Four Wheel Hawk shell on 2021 GMC Sierra with 3.0L Duramax

[tjkalakay]

I couldn't find an existing thread on this, so here it goes. I'm thinking about buying a 2021 GMC Sierra Elevation with the new(ish) 3.0L Duramax Diesel engine. I would like to put a Hawk shell (+furnace and stove ~950lbs) on it. I am hoping that someone might have this setup to give me some advice. 1) Can the Duramax and accompanying options handle a lighter Hawk? 2) The crew cab short box configuration has the highest payload capacity with the Duramax. Does anyone have experience with this rig? 3) If I go with the short box (70"), I don't want to leave the tailgate on. I'd be delighted if people would post pics of their Hawks mounted on a short box, especially on a Sierra. Thanks.

 

[ri-f]

I couldn't find an existing thread on this, so here it goes. If I go with the short box (70"), I don't want to leave the tailgate on. I'd be delighted if people would post pics of their Hawks mounted on a short box, especially on a Sierra. Thanks.

I can tell you that a short bed diesel with an aluminum flatbed will work out just fine. In fact it has many advantages. I have a Hawk shell and a Cummins diesel rig.

https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/21185-hawk-shell-slide-inaluminum-flatbed-hybrid-buildout/

 

[Jon R]

The payload rating of the shortbox truck is 2385, and the std box 2233. Either truck should have some margin with that camper. I think I’d give up the 150 lbs of rated payload in favor of the longer wheelbase and having the camper cg further forward of the rear axle, as well as the proper fit on the truck versus overhang past the tail lights. I suspect the longer truck will drive noticeably better with the camper on. It’ll also have more utility for hauling, and may have better resale value. I

 

[ri-f]

The payload rating of the shortbox truck is 2385, and the std box 2233. Either truck should have some margin with that camper. I think I’d give up the 150 lbs of rated payload in favor of the longer wheelbase and having the camper cg further forward of the rear axle, as well as the proper fit on the truck versus overhang past the tail lights. I suspect the longer truck will drive noticeably better with the camper on. It’ll also have more utility for hauling, and may have better resale value. I

A Hawk shell with two people and gear on an extended camp trip will probably not exceed 1,900 lbs loaded and that's assuming a alot of gear. A 2500, 3500 series diesel truck - Ram, Ford, GMC, whatever, has a suspension that can handle a Hawk, without complaining about it. With a Hawk shell, both you and your truck probably won't even know it's there.

As far as the short bed goes, that's another story. There are short beds, and then there are short beds. An older shortbed on a full-sized pickup is typically about 78 inches and will fit a Hawk perfectly.The newer short beds are shorter, probably because they have a full-sized crew cab or mega cab, whereas the older pickups had smaller extended cabs, e.g., guad cab. So, in your case, with a short bed of only 70 inches, your Hawk will overhang by about 8-10 inches. It would be better if it fit within or close to the foot print of your bed. The tailgate down position isn't meant to compensate for continuous, excessive loads that overhang the bed. So, shorter camper or longer bed.

 

[Jon R]

He’s specifically talking about a new Sierra 1500 short bed, which is 70 inches. The standard bed is 78 inches, which is just about the length of a Hawk.

 

[ri-f]

He’s specifically talking about a new Sierra 1500 short bed, which is 70 inches. The standard bed is 78 inches, which is just about the length of a Hawk.

Yep. Just saying, a 70-inch bed is short for a Hawk, regardless of the truck or payload of a 1500..

 

[Jon R]

Ah - got it.

Yeah, I don’t at all like the feel of driving a heavily loaded truck with none of the load on the front axle. I’ve driven a few heavy loads like that in my old k2500 ext cab long bed, and even with that long wheel base the front end was bouncy on the highway and it felt unsafe.

 

[ri-f]

I'd imagine an 8 ft bed and HD suspension, on a brand new 3500, with a Grandby for a payload, would be a luxurious ride. Probably even smoother with the camper than without.

 

[bwag]

I had a Swift on a Tacoma for 2 years to now running a loaded Hawk on an F250 diesel, there is no comparison. My truck has Fords’ camper package, so payload is almost 2300 lbs. I still put airbags on it at the recommendation of Stan on here, which I feel was a good idea. Loaded down and towing my jet sled there was a slight sag, not much but it would have bothered me had I not had airbags. My Ford will haul/pull that load and it is not noticeable at all. My suggestion would be to buy as much truck as you can, there’s nothing worse than being underpowered and overworked, my Tacoma was, it sucked, it really sucked towing. As far as bed length, my Tacoma was a short bed, the camper extended past the bumper, I had to have a ladder to get in, that sucked! With my Ford the camper is flush with the bed and I can use the step on the bumper and don’t need a ladder. Your looking at more truck than a Tacoma but if you can I’d go for a longer bed at minimum, more truck if you can.