Dave's Four Wheel Camper Flatbed Project: Zephyrus

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It's not the only spring option, just the fastest I could google to link too off the top of my head. But to invest so much and shove some $100 plastic bags in the springs, is kind of half arsed. No offense Dave :p I'm just not a fan of them. I've had Airlift 1000's and they leaked and eventually one just cracked open. The warranty and customer service is good. But, mhem.

The big problem with the factory rear springs is they are linear rate springs as opposed to a variable rate. So you stick 100lbs on the spring, it compresses 1 inch, 200lbs on the spring, and it compresses 2 inches for example.

With a variable rate spring, 200lbs compresses 1.5inch. 300lbs, 2 inches, etc. Usually, the ride is softer with a linear rate, and it's easier to tune your shocks to them. This is why they're used by the OE most of the time. GM seems to prefer variable in the Z71's. Ram went for the softer ride.

There are other bag options too. But I'd seriously consider replacing the softer springs myself with whatever brand. Thuren I thought made rear diesel springs. But I could be mistaken.
 
How much more weight do you plan on adding? I'm not talking about clothing and minor stuff. I'm talking about an aux fuel tank or belly armor or a gun turret. You know, stuff that will add significant weight.
 
Dave said:
CJC Offroad (they specialize in full size trucks) made THIS recommendation
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I tried to look closely at a better picture online to confirm the installation, unsure but think that... Those traditional appearing/mounting air springs will surely offer maximum spring rate and adjustment, and likely lift the truck in the rear as you want. Though if they tie the frame and suspension together they will limit travel, at least some.

It may not be an issue in the field if you will always keep the springs inflated to a high psi for the loading, testing and use will tell the story. The possible loss of articulation and droop travel may be an non-issue?

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Nuclear Redneck said:
How much more weight do you plan on adding? I'm not talking about clothing and minor stuff. I'm talking about an aux fuel tank or belly armor or a gun turret. You know, stuff that will add significant weight.
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While I could add an aux fuel cell where the OEM spare resides, I think I'm good. No gun turrets or armor upgrades required either (it already has a Zombie Plow and lasers) ;)

Clothes, privisions, probably a bike rack and that's it. She's 90% the way I want it as she sits today.
 
Dave said:
While I could add an aux fuel cell where the OEM spare resides, I think I'm good. No gun turrets or armor upgrades required either (it already has a Zombie Plow and lasers) ;)

Clothes, privisions, probably a bike rack and that's it. She's 90% the way I want it as she sits today.
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That's awesome.
 
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One more flexing example. These pics are with bone stock suspension, and 35" (34.84") 285/75R18 tires. I love how well the stock suspension was/is working for me, but I wanted just a bit more (adjustable) firmness in the rear for all my weight. But as we know, every application is at least slightly, if not quite different.
 
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Dave said:
CJC Offroad (they specialize in full size trucks) made THIS recommendation
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This set up is very popular with the leaf spring Power Wagon group. The springs flex but are not known for their capacity. I think you will be happy with this set up, but it may not be bad to look into springs to go with them eventually

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Meanwhile back inside the camper, here's some better shots of the Dometic appliances - SO glad we went with this upgrade :D

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The sink is pretty useful and larger than it seems at first glance

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The big Snow Peak 600 mug for scale

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Under the sink, we saved a LOT of room with the Truma Combi unit. Ample storage is a welcome sight in any camper, especially one this compact.

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What's in those interior doors? The one on the right is the water pump and water fill inlet etc.

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The water pump is a Shurflo 3 GPM unit - plenty of pressure.

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Underneath the cabinet is where the Truma dwells.

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One of the other features I'm excited about is the under the bed storage. FWC made this larger on my generation and it's a real bonus to be able to leave clothes and gear in it full time. These are plenty deep and long enough for long gun storage as well. The fore and aft facing bins are 4 feet 10 inches long to be exact. There are 5 bins across, the bins are (from L to R) 6.5 inches, 19 inches, 22 inches, 19 inches and 6.5 inches wide. Depth is 4 inches throughout.

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The under bed storage is a big thing!

LOVE it on my Hallamrk, and pushed the FWC guys hard to start doing it on the non-flatbed campers too (there was a prototype at OE West).

Very practical to have clothes where you will need/use them, and it adds much to the overall storage of campers. And like you said, good for long items too ;)
 
The ISOTHERM Cruise 130 fridge by Indel-Webasto has a Danfoss compressor and is huge - 4.6 cubic feet fridge with 6 liter freezer compartment and can handle full size wine bottles or other items in the door alone. It also has a vegetable bin and interior light. The CR130EL has quite a bit more storage than our Engel MT45.

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Outside lighting is on point - these are the standard LED outside lights included with every Hawk flatbed. Here you can see the exterior down lights and the exterior side (upper) lights on.

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Exterior down lights are really nice as they cast a nice strip of light down low without blinding you.

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And an amber "porch light" can be left on at night.

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Lights can be controlled from inside or outside thanks to the control panel location by the door.

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I even have a couple blanks left for future mods ;)
 
Redline said:
The under bed storage is a big thing!

LOVE it on my Hallamrk, and pushed the FWC guys hard to start doing it on the non-flatbed campers too (there was a prototype at OE West).

Very practical to have clothes where you will need/use them, and it adds much to the overall storage of campers. And like you said, good for long items too ;)
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That is the main reason we chose Hallmark over FWC. When you do the North / South bed arrangement you also end up with night stands on each side as well as a hidden compartment in the nose which holds certain long items very well..
 
smlobx said:
That is the main reason we chose Hallmark over FWC. When you do the North / South bed arrangement you also end up with night stands on each side as well as a hidden compartment in the nose which holds certain long items very well..
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We chose the king size bed option on this so we could sleep fore and aft with room for either of us to get in or out of bed without disturbing the other.
 
One small detail that often goes overlooked in my opinion is being able to fully seal windows at night. The FWC curtains are no nonsense with nice track mounts and that all important Velcro closure in the middle. Snaps allow these to be out of the way during daylight.

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