Greetings everyone! Welcome to my first post. I have been a lurker here for quite a while. I am very impressed by the vast amount of knowledge in this community, as well as what seems like a bunch of great people. I decided to go ahead and join this forum. I have yet to purchase a camper or do a real expedition yet, but I am hoping to soon change that.
A little background about me. I live in North Central Texas. I am looking to do some traveling and camping, and am wanting the freedom from having to book motels, yet am way past sleeping on the ground in a tent. I want to be in nature, but want to do so in relative comfort. I also go to motorcycle rallies, which a truck camper would be perfect for. No big long toy hauler to manuever in tight places. In addition I wanted the ability to dry camp/ boondock. Most rally sites do not have hookups, and if they do, you better reserve in advance and get ready to pull out the pocketbook. Also, there are many wonderful state parks in my area that have tent sites but no RV sites.
I intially began exploring full featured truck campers (years ago, I had a Fleetwood Elkhorn and loved it). After much research and looking at Lance's, Arctic Fox, etc., etc., I began to think "Why spend all that money on a bunch of luxuries that I will probably never use?" I would spend most of my day outside and only in the camper for sleeping, showering, and maybe cooking if the weather was bad. Also, these campers are top heavy, would require massive suspension adjustments (I own a 2004 Chevy 2500 HD), and cost an arm and leg. I ran across this forum and began to read about FWC and ATC and the freedom these campers allow, not to mention the great reputation they have in their build quality and craftsmanship.
When I made up my mind on getting one of these campers, I had to start thinking about how I was going to use it. In my area of Texas, there is not much terrain or off road sightseeing to do. Most, if not all, of my camping will consist of tent sites at state parks, lakes, or at a flat rally campground; however, in the future, I might want to take my vacation to Colorado, New Mexico, etc., and have the need for extended stays and more rugged capability.
I eventually narrowed it down to two manufacturers, ATC and FWC. I chose the latter due to the greater amount of options offered from the factory. It was a hard choice. I preferred the price point of ATC, as well as the greater width of the Panther, but it all comes down to more options availability. Hence, I am going with a FWC Hawk when I am ready.
I have mapped out most of what I want, but some options I am undecided. I have read numerous threads here to gain insight, but still have some research to do in order to appropriately equip my camper.
I looked at the different layouts of the Hawk. I liked the self-contained model, due to having the basic inside shower. Now, most campsites have showers, so it would not get much use; however, at the rallies it would be great to have a shower since there usually aren't facilities. In addition, some state parks do not have showers. The only problem with this floorplan is that there is no way to install an air conditioner. I spoke to Steve at FWC, as well as the dealer in Denver, and they stated that due to design, no a/c can be accomodated. In light of this, I had to choose the a/c over the shower. It's miserable in the hot Texas summer if you don't have it. Always seem likes there's compromises to everything.
So, so far, I am going with a standard FWC Hawk with rollover couch and A/C option in the back window. I like the couch option. My wife and I are both 6' plus, so the side dinette looks too small.
As far as options, here is my thinking so far:
1. Camper jacks - Self Explanatory
2. Refrigerators - Much thought went into this. I liked the 3 way design to allow the propane to run the fridge and not drain batteries. After reading on here and watching the FWC fridge video, I have decided to go with the 2-way compressor fridge option instead. It seems the 3-way does not like unlevel surfaces and is more tempermental in great ambient temperature spreads.
3. Furnace - Most of the weather we camp in would normally not require a furnace. On the other hand, you might get a cold front come through in the fall and drop the temps from the 70's at night to the 30's. Also, if I ever get to make it to the higher altitudes, I will need it. I have read a lot on here about catalytic heaters, but have decided the low amp draw is not worth the risks involved. I will go with a vented furnace. I read on Truck Camper Magazine that FWC is offering a furnace called Propex that uses much less amps. I would be interested in that heater if they have it available, otherwise it will be the standard Atwood.
4. Fantastic Fan - Seems like this is a must have. I like the idea of using it while sleeping to provide some ventilation when the temps are warm but might not require the use of the a/c at night.
5. Screen door - Another must.
6. Side Awning w/ light - Definately need the shade here!
7. LED interior lights - low amp draw
8. Aux battery system w/ 2 batteries - A necessity for dry camping.
Now, here are the things I am undecided on and haven't figured out yet. Please feel free to chime in if you have some advice.
