FWC overhang

[Dave]

What are everyones thoughts on using an FWC Eagle in a 5' truck bed? The tail gate would have to be in the down position of course. I went to the FWC dealer in Wisconsin today to look around at some different sizes. The owner of the dealership that was showing me around seemed to think the larger Eagle would be the way to go, but I'm not sure I like the overhang.

My immediate concerns are the obvious overhang as well as the additional weight that much further behind the axle.

Any other thoughts?

[kcowyo]

Dave, for distraction.....

Similar but different. You might like to see these -






It may not be as neat asthetically as a bed length unit, but I doubt you would be unhappy with the extra space. The Falcon is nice but the larger Eagle may be a better fit for the two of you. Add in a couple of dogs and the space gets gobbled up fast.

There are several owners who run a slightly longer camper with the tailgate down. ExPo member Tomas Tierra runs his Ranger on a xcab Tundra with a slight bit of overhang. It doesn't stop him from going to some amazing places. If you beef up the rear suspension with airbags, an add-a-leaf or helper springs, I doubt it would have a big effect the trucks handling.

FWIW, I'm guessing there is a larger resale market for the bigger Eagle than a Falcon. I'm guessing...

You can't go wrong either way, with a 5' or 6.5' model.

[Dave]

KC,

Thanks for weighing in once again. Your FWC bookmark folder must be massive! It does not look like the overhang is much of hinderance at all

The better resale on the Eagle was one of the reasons why the dealer in Wisconsin was suggesting we go that direction, plus the obvious gain in space. He also had an Eagle shell in stock.

[kcowyo]

Your FWC bookmark folder must be massive!

It's rather embarassing...

He also had an Eagle shell in stock.

Is this the sole reason you went to Wisconsin...?

[Dave]

Is this the sole reason you went to Wisconsin...?

Yep. We spent the weekend in Chicago visiting friends, but the main reason we went north was to look at FWC's in the flesh. We came home with a lot to think about and a greater appreciation for our relatively tame winters. Natasha likes the camper itself and is even coming up with pro's that I had not thought of, but the sticker shock is a tough one.

[Ursidae69]

It's rather embarassing...

That's funny.

Dave: Any pics from the factory?

[kcowyo]

We came home with a lot to think about and a greater appreciation for our relatively tame winters. Natasha likes the camper itself and is even coming up with pro's that I had not thought of, but the sticker shock is a tough one.

Another selling point for an Eagle. More selection on the used market unless you have specific needs and "must have" a new unit....?

Did I send you links for shopping purposes?

If the spouse is on-board that makes a big difference. I'm sure you will appreciate the ease of set up and the capability of the camper. She may likely appreciate the comfort and security of it. The only complaints I ever read from FWC owning couples is when they are ready to move up in size to something more luxurious.

Oh and as a duck guy, you will certainly appreciate the "animal blindness" of a FWC. I see more cool critters from my windows, meandering through my campsites, unaware that I'm inside. Another benefit you won't find in the brochures.

[Dave]

Dave: Any pics from the factory?

We visited a dealership in Wisconsin - not the factory. http://www.go-anywhere.us/ Basically it consisted of a small heated metal building filled with FWC's, two wheel drive motorcycles, and those weird kayak/jet ski hybrids. I didn't take any pictures.

Another selling point for an Eagle. More selection on the used market unless you have specific needs and "must have" a new unit....?

Did I send you links for shopping purposes?

If the spouse is on-board that makes a big difference. I'm sure you will appreciate the ease of set up and the capability of the camper. She may likely appreciate the comfort and security of it. The only complaints I ever read from FWC owning couples is when they are ready to move up in size to something more luxurious.

Oh and as a duck guy, you will certainly appreciate the "animal blindness" of a FWC. I see more cool critters from my windows, meandering through my campsites, unaware that I'm inside. Another benefit you won't find in the brochures.

Yep, you sent a long list of links to me a couple weeks ago. I've been monitoring them here and there.

I certainly don't require a new unit, but it's unlikely that I'll find a used one that is close. The dealership in Wisconsin is probably the most convenient option I have...and that's over 350 miles away!

I thought I might be able to save some money by buying a new shell and then adding options. For instance, we don't need a sink, an ice box, or a standard fridge. I'd rather do another Engle, a heater, Yakima tracks (since I already own the rest of necessary Yakima equipment for a canoe rack), aux battery, and an awning. But then you look at the price of shell (which doesn't even include curtains), plus the options we want, and it's nearly cheaper to buy the standard unit and get all the cabinetry and the stove along with it. In fact, the shell Falcon with the options we wanted was right around the same price as if I were to buy a standard Eagle plus a few more bells/whistles (three way fridge and awning). Not to mention the Eagle has a fold out couch, which is not even an option on the Falcon!

Basically, we're just looking for a place to sleep that sets up easy and is off the ground, has room for the dogs to crash, and has storage for our all of our food. Natasha is not interested in cooking inside of it and I don't want to have to pull a trailer.

FWC fits, but the new unit prices seem weird when you start comparing the shell vs. standard models.

[kcowyo]

Interesting news about the prices. Maybe because they make less Falcons than Eagles...? I really don't know.

Re the options - it sounds like you both have put a lot of thought into what your needs are. I could live without the 14 gallon water tank although I like the sink a lot. I would rather have a stand-up fridge in the galley than a seperate Engel taking up floor or cab space. The heater, absolutely. I use the stove inside quite often. It's nice to step out in the chilly morning and greet the day with a hot cuppa, already in hand.

I wish I had the awning. For me to add it now would entail relocating one of the roof clasps. The aux battery is key, especially with the heater and electric thermostat. I know erod has his pups sleeping on his couch and they're good sized dogs. That way they're out of the way in the middle of the night when you have to hop down and run behind a tree.

I wish I could be more help than just a sounding board. I had a lot of pre-buying jitters as well (mine was used, no warranties) but Jonathan Hanson did some stellar salesmanship to alleviate my concerns. But it still took me 2 years of looking regularly before I found one in my neighborhood and budget.

Just out of curiosity, did the folks in WI talk to you about financing? I'm curious if these can be financed for a longer term like other RV's...?

[OutbacKamper]

My immediate concerns are the obvious overhang as well as the additional weight that much further behind the axle.
Any other thoughts?

Dave;
I know that the Eagle is much roomier than the Falcon, but I would be very careful. The amount of rear overhang is not a critical issue in my opinion, but the centre of gravity v rear axle is. I would check with Stan at 4wc HQ and get his opinion. The Falcon was specifically designed for your style of truck, while the Eagle was designed for a longer bed (and more importantly a longer rear axle to rear of cab dimension). No disrespect to the owner of the Toyota in the above pics is intended, but I would not even consider that to be safe! BTW check out the rear cargo carrier on the Toyota!!

Good luck with what ever you decide.

Cheers
Mark