Flatbed FWC pics and input appreciated?

[milo12]

I am seriously considering getting a FWC flatbed model. I would love to see pictures and get input from those that have the flatbed FWC.

Can someone post a picture of the underside of a FWC flatbed model? I want to see what the surface resting on the bed looks like.

I have had a Outfitter popup, fully loaded, and got tired of dragging over 3000lbs around so I sold it.

 

[JHa6av8r]

They changed to a coated plywood called Skid-Guard. This is from there website: "This new plywood is excellent quality and the outer laminate layers give the wood maximum protection (compared to a coat of paint). This plywood is sometimes referred to as Skid-Guard material, and is used in the construction of boat docks at lakes, rivers, and in marine environments."

Think is the black non-skid tape with adhesive backing, but in this case it's manufactured as part of a layered system. http://www.olypanel.com/common/pdf/SkidGuard Prod Lit - 11-07.pdf

 

[milo12]

Thanks. Do you know how the camper is fixed to the flatbed?

 

[JHa6av8r]

Thanks. Do you know how the camper is fixed to the flatbed?

Someone else will have to answer this but assuming it's bolted through the camper floor to the bed much like the original FWC were mounted.

 

[GroovyDad]

Peruse the Wander the West forum http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/

There are lots of Four Wheel and All Terrain flat bed pics.

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I've ordered, but not yet received mine. But Yes, the camper is through bolted down to the aluminum flatbed. I have a bunch of pictures of the flatbed showroom model from the dealer near me. If you'd like any info or pictures let me know and I'll see what I have to pass along. I can't wait until mine comes in.

Don

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[Durango]

Tell your dealer to order the camper with only one layer of plywood skids instead to two layers. There is no reason the two and it lowers the overall height by 5/8". Which isn't much but hey- every 1/2" counts out on the trail. We picked our FB Hawk up in October last year and have been very impressed with it. We also put 3/4" rigid foam between the skids before bolting the camper down for insulation.

IF you have your FB manufacturer mount the underbed boxes on the FB (and you should) then it can complicate the installation. Ours is held in by 6 3/8" Grade 8 bolts and 3" x 5" plates made out of 1/4" aluminum. Very strong and no more worries about turnbuckles BUT I can't imagine taking this camper off and then reinstalling it on a regular basis. We view ours as a permanent install.

NOTE: I will say the mist challenging part of the build was finding reliable FB builder that was willing to work with aluminum. Evn with the four storage boxes the truck weighed 190# less than is did before we pulled the stock steel bed.

Steve

 

[Martyn]

The Flatbed camper is bolted to the tray on the vehicle.

No truck chassis are flat so we make leveling blocks that are bolted or welded to the chassis, we then use a vibration insulating block that is placed between the block and the mounting points on the tray.

We have done a number of these flatbed conversions, we do the complete install starting with the stock truck and finishing with the overland vehicle. This work includes tray and camper install, and other options such as suspension upgrades, front and rear bumpers, sliders, skid plates, air compressor systems, sensor relocation, lights, winches, etc.

Here are a few pictures of the work we have done and some links to albums on our Facebook page.




More pictures of this build here





More pictures of this build here.

You may also be interested in these two builds.

Endurance Horseman build.

Power Wagon tray.

 

[chips95]

Martyn,
Do you have any pictures of the finished tray you guys did for the power wagon?

 

[Martyn]

Martyn,
Do you have any pictures of the finished tray you guys did for the power wagon?

This tray was built for a permanently mounted custom camper. There is no deck as you would expect with a removable set up.