1. Hot water heater with outside shower - Obviously, I will need to shower outside at times if there is no facility. This option would cure that, on the other hand, it takes up valuable interior storage space, plus it is an expensive option. I have read on here that many folks use a shower like the duckworks. As little as I would need to shower outside (since many places have facilities), the portable shower products might be the better option. I can always heat water on the stove if needed. Unsure on this though at the present time.
2. Extra roof vent - I read on here that everyone says this is a must, but I'm not sure why. It seems that with all the windows, plus one vent fan above the bed should be plenty for adequate ventilation.
3. Yakima tracks - Considering getting these as a just-in-case. I don't see the need for extra storage, as we have a crew cab truck, plus I plan on getting a hitch mounted carrier for extras. On the other hand, I might need it if I ever do a long trip or in the unlikely event of a canoe purchase.
4. Rear wall steps - Necessary if I get the Yakima tracks.
5. Roof lift assist struts - I have read on here how I might need these if i had a solar panel or store gear on the roof. It seems that the struts in the cabover would be obtrusive. I am 6'4", wife is 6', and I'm afraid they would get in the way. I am in my late 30's, fairly fit, so not sure if i would need these to help lift the roof?
6. Solar - This has been my biggest dilemma. I have read numerous threads on here regarding this subject. I know my biggest draw will be the fridge and the very occasional furnace use, but I will most likely not be sitting in one place for more than 3 days. In addition, a generator will be necessary for running my a/c, so I'm wondering if that is sufficient for maintaining the battery charge. Will a Yamaha 2000 inverter gen charge the batteries quickly, or will it take all day? Will the fridge and just nightly furnace use deplete the batteries in 3 days before I fire up the truck and drive? These are the things I cannot figure out, but the decision would need to be made prior to purchase. I do not feel comfortable drilling holes to install my own panel after the fact. My only other option would be to get the solar plug and buy the folding portable panel, but do I really want to take up valuable storage space and have the hassle of setting it up? These are all things that have my mind swarming.
I apologize for this long first post. Hope I haven't put anyone to sleep.
I look forward to reading more here and learning from all of you. This seems to be a great place to interact.
A little background about me. I live in North Central Texas. I am looking to do some traveling and camping, and am wanting the freedom from having to book motels, yet am way past sleeping on the ground in a tent. I want to be in nature, but want to do so in relative comfort. I also go to motorcycle rallies, which a truck camper would be perfect for. No big long toy hauler to manuever in tight places. In addition I wanted the ability to dry camp/ boondock. Most rally sites do not have hookups, and if they do, you better reserve in advance and get ready to pull out the pocketbook. Also, there are many wonderful state parks in my area that have tent sites but no RV sites.
I intially began exploring full featured truck campers (years ago, I had a Fleetwood Elkhorn and loved it). After much research and looking at Lance's, Arctic Fox, etc., etc., I began to think "Why spend all that money on a bunch of luxuries that I will probably never use?" I would spend most of my day outside and only in the camper for sleeping, showering, and maybe cooking if the weather was bad. Also, these campers are top heavy, would require massive suspension adjustments (I own a 2004 Chevy 2500 HD), and cost an arm and leg. I ran across this forum and began to read about FWC and ATC and the freedom these campers allow, not to mention the great reputation they have in their build quality and craftsmanship.
When I made up my mind on getting one of these campers, I had to start thinking about how I was going to use it. In my area of Texas, there is not much terrain or off road sightseeing to do. Most, if not all, of my camping will consist of tent sites at state parks, lakes, or at a flat rally campground; however, in the future, I might want to take my vacation to Colorado, New Mexico, etc., and have the need for extended stays and more rugged capability.
I eventually narrowed it down to two manufacturers, ATC and FWC. I chose the latter due to the greater amount of options offered from the factory. It was a hard choice. I preferred the price point of ATC, as well as the greater width of the Panther, but it all comes down to more options availability. Hence, I am going with a FWC Hawk when I am ready.
I have mapped out most of what I want, but some options I am undecided. I have read numerous threads here to gain insight, but still have some research to do in order to appropriately equip my camper.
