This definitely helps Jim. Thanks! I have been following your build and think you're doing some great things with your camper.
I put it my order last week. Here is my list:
FWC Hawk Shell
12 Volt Accessory Outlets
Screen Door
Furnace
Steel Brackets
Fantastic Fan
2 Burner Stove
Front Dinette w/ Swivel Table
Aux Side Passenger Light
Solar Plug (Roof )
Auxiliary Battery System
Gas Struts
Halogen rear flood lights
Now I'm thinking I should add that second vent in the roof. It makes sense to get as much ventilation as possible in these units.
I completely agree that the awning is in my future but I couldn't add it into the initial build due to our budget. I have a second stage build planned for next year. Hopefully adding the awning, arctic pack and if we have the need, the yakima tracks (we don't right at this moment.
This is our first camper but after three years of looking at campers online I am aware that floor space is very hard to come by in these pop-ups. I'm really trying to emphasis backpack style truck camping to my wife
. I can't believe how much gear a kid requires these days. Nevertheless, we are really trying to scrutinize every piece of gear we put in the camper.
Thank you for the Engel advice on the wiring. I'm trying to figure out where to put that thing as we speak. We will not purchase the fridge this camping season though so we'll have some time to think about it while using the camper. Haven't gotten away from the dang coleman cooler yet!
We have a resin type table from costco that we use as our outside camp kitchen but I will definitely get a bug screen room at some point like you mentioned.
I like your water solution in different size containers. I have two 7 gallon reliance jugs now that I can already see that getting old quickly. I've been looks at 5 gallon and smaller jugs. I'm trying to keep the weight low as well since my Tundra doesn't have much payload.
Solar is coming next next year hopefully! I'll bookmark your link for later!
I know I will regret not getting the mechanical jacks right now but I'll just have to make a run down to FWC in the fall and pick those up.
Thanks again for the advice. I'll take another look at your sink build when our camper arrives and we realize we want a sink.
This is gonna be a long wait.....
Cole, congratulations on joining the FWC family.
You and your young family will have a lot of fun camping and exploring. We have 4 kids and 6 grandkids. We started taking our son about age one, his port-a-crib, and the rest of the stuff babies need. We were sleeping in a tent at Pismo Beach and enjoying our VW powered sand buggy. Been camping over 49 years now. at 69 I'm still "tweaking" my newest camper(Eagle). Since your back-packers you know about weight and minimalist camping which you will still need to do in the Hawk.
Your full size Tundra will be up to the weight as stock rear suspension is rated at 1790 pounds (access cab). My Eagle shell weighs 900 pounds empty with the Engel and porta-potty. I would suggest you have the Tundra weighed without the tailgate, then again after the camper is mounted. As you add components increase the amount to give you true weight.
Shell model is the best because you only buy what you need for your type of camping. In our tiny 67" wide by 10.5 (inside dimension) foot long camper, we have a queen size bed, couch, sink, stove, refrigerator, porta-potty and plenty of storage and walk-around room for two people. We live outside in the spring and summer and only inside occassionally when its raining or blowing in the winter.
Building the inside of Hawk:
I copied the standard layout for the kitchen model Eagle (downsizing as needed to increase the storage and access). You can do the same for the Hawk shell using the layout for the kitchen Hawk.
With the table cross wise in front you will have about 50" front to back on either side to work with. You said you ordered the furnace (?). stock Location is in the rear drivers side. The Refrige is installed on top of it. FWC will make you a 4-sided box with finished top that you can use for storage now-then add an 12 volt/110AC compressor front door Engel refrig (www.engelus com) later. Purchase the counter from FWC and mount it between the fridge box and small cabinet (FWC includes one with their kitchen model with dinette) or vertical panel (Right side). Put in the stock FWC sink ($85). Add a sink cutting board. Add a one burner portable Coleman stove. Prepare and cook simple meals. You will have storage under the counter.
Passenger side: 50 inches should give you enough room to store a porta-potty (Large Thetford - 17" high works well)and storage. Install another counter accross top. At night we slide the potty out of its day storage place and set it in front of the door.
We utilize the truck to store clothes, misc items that you carry going down the road. Your 4-door has a large back seat you can utilize for many of the baby items.
Happy camping