Two weeks ago I ordered a Hawk model for my F350. After owning a hard sided truck camper and being limited to where I could go and taking it on/off the truck all the time, I am really excited to get a FWC. It will stay in my truck full time. Pick it up in September, just as hunting season gets underway. YeeHaaawwww!
I got my hawk shell around the same time you got yours. I was just thinking about putting together a five year update on mine and stumbled across this. The bulge in the front and the door frame warping is pretty interesting. I started my FWC on a F150 and now on a F250 I've got similar feelings to you about weight and off-roading. I agree, this thing has been awesome and I still recommend it for a lot of people. Looking forward to bumming around the south west for the month of January coming up.
Super appreciate the review! But bending walls, sketchy heater, faulty panels after only 5 years…for $25k!? No thanks 4WC. I’m looking to buy in the next 12 months. Sounding like a Scout is the way to go. Oh yeah. I have a 13.5 foot fiberglass tow behind. And your concerns about that camper mode are spot on. Hence my search for an in truck camper. Just want reliable quality for my $25k. Thanks man!!
I have a Kestrel pop up from four wheel camper that fits Tundra's. Thinking about getting a shell model. I was blown away that your wife can sit on the bed like she was. There's no way I have that much room in mine. Mines a 2011. I'm going to have to look into that.
You may be able to replace the FWC struts with beefier ones to make it easier to lift the roof with the cargo rack on. Just be aware of the manufacturer’s weight capacity limits. That’s what some do with the GFC side panels and roof. Just a thought. Keep up the great work with your adventures and content!
3/4 ton dodge or Ford trucks have the same off road capability as Tacoma does because of the solid front axle and additional ride height. They also do really well with additional weight of a camper.
Great in-depth video, Drake & karen. I appreciate it. I've wanted one of these since your initial review after yiu used it for a short period of time. This will again push me and make me contemplate how i can afford one. About time for another maine trip, eh? How about tracking deer in the north woods Thanksgiving week one year?!
Nice review on your camper. I thought about getting the project M for long term boondocking. Surviving off the grid all alone with just the supplies I brought with me is on my bucket list. As for traction with your Ford vs Toyota, did you use the same tires on both? When I lived in Florida I drove an F150 with BF Goodrich KO2 tires through mud and muck in the everglades to get to my favorite fishing holes. The only things out there were gators, snakes big enough to eat gators, hungry fish, and me. I wouldn't try to get out there with all season tires. Now I live in South Dakota, and understand tires vs snow. Snow tires are great on ice, but suck in deep snow. All season tires suck in the winter period. I believe your lack of traction was due to your tires, and not your Fords lack of ability. Enjoy your journey.
The KO2s are awesome! My favorite tire! Will be switching back to those on my next round of tires. Yes the tires could be the culprit but also the longer and wider wheel base of my f-150, and the added weight seemed.
Appreciate the candid review and shortcomings that hopefully have been resolved.
Two weeks ago I ordered a Hawk model for my F350. After owning a hard sided truck camper and being limited to where I could go and taking it on/off the truck all the time, I am really excited to get a FWC. It will stay in my truck full time. Pick it up in September, just as hunting season gets underway. YeeHaaawwww!
heck yeah!! You'll love the FWC and being able to take it everywhere!
I got my hawk shell around the same time you got yours. I was just thinking about putting together a five year update on mine and stumbled across this. The bulge in the front and the door frame warping is pretty interesting. I started my FWC on a F150 and now on a F250 I've got similar feelings to you about weight and off-roading. I agree, this thing has been awesome and I still recommend it for a lot of people. Looking forward to bumming around the south west for the month of January coming up.
Super appreciate the review! But bending walls, sketchy heater, faulty panels after only 5 years…for $25k!? No thanks 4WC. I’m looking to buy in the next 12 months. Sounding like a Scout is the way to go. Oh yeah. I have a 13.5 foot fiberglass tow behind. And your concerns about that camper mode are spot on. Hence my search for an in truck camper. Just want reliable quality for my $25k. Thanks man!!
I have a Kestrel pop up from four wheel camper that fits Tundra's. Thinking about getting a shell model. I was blown away that your wife can sit on the bed like she was. There's no way I have that much room in mine. Mines a 2011. I'm going to have to look into that.
You may be able to replace the FWC struts with beefier ones to make it easier to lift the roof with the cargo rack on. Just be aware of the manufacturer’s weight capacity limits. That’s what some do with the GFC side panels and roof. Just a thought. Keep up the great work with your adventures and content!
3/4 ton dodge or Ford trucks have the same off road capability as Tacoma does because of the solid front axle and additional ride height. They also do really well with additional weight of a camper.
Good stuff man! Enjoy your channel!
Thanks for watching!!
Great in-depth video, Drake & karen. I appreciate it. I've wanted one of these since your initial review after yiu used it for a short period of time. This will again push me and make me contemplate how i can afford one. About time for another maine trip, eh? How about tracking deer in the north woods Thanksgiving week one year?!
oh man that sounds fun!! So many awesome places to be that time of year! Do you ever search for moose sheds in the winter/spring?
Nice walk through! Who needs a shower???
Nice review on your camper. I thought about getting the project M for long term boondocking. Surviving off the grid all alone with just the supplies I brought with me is on my bucket list.
As for traction with your Ford vs Toyota, did you use the same tires on both? When I lived in Florida I drove an F150 with BF Goodrich KO2 tires through mud and muck in the everglades to get to my favorite fishing holes. The only things out there were gators, snakes big enough to eat gators, hungry fish, and me. I wouldn't try to get out there with all season tires.
Now I live in South Dakota, and understand tires vs snow. Snow tires are great on ice, but suck in deep snow. All season tires suck in the winter period. I believe your lack of traction was due to your tires, and not your Fords lack of ability.
Enjoy your journey.
The KO2s are awesome! My favorite tire! Will be switching back to those on my next round of tires. Yes the tires could be the culprit but also the longer and wider wheel base of my f-150, and the added weight seemed.
I was looking at fwc when you posted this.
Project M need barn doors. Climbing over your tailgate sux.
ah good point on the Project M!
do you carry porta-potty? didn't see that in your video... Great review, thank you!
I don’t. Public restrooms or shovel a hole and use the great outdoors!
Amen! Love my Project M!
Effects of gas offset by no showers
Great video ! Thx. 😊
Impressive that the roof of a FWC can support the weight of an elk.
My guess is that extra weight weakened the structure enough to cause the door bending issues
No camper is an investment. Silly idea.