Ordering a Hawk 1-28-17 Do's Don'ts?

N

n2Jeepin

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Joined
Jan 18, 2017
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Boise, ID
Hi all, New User..

Saturday after next (1-28-17) I am ordering a Hawk Front Dinette down in Woodland CA. This camper is going in the back of a new 2016 F250 Diesel crew cab with a camper package.

I am from Nor cal and will be using the hawk in the sierras, the trinity alps, on the coast. Family camping mostly and when I retire (7 years) do a lot of fishing where ever I want.

List of options I have in mind:
jacks, 160w roof solar, 130liter fridge, furnace, hot water heater, 2 roof vents with fans, side awning, yakima tracks, rear wall steps, rear flood light, led lighting, 2 batteries, flush mount sink/stove

My questions are these:
  • What Options do you have that you really don't use?
  • Likewise what options do not have that you wished you had?
  • What UnDocumented Options are there?
  • Any other constructive advice is welcomed.
Thank you in advance
n2jeepin
 
Your list of "wanted" options looks good.If it fits your needs great.
We have an ATC Bobcat that's similarly equipped,and feel we have all needed.
All I see missing are the roof lifters,more and more owners are going with them.
They work great and as we age they work even better.
There are other types of roof assist but IMO these work the best and you don't have to find a place to store them.
Good luck and hope your wait isn't very long.
Welcome to the "cult"
Frank
 
Everybody has different needs. I bought a used Hawk that was pretty loaded up.

What it has that I don't use or rarely use:

-Rear wall steps
I have never used them and I will never use them.
If you are 7 years from retirement, you are likely better off putting that money towards a lightweight telescopic ladder.

-Hot water with outdoor shower
I've used it 2X in 2 years
If you plan on doing more remote camping then it may be of more value to you

-Rear flood light
My camper doesn't have it, but I don't miss it
I have a 7 pin Blazer back-up light $20 that I can plug in if I need light backing into a campsite
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Blazer-Light-Buster-Utility-Light/15111216

-Yakima Tracks and Rack
-I haven't used them yet and I don't think the previous owner used them either


Things that I use and love

-furnace (wouldn't go without it)

-arctic pack (wouldn't go with out it - I live in Canada and winter camp)

-130 liter fridge (love it)

-solar (I only have 1 panel - seems to work for me, but I drive every day while camping)
-battery (I only have 1 battery and it meets my needs as well, only because I drive daily)

-stove (I don't have the flush mount and I don't care)

-1 roof vent with fantastic fan (I'm happy with one vent, I wouldn't want 2)
the fan on the 3 speed model spins way too fast on the lowest setting - I never use it other than when cooking)
if living in a hot climate and using it for cooling I would want more control of the fan - some members have done mods)


Things I wish I had

-Awning
I know I would use this all the time
I made my own with a tarp, but set-up takes a bit of time

-external gas shock lifter helpers
I have 2 internal lifters. I would want 4 external lifters especially with 2 solar panels or if you plan on putting anything on the roof.
 
N2jeepin-
I outfitted my Hallmark much like your Hawk except I left off the ladder and the roof rack as I didn't see myself climbing up there.
I also added a fishing rod rack to the ceiling inside so I could keep my rods at the ready if I happen to come across an interesting stretch of water.
 
Have them put patches over the rivets on the front and back of the vinyl pop up. They are supposed to put caulking in the hole on the rivets but if they don't put enough the holes will cut into your top.

You may not need two fans, I seldom use mine and it takes up valuable space on top that you might want for another solar panel. You can always add it later if you need it.

Make sure to have it set up (extra solar plug) so you can add a portable solar panel later.

Wish I would have had the satellite antenna installed and the goose neck reading lamp if they still offer it.

I really enjoy the cassette head but you do have to give up an air conditioner that would go in the window where the head is.

I have the awning and it is great; however, would take a good look at the bat wing. It wasn't offered in 2013 when I got mine.

Make sure you have a good fit around your windows. The plastic shrinks in the cold and expands in the heat, but even in the cold you want to make certain the plastic window secures to the Velcro nicely.

Outside shower is very nice.

The arctic pack is worth its weight in Gold, in my opinion.

