Nother newbie...Hoping to be an owner

RonSchon

RonSchon

Bailmatic
Joined
May 27, 2009
Messages
208
I'm new to the board, not new to TC's.

I previously owned a ginormous AF, had her on a Dodger 3500 DRW. Spent about another $3k beefing up the suspension, and $4k on a Stable Lift system. Still was too much camper. Driving down the road on anything but a perfect day had me all over the road.

For those reasons, I just never used it. Ended up selling it in 2006.

Flash forward 3 years, I'm in another Dodger - 2004 2500 gas/crew/short, with a topper. Now I'm sleeping in the bed twice a week.

I'm rugged, but evidently not that rugged.

I need a camper I can leave on 24/7/365, not kill the truck, not expand my parking lot footprint, and give me just a little more comfort.

Yes, there is the Caribou, and the Hallmark, in addition to the Hawk, but the Hawk is just flat out perfect looking for what I have in mind.

Since the used market is so slim, I will probably order a new one.

Right now, as I await my motorcycle to sell in order to fund this process, I'm even thinking why not just go with the shell - add in the sofa/fold out, and go bare bones. It will still be much better than what I've been doing.

In my past experience with the Arctic Fox - I don't think I ever used the sink or the stove. I brought all the water inside, and microwaved all my food.

I think saving the $3k might be the smart choice. I'm not looking to live in the camper - just a place to sleep a couple days a week.

Any input?
 
Welcome,
If you're patient one will come up but they go very quickly. Even the expensive ones and the crappy ones.

Stan @ FWC usually has a list of folks selling their campers and is a good resource. I'm betting my buddy mtn-high in CO is already on the job looking for one for you.
 
I sent an email to FWC, so we'll see what happens on that front - Heck yeah, if I can find a fairly new used Hawk, I'll pick it up forthwith... My credit union can float me some cash until the motorcycle sells.

I've slept in the bed of the truck under the camper shell for the last couple months, another couple won't kill me.
 
Yeah on the shell. It'll get you what you need. I think they even do a furnace only for the shell, if having some warmth is something you like. I do.
 
If I was starting from scratch I'd get a shell with propane box and furnace installed. Then build out from there to my liking (or just leave it open if that is what you prefer). I'd give some thought to whether you'd ever consider having water connections, etc. and if so have the factor install them in places that would work with wherever you'd mount the various components. Maybe go with a compressor fridge if I wanted one. I actually like the stove and sink I put in my rig for convince (easy to flip the lid and heat some water, or wash out a dish in the sink basin and dump down the drain) but having them flush mount w/ glass covers means I'm not loosing counter space having them there.
 
When I was looking I thought about buying a shell model but was told...at least for an FWC...that the systems needed for water\/drains\etc. could not be installed because the frame on a shell model is different than a fullly-equipped model and the "runs" needed for plumbing/elec are non-existent. (There's an extra full-length side window if I'm not mistaken).
When I asked what kinda job retrofitting one to accept these itmes would be FWC told me even they don't entertain tackling such jobs. (would cost more (in beer) than just buying a fully functional rig in the long run) LOL.

ATC may be a different story. I didn't check with them/look at any of their shell models/etc.

FWIW I went through (and complained here) the search for a used Hawk last Spring/Summer and ended up ordering a new one after searching for about 4 months daily. (just do it) LOL. This year I'm seeing even FEWER USED models out there....lots less in fact.... and the prices are high/high/high for any/all used models out there but the OLDEST ones...many of which are here in CO.

I've never had sucha hard time spending $$$........ LOL.

good luck

mtn
 
Mtn,

Yeah, I've encountered the low number of used FWC on the market, and am probably just going to order one in the next few weeks.

I will probably just go with the Hawk with no options, and go from there, but until I order one, I'll keep looking hard. I have a little software application that checks all of the local craigslists against any keywords that you enter in. You just load the keyword strings, select the cities, and start it running and it does a search every 5 minutes against your criteria. If it finds something that matches the string it emails it to me.

So far it is searching about 75 markets for me and has yet to send me any emails. There was one in Phoenix on the 21st, and it was sold before I could even call to find out if it was a Hawk, or an 8' model.
 
Another vote here for the shell with the propane/furnace installed. Not being cold is half the reason for getting these things. I can tell you that I have never met a guy that got a camper without the furnace that didn't regret it.
 
