2015 Hawk Shell (changed to base model)

[super doody]

I have been researching, PMing with various WTW members and speaking with FWC for the past 2 months. Today, I took my 14 month old daughter and my wife to Woodland to speak with Stan and to test out the different configurations in person because I was still teetering between a shell DIY project or base model. We use to have a 2007 Eagle Shell with rollover couch.

I spoke with Stan for awhile and he created two quotes for us. You quickly forget just how much everything costs. A base model with camp jacks, furnace,Yakima tracks and furnace added up to be about around $19K with tax. I was surprised but not really.

In the back of my mind, I had always thought about building a shell similar to what other members have done. So after discussing the pros and cons of each option, we decided to go with the shell built out with a side dinette with design inspired by Ambling1: http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/8946-new-atc-ocelot-shell-buildout/page-4

First phase will be just the two seats and table. Second phase will be the cabinets on the driver side with 12v fridge. I may omit sink and water tank.

Our shell will have the following options:

Furnace
Solar wiring with plug on roof and rear wall (which is now standard i.e free!!)
Extra roof vent and powered
Yakima tracks only
Aux Battery wiring only
Prep. for exterior gas struts
8' Awning

I'm very glad to have reached a conclusion in this process. Just need to confirm my order on Monday!!

Thanks all for your help and advice! And especially to Bill, Ambling,RnK, JH6av8r, Skipin and others for the inspiration!

BTW: I'm very impressed by the fit, finish and overall quality of the new campers. It has definitely improved over the years

Jim

 

[jha6av8r]

Congratulations Jim!

 

[longhorn1]

Congrats.

 

[idahoron]

Looking forward to see how you deck it out.

 

[billharr]

Congrats, looking forward to your build.

 

[RnK]

A nice feeling to finally make the decisions. And very exciting to get the show on the road. Good Luck!

 

[super doody]

Thanks all!

The only hesitation is getting the furnace option ($1K) in the Shell configuration which is right above where the propane box by the rear door on the driver where the ice box/fridge would go. The battery box is also int he same location. I don't think its a good use of space so I think I would eventually relocate the battery to the front passenger side where it is typically located in the base model. I thought about getting the furnace and installing it myself but I'm not sure how time consuming that would be.

 

[GroovyDad]

Congrats on the new camper Jim. I built out my own Bobcat shell and I enjoyed the building process almost as much as the camping. I hope you post a lot of pics.

 

[billharr]

Thanks all!

The only hesitation is getting the furnace option ($1K) in the Shell configuration which is right above where the propane box by the rear door on the driver where the ice box/fridge would go. The battery box is also int he same location. I don't think its a good use of space so I think I would eventually relocate the battery to the front passenger side where it is typically located in the base model. I thought about getting the furnace and installing it myself but I'm not sure how time consuming that would be.

My shell had the furnace and batteries in the corner with a stove on top. Agree not a good location. Installing the furnace your self not hard if you can run copper and have the tools to do it. I did have to borrow a fairing tool, could not find my dad's. Vent for exhaust you will need to cut a hole and install alum tube to mount to. I would have FWC install the propane box at the least, this would be a big retro-fit. If you go to a Wave or other heater you will still need propane. You can find the heater on line less than $500 if you do not want it in the back corner. For the $1,000 you might be getting the box, tanks and install work, not that bad of a cost if you do. See this heater thread, the Propex looks interesting.

 

[super doody]

My shell had the furnace and batteries in the corner with a stove on top. Agree not a good location. Installing the furnace your self not hard if you can run copper and have the tools to do it. I did have to borrow a fairing tool, could not find my dad's. Vent for exhaust you will need to cut a hole and install alum tube to mount to. I would have FWC install the propane box at the least, this would be a big retro-fit. If you go to a Wave or other heater you will still need propane. You can find the heater on line less than $500 if you do not want it in the back corner. For the $1,000 you might be getting the box, tanks and install work, not that bad of a cost if you do. See this heater thread, the Propex looks interesting.

Hi Bill,

I was going to message you. Yes, the furnce options includes the furnace ($500), propane box, wiring and two propane thanks. We want the thermostat for our baby. Its just unfortunate, we have to re route it again. I may just get the propane box. It would be great if they can do the wiring with the battery location in the back wall on the passenger side then I can just install the furnace and vent.

Did you buy the plywood board from FWC to match the rest of the interior? If so, how much did you buy?

Jim

 

[billharr]

FWC changed the wood they used and the new was different than the color I had. Both were the plastic coated panel. They are now using a real wood panel. I bought 4x4 birch ply at HD, had to go through a lot of panels to find good ones. I also bought an extra panel when I wanted to have the grain match on a couple of drawers. If you watch my before and after video you can see the old vinyl and my birch panel next to each other. Yes there is some difference but does not bother me. Lower corner (propane box) is the old plastic coat panel and the small cabinet over the window is also the old plastic panel. Everything else is bitch plywood.

 

[JaSAn]

... Everything else is bitch plywood.