If I think of anything else will add it later.

Good luck! * Consider batteries with a higher amp hour capacity, it will make it easier to keep them charged up.
* Know your Battery State of Charge Chart so you don't damage the batteries.
 
You'll always find someone that doesn't like or need what you find invaluable but there are some fairly universal likes. Heater gets a big thumbs up from most. Flood lights are okay but I'd leave them off if you're trying to save a little money. I find myself using the outside shower more and more. I'm always amazed when I see people leave off water and a stove. Even if it was solely used for making coffee the stove would be worth it (mine not the flush mount, I guess thats nice but I wouldn't pay extra for it). Compressor fridge is awesome although that makes the second battery a very worthwhile option. Two fans? It sounds nice but I've never really found myself wishing I had one.

I"m sure you'll be happy no matter how you outfit it :)
 
Lots of "opinions", as it should be....ours is a pretty optioned out '16 Hawk

Some carry loads on the top of the Hawk, they must clear the solar panel and come off when lifting top up during set-up...my Yaktrak is great for mounting the solar panel [also have the portable plug in panel] but I prefer compactness and keeping weight low to limit roll and increase clearance [our Sept trip to Utah off road required slotting under overhanging veg and rock], so my sea kayak et al may eventually go on an AT trailer...steps on back wall require "grade 10A' climbing skills but I have them to access roof [using sling steps tied between them] for snow removal...a ladder to access the roof must be stored somewhere [space and weight are limiters in FWCs] so I use the steps...flood lights as I recall pull several amps and I could never figure out how I would use them so did not order [also I don't like to light up the night when camping]...I did however order LED side and down lights for setting up after dark; but again a headlamps works for that as well..

We use both vents with fans they are great....I believe sliding front window is not now offered; too bad, with a slider in our Tundra we could access the truck cab....outside shower is also a big plus if you have a good water source for re-filling the tank...

We prefer the side dinette with just the two of us...more storage and convenience for us...personal choice. Not certain of the layout of the sink/stove you plan to order...but having the stove under the window is great for venting fumes in conjunction with the fan..thermal pak works and saves propane and keeps interior cooler in summer...

Our Hawk is a delight to use and very well made...our goal is to keep it light weight with CG low and fully capable of off road / rough road prowling....depending on your plans the use of jacks should be reviewed..our camper is on to stay...where the truck goes so goes the Hawk...I bought the jacks [still in packages at home] but do not want to carry the extra weight and more importantly do not want them hanging out to the sides of the Hawk snagging veg or rock....I have seen the damage that can do...

NorCal? You mentioned the Trinity Alps [to me the alps are the wilderness area] so perhaps you are not a SanFran person posing as a NorCal resident :D ..I lived worked in Humbug @ HSU for 25+ years..

In any event you will love the Hawk and your truck sounds like an excellent choice...ENJOY! ;)

Phil

Yes, we have the side awning and highly recommend it and the compressor 130 liter fridge..
 
My conclusions so far, Rear wall steps are no longer on my list. I thought about the batwing but prefer an awning that's has a hard cover, so probably stay with side awning, Flush mount sink/stove for extra counter room, Gonna stay with 2 fans as I like to sleep to a fan and it's hot here in the valley. But. I do have a new question about the thermal pack. At what temperature do you find it useful? I never even considered it until reading a few comments above.
 
With out knowing how many people will be camping at one time, I would want a front dinette if I was going to get a new Camper. I go with DrJ on the wtw camping a lot and he seems to have much more room in his grandby then I do with mine. Much better use of space and you get a lot more counter space as well.
 
IMO, the thermal pack is handy at all times. I cuts down on sound and light. It aids in keeping the camper cooler or warmer. I also think it looks nice. I find a nice soft fabric nicer to look at than vinyl.

I just recently read a post where one person said they removed theirs because they found it easier to deal with condensation. This is the first post I have ever read of someone not liking their thermal pack.

You could always purchase one later if you are trying to keep the cost down. You could also make one as some others have done (personally I would never do this as I feel there is too much time, skill involved on this DIY project relative to the cost of just buying one).
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/5269-building-an-arctic-cold-weather-pack/
 
Bill D said:
IMO, the thermal pack is handy at all times. I cuts down on sound and light. It aids in keeping the camper cooler or warmer. I also think it looks nice. I find a nice soft fabric nicer to look at than vinyl.