I looked at the different layouts of the Hawk. I liked the self-contained model, due to having the basic inside shower. Now, most campsites have showers, so it would not get much use; however, at the rallies it would be great to have a shower since there usually aren't facilities. In addition, some state parks do not have showers. The only problem with this floorplan is that there is no way to install an air conditioner. I spoke to Steve at FWC, as well as the dealer in Denver, and they stated that due to design, no a/c can be accomodated. In light of this, I had to choose the a/c over the shower. It's miserable in the hot Texas summer if you don't have it. Always seem likes there's compromises to everything.
So, so far, I am going with a standard FWC Hawk with rollover couch and A/C option in the back window. I like the couch option. My wife and I are both 6' plus, so the side dinette looks too small.
As far as options, here is my thinking so far:
1. Camper jacks - Self Explanatory
2. Refrigerators - Much thought went into this. I liked the 3 way design to allow the propane to run the fridge and not drain batteries. After reading on here and watching the FWC fridge video, I have decided to go with the 2-way compressor fridge option instead. It seems the 3-way does not like unlevel surfaces and is more tempermental in great ambient temperature spreads.
3. Furnace - Most of the weather we camp in would normally not require a furnace. On the other hand, you might get a cold front come through in the fall and drop the temps from the 70's at night to the 30's. Also, if I ever get to make it to the higher altitudes, I will need it. I have read a lot on here about catalytic heaters, but have decided the low amp draw is not worth the risks involved. I will go with a vented furnace. I read on Truck Camper Magazine that FWC is offering a furnace called Propex that uses much less amps. I would be interested in that heater if they have it available, otherwise it will be the standard Atwood.
4. Fantastic Fan - Seems like this is a must have. I like the idea of using it while sleeping to provide some ventilation when the temps are warm but might not require the use of the a/c at night.
5. Screen door - Another must.
6. Side Awning w/ light - Definately need the shade here!
7. LED interior lights - low amp draw
8. Aux battery system w/ 2 batteries - A necessity for dry camping.
Now, here are the things I am undecided on and haven't figured out yet. Please feel free to chime in if you have some advice.
1. Hot water heater with outside shower - Obviously, I will need to shower outside at times if there is no facility. This option would cure that, on the other hand, it takes up valuable interior storage space, plus it is an expensive option. I have read on here that many folks use a shower like the duckworks. As little as I would need to shower outside (since many places have facilities), the portable shower products might be the better option. I can always heat water on the stove if needed. Unsure on this though at the present time.
2. Extra roof vent - I read on here that everyone says this is a must, but I'm not sure why. It seems that with all the windows, plus one vent fan above the bed should be plenty for adequate ventilation.
3. Yakima tracks - Considering getting these as a just-in-case. I don't see the need for extra storage, as we have a crew cab truck, plus I plan on getting a hitch mounted carrier for extras. On the other hand, I might need it if I ever do a long trip or in the unlikely event of a canoe purchase.
4. Rear wall steps - Necessary if I get the Yakima tracks.
5. Roof lift assist struts - I have read on here how I might need these if i had a solar panel or store gear on the roof. It seems that the struts in the cabover would be obtrusive. I am 6'4", wife is 6', and I'm afraid they would get in the way. I am in my late 30's, fairly fit, so not sure if i would need these to help lift the roof?
6. Solar - This has been my biggest dilemma. I have read numerous threads on here regarding this subject. I know my biggest draw will be the fridge and the very occasional furnace use, but I will most likely not be sitting in one place for more than 3 days. In addition, a generator will be necessary for running my a/c, so I'm wondering if that is sufficient for maintaining the battery charge. Will a Yamaha 2000 inverter gen charge the batteries quickly, or will it take all day? Will the fridge and just nightly furnace use deplete the batteries in 3 days before I fire up the truck and drive? These are the things I cannot figure out, but the decision would need to be made prior to purchase. I do not feel comfortable drilling holes to install my own panel after the fact. My only other option would be to get the solar plug and buy the folding portable panel, but do I really want to take up valuable storage space and have the hassle of setting it up? These are all things that have my mind swarming.
I apologize for this long first post. Hope I haven't put anyone to sleep.
I look forward to reading more here and learning from all of you. This seems to be a great place to interact.