I heard that bitch plywood is a birch to work with.

 

[Bill D]

Our shell will have the following options:

Furnace
Solar wiring with plug on roof and rear wall (which is now standard i.e free!!)
Extra roof vent and powered
Yakima tracks only
Aux Battery wiring only
Prep. for exterior gas struts
8' Awning

Jim


Congrats Jim. I'm happy for you and may have to live vicariously through you for a while.

This is almost exactly the build I am looking at: Hawk shell, furnace, solar plugs, fantastic fan, awning
The only difference is no roof rack and I want the shocks, arctic pack, battery and 12V.

I'm jealeous. I'm still doing some budgeting and looking to sell my 1980 Camaro before I pull the trigger.
I'm going to miss my first holiday trip due to build times and I won't holiday again until August.

I could order now, but I'm being responsible. Perhaps something used will pop up in Canada in the meantime (wishful thinking).



Question: How is the furnace any good without the battery. You don't want to have to run your vehicle just to run the furnace and if you don't you'll potentially kill your truck battery.
Am I missing something?

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

Congrats. Hawk shell is good choice.

 

[enelson]

Our shell will have the following options:

Furnace
Solar wiring with plug on roof and rear wall (which is now standard i.e free!!)
Extra roof vent and powered
Yakima tracks only
Aux Battery wiring only
Prep. for exterior gas struts
8' Awning

Jim


Congrats Jim. I'm happy for you and may have to live vicariously through you for a while.

This is almost exactly the build I am looking at: Hawk shell, furnace, solar plugs, fantastic fan, awning
The only difference is no roof rack and I want the shocks, arctic pack, battery and 12V.

I'm jealeous. I'm still doing some budgeting and looking to sell my 1980 Camaro before I pull the trigger.
I'm going to miss my first holiday trip due to build times and I won't holiday again until August.

I could order now, but I'm being responsible. Perhaps something used will pop up in Canada in the meantime (wishful thinking).



Question: How is the furnace any good without the battery. You don't want to have to run your vehicle just to run the furnace and if you don't you'll potentially kill your truck battery.
Am I missing something?

He's probably going to install his own batteries and solar. We did the same with our camper. I would have ordered the shell optioned similarly.

 

[deethe]

when considering my options prior to purchase, the factory quoted me a price of $500 to get the driver's side wall for a loaded Hawk on a shell model, this so the braces and framing were there for future modifications.

 

[super doody]

when considering my options prior to purchase, the factory quoted me a price of $500 to get the driver's side wall for a loaded Hawk on a shell model, this so the braces and framing were there for future modifications.

Thanks for the idea. When was your camper built? That would help out a lot hopefully FWC can do this.

I'm thinking of ordering the propane box only and installing my own furnace. Propex is good option but I read that you can't shortern or length the exhaust on the propex which limits the placement even though its much small than the attwood unit.

I would also like FWC to install all the wiring, fuse box and isolater with the battery location on the passenger side front wall.


What I'm findings is that there are some hidden options. But most is currently not available because they want to standardized their builds as much as possible.

Here some other hidden options:
-Increasing lift panels, gives 6'9'' interior
-Internal walls with screws

Jim

 

[super doody]

Our shell will have the following options:

Furnace
Solar wiring with plug on roof and rear wall (which is now standard i.e free!!)
Extra roof vent and powered
Yakima tracks only
Aux Battery wiring only
Prep. for exterior gas struts
8' Awning

Jim


Congrats Jim. I'm happy for you and may have to live vicariously through you for a while.

This is almost exactly the build I am looking at: Hawk shell, furnace, solar plugs, fantastic fan, awning
The only difference is no roof rack and I want the shocks, arctic pack, battery and 12V.

I'm jealeous. I'm still doing some budgeting and looking to sell my 1980 Camaro before I pull the trigger.
I'm going to miss my first holiday trip due to build times and I won't holiday again until August.

I could order now, but I'm being responsible. Perhaps something used will pop up in Canada in the meantime (wishful thinking).



Question: How is the furnace any good without the battery. You don't want to have to run your vehicle just to run the furnace and if you don't you'll potentially kill your truck battery.
Am I missing something?

I'm thinking about getting a RV battery from Sears with a 3 yr warranty. Most likely this one:http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-marine-battery-group-size-34m-price/p-02850134000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=02850134000&kispla=02850134000P&kpid=02850134000&mktRedirect=y

 

[deethe]

my Hawk was built in Sept 2014, i opted out of the standard furnace and installed a Truma E2400 furnace, which i just need to get plumbed properly (i.e. without leaks) - the euro furnaces use metric 8mm lines, so an adapter is required.

 

[super doody]

my Hawk was built in Sept 2014, i opted out of the standard furnace and installed a Truma E2400 furnace, which i just need to get plumbed properly (i.e. without leaks) - the euro furnaces use metric 8mm lines, so an adapter is required.

Deethe,

I was told today via email that if I get the base model frame on the driver side, I can't get the propane tank. I don't know the exact reasons why.