F-250]

Got another chance to add to the summer trip report. But I always like adding picts of the rig. That what we make these threads for yea!? haha :bike_rider:

 

[hoptroll]

SLO,
I'm a huge fan of your build thread. Everything is really well thought out and I like the fact that you did everything on a reasonable budget. You don't have any unnecessary mods, they all seem very practical. Your work turns out clean and the camper looks awesome on your truck! Definitely going to use some of your ideas for the build that I am working on.

 

[SLO_F-250]

SLO,
I'm a huge fan of your build thread. Everything is really well thought out and I like the fact that you did everything on a reasonable budget. You don't have any unnecessary mods, they all seem very practical. Your work turns out clean and the camper looks awesome on your truck! Definitely going to use some of your ideas for the build that I am working on.

Thanks for the compliment! Use as many ideas as you can! I stole plenty of other guy's ideas on here with awesome builds. :ylsmoke: Post some picts when you get your build going.