Jollyrogers
Senior Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2015
- Messages
- 159
Lurker and all round FNG here from the east coast. I almost bought a Northstar and backed out, but have been looking for and want a Hawk for my 14 Ram 2500 CTD. With the upcoming outdoor expo in PA, we where planning on going up that way to order either a Hawk shell with a few options, or the Hawk standard "loaded" (including A/C)… OK well, at least looking and all depending on impressions when we can see and compare the differences. The idea of going shell was to basically "tent" camp in the back of the truck, and just carry our stuff with us and setup a screened room for cooking under etc outside the camper. Use a portable heater, potty, cookstove, etc as necessary, and have the fantastic fan (though A/C in the South East would be nice). Plus budget is not there for the loaded version and I would hate to spend that and only use it a few times a year. Though I could splurge, and try to recoup some funds selling some other toys.
But low and behold, I stumbled across a used Grandby standard with some options. If I can get the price right, I was considering purchasing it. However there are a couple concerns.
1. Picking up a used FWC and getting it home. The seller has brand new mounting h/w from FWC. I am just a little unsure what it will take to install. Do I do it then and there, take a drill with me and start drilling on my truck? Do the directions have the required measurements? Anyone have some recommendations here? A safe way to get it 120 miles down road to my house where I can mount it right and take my time… A detailed set of instructions to review ahead of time would be awesome!
2. It's a Grandby, and is gonna sit on my tailgate and would have to use an extender for my hitch to tow my M/C trailer when I want it along. I saw some pictures, read some about it, and a little apprehensive, but its doable. The Grandby would be about the same as going with a new Hawk shell price wise. Kinda hard to decide, go used getting almost what I want, or go new and get something functional that fits perfect, but doesn't have a lot of options I think I would want.
What advantages do I have between a new FWC vs a lightly used 8 year old FWC , if any - construction wise etc? I seem to recall that the roof is improved, anything else?
Wish I was out west. I could snatch one up a lot easier and with less expense I believe. I have a son in Denver, and another in Seattle. Both are heading home within the year, but no truck to haul one on.
But low and behold, I stumbled across a used Grandby standard with some options. If I can get the price right, I was considering purchasing it. However there are a couple concerns.
1. Picking up a used FWC and getting it home. The seller has brand new mounting h/w from FWC. I am just a little unsure what it will take to install. Do I do it then and there, take a drill with me and start drilling on my truck? Do the directions have the required measurements? Anyone have some recommendations here? A safe way to get it 120 miles down road to my house where I can mount it right and take my time… A detailed set of instructions to review ahead of time would be awesome!
2. It's a Grandby, and is gonna sit on my tailgate and would have to use an extender for my hitch to tow my M/C trailer when I want it along. I saw some pictures, read some about it, and a little apprehensive, but its doable. The Grandby would be about the same as going with a new Hawk shell price wise. Kinda hard to decide, go used getting almost what I want, or go new and get something functional that fits perfect, but doesn't have a lot of options I think I would want.
What advantages do I have between a new FWC vs a lightly used 8 year old FWC , if any - construction wise etc? I seem to recall that the roof is improved, anything else?
Wish I was out west. I could snatch one up a lot easier and with less expense I believe. I have a son in Denver, and another in Seattle. Both are heading home within the year, but no truck to haul one on.