SLO's FWC Hawk Refurb/Build...

[SLO_F-250]

Do you know your total rear bumper and tire swing-away weight? What is and the cargo load poundage?

I've been working on mine lately and looks like I'll have some serious weight when loaded.

Man, I have no idea. I can lift and move the main structure myself but it takes 2 people to move the arm with box and everything. My guess is 200 - 250 lbs empty. I would have to do some calcs to get close. It ain't no aluminess Ill tell ya. More like a tank bumper. Course it was a fraction of the cost as an aluminess.

Yes, it is some weight back there. Main reason I decided to add the hellwig helper springs. It helps with sway and levels the rig so it looks better.

[Redline]

Man, I have no idea. I can lift and move the main structure myself but it takes 2 people to move the arm with box and everything. My guess is 200 - 250 lbs empty. I would have to do some calcs to get close. It ain't no aluminess Ill tell ya. More like a tank bumper. Course it was a fraction of the cost as an aluminess.

I think your guess is probably very close at around 250#

I'm not against aluminum but there is much to be said for a heavy-duty steel bumper.

Tank tough is perfect!

Yes, it is some weight back there. Main reason I decided to add the hellwig helper springs. It helps with sway and levels the rig so it looks better.

Springs to support the extra weight of the camper/armor are good. To paraphrase Eddie Murphy from decades ago... I'm not a fan of the butt dragging in the sand look.

[1stDeuce]

Hey, like the work you're doing!! Not to change the subject, but way way back on page 3 you evidently bought one of these:


I'm just curious how it works... Would like some way to monitor my battery level other than plugging in a readout to one of the cigarette lighter sockets and trying to keep voltage above 12-12.2V.
Keep up the good work!!
Chris

[SLO_F-250]

I think your guess is probably very close at around 250#

I'm not against aluminum but there is much to be said for a heavy-duty steel bumper.

Tank tough is perfect!




Springs to support the extra weight of the camper/armor are good. To paraphrase Eddie Murphy from decades ago... I'm not a fan of the butt dragging in the sand look.

Haha. We're on the same page! Let me know what you come up with. As of yet, I have no design changes I would do. Quick release latch would be good, but my bolt is darn strong.

[SLO_F-250]

Hey, like the work you're doing!! Not to change the subject, but way way back on page 3 you evidently bought one of these:


I'm just curious how it works... Would like some way to monitor my battery level other than plugging in a readout to one of the cigarette lighter sockets and trying to keep voltage above 12-12.2V.
Keep up the good work!!
Chris

Hey Deuce. I actually ended up not even using it. I have a Watts-Up meter through my solar panel which tells my my real time voltage. In an effort to pay it forward, if you want it PM me and its yours to try.

__________________________________________________ _______

No new camper work news, but just plain fun times to report. Not a real "4x4 out there trip" but my friends and I all race the XC mountain bike race the Sea Otter Classic every year. Below are a few shots of from the race.

Camp getting set up and wrenching on the bikes is on the to-do list.



Pano of the evening. Pre-Race pasta dinner with the crew! Great time was had by all. We had 3 sites reserved next to each other.



Of course I have to take some parting shots of the rig.





Everything is working great. Ill have to modify my swing out bike rack accommodate the new bumper. Also, yes I went overboard. I had some paint left over so I painted my craigslist Yakima rocket box to match the truck camper. HAHA If you are going to go go big right!!??

[uscg2008]

This thing turned out so freaking sweet man good Job!!! Makes me jelly

[SLO_F-250]

This thing turned out so freaking sweet man good Job!!! Makes me jelly

Thanks! It was lots of work, but fun all the way around!

[Laramieskibum]

You've inspired my build. Hope to share the results soon. You helped me alot, thanks.

Did you have any cracks in your siding? Your front siding or rear siding did not have any hair line cracks stemming from the 90deg cuts at the corners?

I found 4 broken welds and a split in my front section of frame today. Appears it allowed the aluminum to work against itself and split. Early 90s hawk.

[SLO_F-250]

You've inspired my build. Hope to share the results soon. You helped me alot, thanks.

Did you have any cracks in your siding? Your front siding or rear siding did not have any hair line cracks stemming from the 90deg cuts at the corners?

I found 4 broken welds and a split in my front section of frame today. Appears it allowed the aluminum to work against itself and split. Early 90s hawk.

Thanks for the kind works Laramie!! I look forward to seeing what you do with your camper.

I have 2 small cracks in the corners of the aluminum siding at the front window. That is all. I would assume a few of my welds are broken. I probably should have dug into it a bit more before I painted, but didnt have time time. Im hoping I can get plenty of years out of it still.

[Laramieskibum]

Thanks for the kind works Laramie!! I look forward to seeing what you do with your camper.

I have 2 small cracks in the corners of the aluminum siding at the front window. That is all. I would assume a few of my welds are broken. I probably should have dug into it a bit more before I painted, but didnt have time time. Im hoping I can get plenty of years out of it still.

I shouldn't have gone looking. All welds under the window were broken, including the main 1" stock that forms the tub. Just found two broken welds above the door way as well. Only indicator on those was the small crack way down at the heater. Total of 9 welds.

Hope to paint mine a similar ford silver. waiting on new siding to be made now. after i get it put together i'll post on WW with a link over here