When I was looking I thought about buying a shell model but was told...at least for an FWC...that the systems needed for water\/drains\etc. could not be installed because the frame on a shell model is different than a fullly-equipped model and the "runs" needed for plumbing/elec are non-existent. (There's an extra full-length side window if I'm not mistaken).
When I asked what kinda job retrofitting one to accept these itmes would be FWC told me even they don't entertain tackling such jobs. (would cost more (in beer) than just buying a fully functional rig in the long run) LOL.

ATC may be a different story. I didn't check with them/look at any of their shell models/etc.


I've ready numerous reports of ATC working with the customer on these items. Not sure why FWC wouldn't, just build the normal frame but don't trim it out with the extra stuff on the interior...
 
I've ready numerous reports of ATC working with the customer on these items. Not sure why FWC wouldn't, just build the normal frame but don't trim it out with the extra stuff on the interior...

ATC will build pretty much whatever you pay them to.
 
Mtn,

Yeah, I've encountered the low number of used FWC on the market, and am probably just going to order one in the next few weeks.

I will probably just go with the Hawk with no options, and go from there, but until I order one, I'll keep looking hard. I have a little software application that checks all of the local craigslists against any keywords that you enter in. You just load the keyword strings, select the cities, and start it running and it does a search every 5 minutes against your criteria. If it finds something that matches the string it emails it to me.

So far it is searching about 75 markets for me and has yet to send me any emails. There was one in Phoenix on the 21st, and it was sold before I could even call to find out if it was a Hawk, or an 8' model.


Hi Ron,

When you do that search, does my Toyota truck and FWC Ranger pop up from Carson City/Reno Nevada craigs list in your report?

I would also say the propane and furance is a good choice for a starter shell model.
 
FWIW, it comes up in my various FWC-related Google searches, pv. I see the CL listing (and saw it listed in multiple towns) as well as a listing/mention on "pirate4x4" all the time.

As a non-gear head I can only marvel and shake when I look at the ad. It'd take me a week to figure out where the damn oil goes in.

OK...or should i say "to tell the guy who changes my oil where the oil goes in". LOL.

I'm damn surprised that you haven't sold it to be honest.

good luck

mtn
 
All depends on your skill level. If you've ever seen anything I've built with my own hand out of wood, you'd know why I didn't order a shell. I'm better at modifying stuff than starting from scratch.
 
Patrick,

I'm searching specifically for a "Hawk" - so yours doesn't pull in.
 
Patrick,

I'm searching specifically for a "Hawk" - so yours doesn't pull in.

As a hint not all folks list the model so you might want to broaden your search and decipher from there.
 
keep your eyes peeled

there are good deals out there just this past winter (dec) i picked up my shell for 4200can (3750usd)

2002 hawk shell
couch
furnace
roof rack, flood lights and patio lights
jacks
some other little extras

all in good shape and i frickin love it. cant wait to get home from work here so i can build in a counter and some shelving on the driver side.
 
there are good deals out there just this past winter (dec) i picked up my shell for 4200can (3750usd)

2002 hawk shell
couch
furnace
roof rack, flood lights and patio lights
jacks
some other little extras

all in good shape and i frickin love it. cant wait to get home from work here so i can build in a counter and some shelving on the driver side.

Jeff,

Yeah, I am holding out a little hope that I'll find one used, but I know those chances are slim, so I'm preparing to buy new. It sounds like you came upon exactly what I would go for - great job.
 
hang in there for a bit longer if you can.. you will trip over it

now if buying new isn't a problem i say go for it!!:)
 
As a hint not all folks list the model so you might want to broaden your search and decipher from there.

That would be good to make sure you see all the models.

Thanks Mtn-high. I have been up to my elbows with landscaping the front yard to put the effort in selling, or checking this site. It is finished and I was able to sell the '97 4 Runner. Amazing how time flys by.....
 
Mtn,

Yeah, I've encountered the low number of used FWC on the market, and am probably just going to order one in the next few weeks.

I will probably just go with the Hawk with no options, and go from there, but until I order one, I'll keep looking hard. I have a little software application that checks all of the local craigslists against any keywords that you enter in. You just load the keyword strings, select the cities, and start it running and it does a search every 5 minutes against your criteria. If it finds something that matches the string it emails it to me.

So far it is searching about 75 markets for me and has yet to send me any emails. There was one in Phoenix on the 21st, and it was sold before I could even call to find out if it was a Hawk, or an 8' model.

I didn't see it mentioned, but you can also keep an eye on http://usedfourwheelcampers.com/page4.html There aren't any used Hawks listed at the moment, but quite a few have been listed there in the past.

You can peruse the archives there on used Fourwheel Campers that have sold their recently to get some notions on the price spreads you might expect to pay for a variety of differently equipped Hawks.

Good luck!
 
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