Possible Hawk Purchase for F150 SC - Install ? riser required

[wpage66]

Closing a deal on a newer used Hawk that sits in an 97-03 GM. Sounds like for this to fit in a 2010 F150 SuperCab, it requires a 2in riser for the bed. I tried looking around for some examples, I think I will just use some 2x4 laying down with a sheet of 3/4 plywood on top gives me 2+"

Are there any others out there doing something similar?

Any gotchas to look out for on putting in the eye bolts in the bed for the FWC to lock on, I got the install 'sample only' instruction sheet emailed to me from FWC. just looking for some other suggestions. I am planning on putting in some flat plate 4-6" on underside of bed to secure the bolts to.

Wiring for the camper will come after she gets home.

Super stoked to get this Hawk.

 

[100acrehuphalump]

I don't know but welcome to WTW!

 

[norcalhusky]

I have a 99 Hawk on my 2004 f150. I built a riser out of 2x4 PT ripped down to 2.5 inches. I had to minimize the bolt that holds down the propane tank as it is directly on your bedrail. I only seem to have one picture of it during the construction process but it's basically built to the exact size of the bottom of the camper.

 

[wpage66]

Got my platform all done 2x4 laying down with 3/4 treated ply on top, have it all tied down for the road trip for pickup this weekend


Anyone with an F150 use the truck bed tie down locations? They seem to be very close to the recommended eye bolt locations.
Front of bed


Back

Waiting for new addition

 

[norcalhusky]

When I picked mine up I used the stock tie downs in the front. I wasn't able to get the back turnbuckles to reach past the extended portion of the camper to the stock tie downs in the rear.

 

[longhorn1]

The factory installed tie-downs wouldn't hold the camper. They are fastened into the bed skin only. I would suggest getting a rubber bed mat so the platform doesn't slide around on the bed. My Dee Zee mat cost me $100 for a 2013 F-250 and 8' bed. jd

 

[wpage66]

All loaded up and on the trip home. Looks like my platform leaves plenty of space to the bed rails. Is there a recommended gap with the bed rails?

 

[JacintoKid]

Very nice, looks great on your truck. I don't believe there is recommended gap for the rails as long as it clears. Enjoy the camper, Brad

 

[longhorn1]

Clearance looks good, about the same as my Grandby. jd

 

[wpage66]

First full day (nearly full - got home at 1:30am Monday) went well, I was surprised at how well the wife approved even with the limited space in truck camper, the kids of course love it. Took it up to the farm as we have been working as time allows doing clean up and other misc jobs. Camper served as lunchroom and retreat for the kids as they get bored too easily. When leaving for the day we went off road with it to check on the guy cleaning up a waterway, off through the corn stubble and over the terraces. Handled well and rode good.

Little more details on what it is riding on, 2010 F150 SuperCab with 5.4l, 3.55 rear, 7200 GVWR package, Trailer Tow, Trailer Brake, Skid Plates, with 121k on it now, had 98k when purchased Nov 2013 (would love new but too $$ for me). I have added, Cooper AT3 range E at 45psi, Hellwig EZ-990 helper springs and K&N 63 series CAI. Was a long 580mi trip back yesterday but rode well. I cant say I didn't notice it as the tranny seemed to search around a bit going up some of the hills, I put it in trailer tow mode a few times but seemed to prefer just to let it run without. Mileage did take a hit close to 2mpg less, of course I was running around 75 most of the way. It does seem to squash the rear a bit but handles well, I could tighter up the helper springs as I think I have them set a little loose or add some air bags if it bothers me more in the future.

It came from the East side of the Mississippi river, where it has been for the last few years, but started in CA, so we drove by the Gateway Arch and started the journey back to the west. Not as far west as I feel these campers were meant to roam but closer there none the less. I stopped at Ameristar Casino in the St Louis area on I-70 and left with an extra $125 from tossing dice, I'll give that credit to the Hawk on passing back west over the Mississippi river.

Dozer just visible through the tress on rear of camper.

Having fun, still need to do a good check out and get fridge working on gas and check hot water system. Are we done with the cold weather? I may wait a few weeks before charging the water system up.