I just recently read a post where one person said they removed theirs because they found it easier to deal with condensation. This is the first post I have ever read of someone not liking their thermal pack.

You could always purchase one later if you are trying to keep the cost down. You could also make one as some others have done (personally I would never do this as I feel there is too much time, skill involved on this DIY project relative to the cost of just buying one).
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/5269-building-an-arctic-cold-weather-pack/
Click to expand...
Good point and thank you, I did not think about it cuttting down on noise. Not worried about cost, I want to get it as "right" as possible the first time and all you current users are really helping! FYI, family camping is me, the wife and twin 8yr old girls. I may also "camp" in the driveway When hormones/emotions are running high
 
So much of what you will need is dependent on how you use it. If you carry anything on the roof like canoe or kayak for fishing you want steps if you do not then maybe not. An awning I use almost every trip, but I like to be outside. I use my rear floods a lot because I camp in remote locations where light is needed to not hit things and no matter how we plan on being there before dark things happen. Window that opens to truck I would never use. One roof vent fan I use, two I would never use or need, although I do use a second vent a lot I do not need a fan in it as one fan works for both vents. We cook outside 90% of the time so flush stove or sink would not matter and is of no concern. I use the outside shower a lot because I like to hike and need it. If you camp under trees or longer periods of time as much solar as you can afford and lift is a worthwhile investment. My wife does not like to go out in the trees in the middle of the night so a potty is essential if we camp together.
 
Two fans sounds like about one more than you'd need..

We actually have the flush mount sink and stove, and wouldn't have it any other way. But we live in the thing, so counter space is big any time we can get it.

We also have the inside/outside shower and really like them, but again, we live in it.
 
We have the Eagle shell model and after 5 years only wish I had purchased the Yakima tracks to easily mount the 150 watt solar panel.

And panel is heavy ...to heavy to lift with the two inside lifters. My fault because I mounted it in front of the lifting board and all 25 pounds sits in front of it. In my case I don't think the outside 40 pound lifters would be any more effective than inside 40 pound lifters.

Good thing I have the speaker lift.

I've always wondered how roofs with canoes were easily lifted?
 
RC Pilot Jim said:
We have the Eagle shell model and after 5 years only wish I had purchased the Yakima tracks to easily mount the 150 watt solar panel.

And panel is heavy ...to heavy to lift with the two inside lifters. My fault because I mounted it in front of the lifting board and all 25 pounds sits in front of it. In my case I don't think the outside 40 pound lifters would be any more effective than inside 40 pound lifters.

Good thing I have the speaker lift.

I've always wondered how roofs with canoes were easily lifted?
Click to expand...
Its all about leverage. The external struts are far more effective. I think Dr. J has 40 lb panel and uses 60 lbs external struts. There is the reason why FWC discontinued the interior struts. They also take up precious interior space.
 
n2Jeepin said:
My conclusions so far, Rear wall steps are no longer on my list. I thought about the batwing but prefer an awning that's has a hard cover, so probably stay with side awning, Flush mount sink/stove for extra counter room, Gonna stay with 2 fans as I like to sleep to a fan and it's hot here in the valley. But. I do have a new question about the thermal pack. At what temperature do you find it useful? I never even considered it until reading a few comments above.
Click to expand...
rear steps and flood lights are the only option I didn't get. I wish I would've added the steps. Its a cheap add on and its useful for hanging things.

Also, I'm very glad I got the silver spur interior and the thermal pack.
 
Space is tight in our campers, and for that reason I have gone without water heaters in both of the campers we have purchased. We just heat water on the stove for dishes and bathing.
 
Concur with most all posts. I would definitely get the thermal barrier for reasons stated. I'm in TX and it seems to help with cooling too. I also like my sliding window by the cab. I had a screen made at local glass shop. It really helps with air flow when I open and turn on fantastic fan. When up and on road early in the mornings I crack a roof vent and open that window for the drive as it airs and drys out the camper :) I have most all options and satisfied with all.
 
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