FWC Swift

[CaptRussia253]

Hello everyone!

I just purchased a 2017 fwc Swift shell model. I'm super pumped on some of the adventures we're going to have this summer. First I have to figure out if I'm going with a dual battery or solar panels up top.

The fwc is sitting on my 2013 Nissan Frontier 4x4 with Old Man Emu heavy duty suspension, ARB bumper, and KO2 tires. Would you recommend air bags? The leaf springs are rated for 800 lbs.

I'm sure I'll have much more to ask. New to the fwc world.

 

[CougarCouple]

Hi Captainrussia253
Congratulations on the Swift. Sounds like you have already started personalizing you rig.

Russ

 

[Josh41]

I have a 2016 Frontier CCLWB and added leafs, but the air bags really help leveling things out. My understanding is that they limit travel. Post up some pics!!!

 

[Steelhead Taco]

Congrats on your new camper!
I have OME Dakar w extra 2 leaf pack and air bags, and can say the air bags control sway in turns tremendously.
They hold 5k lbs at 50psi, I only need 10 - 15 psi. Also the lower bag mount is not used and opted for cradles.

 

[Karlton]

I did a leaf spring upgrade on my Tundra for the Hawk. Check out the thread going on the Tacoma frame issues. Do check your payload capacity on the Frontier.

 

[Rob85]

I have a 2016 Swift, and if I had to add some things, I would do the dual battery with solar installed. I have a portable 80 watt Zamp that takes up room when packing additional stuff. It can be a pain to pull the panel out all the time as well. Also I would do a front sliding window where you have access to the cab of your truck. It also it a lot easier when you want to wash your cab rear window and the Swifts. Do the air bags, and believe me it makes a difference. I installed the Firestone ride rite bags myself. It took all day but it was an easy job.

 

[cuervo]

I have a 2016 Swift and if I had to add some things, I would do the dual battery with solar installed. I have a portable 80 watt Zamp that I take with me and it takes up room when packing additional stuff. It can be a pain to pull the panel out all the time as well. Also I would do a front sliding window where you can get in to the cab of your truck and it makes it a lot easier when you get it washed and you want to clean your cab rear window and the Swifts. Do the air bags and believe me it makes a difference. I installed the Firestone ride rite bags myself. It took all day but it was an easy job.

Any ideas about where to get a sliding window for the front of the camper?
When I got my '17 Swift the dealer was emphatic that FWC doesn't and won't install one at the factory, citing leakage problems, which I can completely understand. I'm willing to deal with such an inconvenience for the sake of cab access.

 

[CaptRussia253]

I have a 2016 Frontier CCLWB and added leafs, but the air bags really help leveling things out. My understanding is that they limit travel. Post up some pics!!!

Nice Frontier!!! Wish I had a long bed. I looked at a fleet and was going to buy it but everyone told me that would be too much weight behind the rear axle so I went with a swift. I will post up pictures for sure. Gotta figure out the size. It keeps telling me they're too big..

 

[CaptRussia253]

Looks like I will definitely go with the Firestone airbags.

 

[kestrel69]

Do you have a short bed Frontier? Did the dealer install with the normal internal turnbuckles, or the external tie downs?

 

[CaptRussia253]

Yes it's a short bed. I installed it myself using the kit the guy I bought it from provided off his Tacoma. Drilled four holes and used internal turnbuckles.

 

[CaptRussia253]

Anyone know if I'll need a spacer for the airbags due to my Dakar leaf springs? Or do I just order the airbags for my truck and call it? Thanks

 

[Rob85]

Any ideas about where to get a sliding window for the front of the camper?
When I got my '17 Swift the dealer was emphatic that FWC doesn't and won't install one at the factory, citing leakage problems, which I can completely understand. I'm willing to deal with such an inconvenience for the sake of cab access.

I thought FWC was still installing them. It appears you will need to contact a truck shell dealer like Daco, or Snugtop and see if they can do it. Or another option is contact All Terrain Camper company (ATC), and see if they will do it. The ATC's owners are former FWC employees from a while back. If I keep my camper I may have to do the same thing.

 

[Josh41]

Anyone know if I'll need a spacer for the airbags due to my Dakar leaf springs? Or do I just order the airbags for my truck and call it? Thanks

I have spacers with my 2" lift and bags. Fits perfectly.

 

[CaptRussia253]

Finally got around to show off the camper.

 

[CougarCouple]

Howdy CaptRussia253

Nice to see it in Action. Enjoy your camper. What air springs you looking at?

Russ

 

[CaptRussia253]

Been using the hell out of the camper. About every weekend these last 3 months.

I installed the firestone air bags. Absolutely love them. Made a huge difference.

 

[CaptRussia253]

Here's a shot of the Dakars with the Firestone airbags and cradles.

 

[camper rich]

I use Timbrens on my Dodge 2500. I also have them on the front end. They will not go flat and they do not limit the suspension travel since they don't connect to the axle. Installation was easy and once installed they do not need any maintainence.

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/timbren-vs-air-bags

 

[CaptRussia253]

Mine aren't connected at the bottom of the air bags due to the daystar cradles. No limit in suspension travel. I'm thinking about getting the Timbrens up front though.