Vertical Support locations for Rotopax - 2005 Hawk

[bajaphile]

Hi all,
I purchased this 2005 Hawk and wanted to fix the Rotopax mount the previous owner did. You can see that the 4 bolt locations are skewed and if you pull down on the Rotopax mount itself, the entire stiffener (cutting board) deflects. I wanted to add 2 addional bolts up top, but wanted to confirm the vertical support locations before drilling. Does anyone know a measurement from the outside edge of camper? The ones that are drilled in now range from 7.25" (to 7.5") and 14" (to 14.25").

Thanks for any help!

 

[yovik]

While I'm no help regarding you specific question, I can't help but notice- the "plate" mounted to the outside of the camper (that's got the Rotopax mount attached to it) looks exactly like the plastic sink cover/cutting board in my 2006 Hawk. With that in mind, it might be worth removing it and replacing it with a metal plate. As tough as that material is, UV will eventually degrade the plastic.

Is the white plate made from plastic?

 

[PaulT]

If the cutting board is HDPE which is common, it is likely UV resistant like Starboard (also HDPE) that is used on boats for door panels and shelving and fuel tanks. That material is very tough and is also used as bait cutting boards that stay exposed to the sun for years.

It is impervious to a lot of stuff but don’t use it where you need to glue it to something or glue something to it. It pretty much needs to have a mechanical connection like screws or bolts. You may be able to heat weld it to another piece of HDPE.

Paul

 

[bajaphile]

Hey guys, yes it's a cutting board, similar to the ones found on boats. Will be removing it and using a steel plate.

Been continuing to research my question and haven't found much info. Sounds like guys who are mounting these don't use the frame locations. Or will use the old locations for the rear wall steps. Mine have the steps on opposite side, I just realized I can measure them and would hope the frame locations would be symmetrical to drivers side?

 

[Beach]

The only sure way to know is to remove the cabinet or fridge on the inside or talk with someone that has the same yr/model and they have measurements avail.. I would not count on the construction spacing being the same on both sides unless FWC can confirm.

 

[fuzzymarindave]

I used the rotopax mount where one of the rear wall steps was. I had to modify the rotopax mounting plate in order to use the same hole spacing as the step that i removed. I still have 3-wall steps on the back and i use them all the time. With my refrigerator partly pushed out i was able to access the washers and nuts. There was plywood sheating in this area so without the factory drilled step holes it might be tough to find the vertical supports. Worth taking a look though. sorry about the picture rotation...

 

[Thevulture]

I recently did this on my Eagle. From what I understand FWC doesn't really have a blueprint they can send you and they change stuff quite a bit. The only way you can be 100% is to open up the wall from the inside and see where the frame is. You remove the screws that secure the wall and youll have to remove 6-10 of the lifter screws at the hinge ( I did it while the roof was lifted without a problem). Peel back the wall and measure, I made a diagram/blueprint for any future projects. I then used masking tape to mark it out on the outside for a visual reference while drilling.