FWC Hawk

Great forum references. I was on Wander the West. Very informative, great people there.

I had a Hawk for about 6 years. Loved it. Bought it used for $8000 and sold it 6 years later for $7000. I could have probably gotten more but I had found a fantastic deal on my bigfoot and didn't need two campers sitting around.

My wife and I toured everywhere in it. It was perfect for us. Now with a 2 year old, it was just too small. We could sleep fine but it just got limiting for room while travelling. I know I should bring less stuff, but when you need a stroller, diaper bags, extra food for the kid, some toys, beach umbrella, a doll or two etc (you get the point). We have another on the way and it would be just too hard to manage. I can see myself going back to one in the future.

Fantastic construction. Never had an issue with the structure of the camper and I used it in all weather and some moderatley serious off road. Had the water pump go, that was the only issue but I won't blame the camper. I used it skiing at -20C (slept with the top down) to +40C.

I will also echo getting a 3/4T. I had a 1997 1/2T and it did just OK. The truck was wearing out so I stepped up to a Ram 3/4T CTD. Night and day difference driving. Honestly couldn't tell it was there. I'm not taking a stance with the gas vs diesel but the mileage penalty was 11-12L/100 w/o camper to 14-15L/100 loaded. My half ton had approximatly the same jump in mileage but the empty numbers were slightly higher to start with. I highly recommend a 3/4T. It is way heavier than the manufacture states. My camper was loaded with options and when full of propane, batteries (2-6V) and water, I was around 1400lbs. I hadn't even put in the babies stuff yet!

Every one, thanks for the good info.

Just noticed your Hallmark query.
Again WTW:
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/27-hallmark-and-other-brands/

And another forum concerning pop ups:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/75-Pop-up-Truck-Campers

Yes go here for a lot more specific info on FWC campers:
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/4-four-wheel-camper-discussions/

I bought a new FWC in 1983 and used it for over twenty years. Enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend them.

In 2012 I purchased a new FWC Hawk. Never seriously considered anything else primarily due to how happy I was with my old Grandby. FWC are a more minimalist type of camper designed more for back road/4wd use yet still having most of the amenities of their larger brethren.

They are light weight, aluminum framed construction, not inexpensive and have a very high resale value (I sold my 25 year old FWC in a day on CL for more than I paid for it new).

While they are among the lightest slide in campers, with common options, the weight can add up. My Hawk as a base model was 800 pounds, with some common options mine at the scales was 1340 pounds empty with the jacks removed. Many use 1/2 tons with added springs, air bags, E rated tires....etc. I would highly recommend a 3/4 ton truck.

You would have much better luck getting info on this unit at Wander The West forum.