Mounting FWC hawk on in bed storage drawers.

[ST85]

Hello,
I’m sure it has been discussed here before but I cannot seem to find it... My wife and I purchased a hawk shell and will be receiving it next February. It will be mounted on a 2014 Tundra DC with the 76” bed. I have removed a the back seats and will be building a storage area in the back area this summer. But I am curious if anyone has any feedback on mounting the Hawk on a low profile platform/set of drawers. I am thinking 4-6 inches of space under the camper to accommodate skis and other low profile items.
I don’t want to make it more top heavy, but I need storage. Any input?

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

If you go to "Four Wheel Camper discussions" under truck campers there is a thread started in 2010.
It's called platforms under your camper.
Don't know if it has drawers though.

You can search through the truck camper threads for posts.

Frank

 

[ST85]

Casa Escarlata Robles Too Thanks for the response. I read through it and unfortunately it’s only discussing mounting it on 2x material in the bed, rather than a low profile drawer. So if anyone else has any info I am all ears.

 

[Ronin]

I had to build a platform to clear the side rails on a previous Hawk I owned and decided to build in a drawer. Not sure if this is what you're asking about.

 

[Vic Harder]

Tim Morrissey (sp) has also done this, and put skis and such in there.

 

[ST85]

platform - 1.jpgI had to build a platform to clear the side rails on a previous Hawk I owned and decided to build in a drawer. Not sure if this is what you're asking about.

Thank you for responding. This is exactly what I am talking about. Any issues with mounting it that way? Does it feel more top heavy?
What is the frame constructed with? I am thinking about a metal frame and treaded plywood for the drawer... any input there?

 

[rando]

Slightly different situation, but I have a draw under my flatbed that I had originally thought would be great for skis. The problem I ran into was that with the height of the skis + bindings (not sure what sort of bindings you use) + the drawer + drawer box you end up needing > 6" of vertical space. This would have raised my flatbed too high, so I ended up with a 4" tall drawer which allowed me to mount the flatbed as low as it could go, but won't fit skis (well maybe NNN or 3-pin bindings).

My fleet is heavier than your shell, but for me I was unwilling to compromise handling any further. It also increases the roof height and gap between cab over and cab which is probably bad for fuel economy.

I guess you could build a very simple frame without the drawer to see what the handling impact is, then add a drawer if you are OK with it.

 

[Ronin]

Thank you for responding. This is exactly what I am talking about. Any issues with mounting it that way? Does it feel more top heavy?
What is the frame constructed with? I am thinking about a metal frame and treaded plywood for the drawer... any input there?

I think I used treated 2x6 for the framework plus a sheet of 3/4 ply for the bottom. Like Rando says, the drawers need plenty of vertical height to be useful. I had to raise my camper up about 4" to clear my side rails anyway so there was a net height gain of maybe
2 - 2 1/2 inches. In your case you'll be raising your Hawk 5-6" which will increase wind resistance, affect handling, reduce vertical clearance, and added weight. I attached the platform to my Hawk and sealed it the best that I could but would still get moisture in it so I never left anything in it between trips. Another factor would be how deep would you want the drawers. Keep in mind that smaller objects will tend to shift towards the back and could be difficult to retrieve unless you have super long arms. I don't think it's worth it for the little storage space you would gain. Perhaps a Yakima/Thule system would meet your needs?!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Casa Escarlata Robles Too Thanks for the response. I read through it and unfortunately it’s only discussing mounting it on 2x material in the bed, rather than a low profile drawer. So if anyone else has any info I am all ears.

How high do you want the camper to be above the truck bed?
I think most have used 2x4/2x6 material plus 3/4 plywood...
That lifts your camper about 6/8 inches higher.
Something to consider.
Frank

 

[Living The Dream]

Yes and yes.

love having the drawers. In hindsight, I wish had used just 1 big drawer with proper sliders rather than the small drawers and the poor mans friction slide.

 

[Ronin]

Yes and yes.

love having the drawers. In hindsight, I wish had used just 1 big drawer with proper sliders rather than the small drawers and the poor mans friction slide.

The grass is greener! I built my drawer with sliders and because the side tolerances are so tight it would get harder to open in the winter when the wood swells. If I had to build one again it would be like yours.

 

[PaulT]

If you are having difficulty opening and closing the drawer with a load in the drawer, consider using UHMW tape to reduce friction. We used that in sawmills to reduce friction between channel iron and the heavy chains that supported logs being taken into the mill for processing. It is very thin, tough, and slick.

Search for "uhmw tape"

Paul

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks the UHMW tape is good to know about.
Frank

 

[Living The Dream]

The grass is greener! I built my drawer with sliders and because the side tolerances are so tight it would get harder to open in the winter when the wood swells. If I had to build one again it would be like yours.

hahaha, grass is always cleaner. I like the UHMW tape idea. I think i have the same issues around weighted, thermals, etc. Just more tolerances all around would be better.