FOUR WHEEL CAMPER (FWC) THREAD!!

Thanks! I’m buying the Fleet used, so I’m on my own. I reached out to FWC, but haven’t heard back yet- perhaps they’re on furlough at the moment.
The few garages that I’ve spoken with are pushing the bags over springs. I see the utility of both.
I’ll reach out to a local overland outfitter as well- Good tip- thanks again!

 

You'll be fine with just airbags in the rear and stock suspension components *if* the stock set up is doing well. The shocks on these trucks don't last forever.

If I was to recommend anything it would be to run heavier gear oil in the differentials and to change out the fluid every 30k.
Just my $0.02 though.

 

Thanks!
As luck would have it, I just heard back from one of the FWC service managers. Here was our exchange:

Me: Hello! I am in the process of purchasing a used 2018 Fleet side dinette for my 2018 Tacoma 4d long bed. What modifications to the suspension system do you recommend? My plan is to install Firestone airbag suspension and upgrade tires to E class. Anything else I should consider?
FWC Service Manager: Everything you said is what we would do.

 

P

This is fine for on road travel and periodic dirt road use, but you will probably want to add proper leaf support and better shocks to handle the weight if you are doing any kind of off road or washboard travel consistently.

 

I agree with upgrading with airbags and load range E tires with some caveats. I would recommend upgrading the rear suspension with at least the “add a leaf” spring option, if not new Dobinson rear leafs. Using air bags will be fine if your planning on removing the camper after a few weeks. But i wouldn’t rely on airbags if your going to live or leave it on in it full time. Air bags shift the weight from the leaf springs two points of contact to one that is directly over the rear axle. At my work, we used air bags on a one ton pickup and broke the axle carrying too much logging equipment. An extreme example but still...

 

I swear I learn so many little things from this forum, thanks for info!

 

If you haven't visited Wander The West, I suggest you do. It's a forum all about popups. Great place for info and no drama.

 

FWC raised their base prices again in January 2020...

Swift & Fleet shell models - $12995 base price
Swift & Fleet finished models - $19395 base price

The base models don't come with much for the price and all of the options are very expensive. That said, I will definitely buy a nicely equipped Fleet for my 2020 DCLB OR at some point...after the truck is paid off! These things are the perfect way to camp and travel. Nice thread!

 

Is that FWC grey or the metallic charcoal?

 

FWC currently makes the Swift, which is the same length as the Finch. They went to the slightly wider body because that's what their customers asked for and I agree. It doesn't stick out quite as far as your mirrors and the additional interior space makes it feel a lot less cramped. Personally, I wouldn't want one any narrower than the current models, since I will be in it for long periods of time and I get claustrophobic after a while.

 

I'm not sure that's what the customers wanted. Most responses I've read on WTW express that people would still prefer the narrow version. And that is why there are still pop up manufacturers which make the more narrow versions. For FWC I think it simplifies the production process.

For long term use, yes I would probably want a wider camper but then I'd also probably consider a different platform.

 

There is no question that a loaded Swift can pass 1400 pounds wet, without gear. Go on the FWC website and configure one with every available option and see what weight it gives you.

 

My stock truck with no people or gas weighed 4,250 lbs.

Today, with all of the modifications but with nothing (food, gas, water, people) in it, it weighs around 6,450 lbs.



My Fleet flatbed which has quite a few options and has a sticker weight of 1,560 lbs but that includes 20 gallons of both water and propane (240 lbs) and the original battery which i replaced with a lithium, saving about 60 lbs. So the today my Fleet, completely empty, weighs 1,260 lbs.

So that means I’ve added 940 lbs of mods! Yikes, a lot more than i thought. I deliberately tried to shave weight with no skidplates, aluminum front bumper, no rear bumper, aluminum flatbed, semi flexible PV panels instead of conventional, synthetic rope in the winch, etc.

Truck drives fine BTW. It is slower but I’m fine with that

 

The norweld is a heavy mofo even though it's aluminum.

 

Beautiful build. I see that you have the OME BP-51s with custom Deavers, which is exactly the setup I am considering for my 2020 DCLB OR. My main concern is the massive weight I'll be carrying (GVW will be near 7000 lbs fully loaded). How do these shocks and the Deaver leafs handle the weight? Do you find this setup equally comfortable on road and capable off road?

 

That's the FWC Gray. The metallic matches MGM. (it was a request by bound for nowhere for their build as seen below).



We have done many norweld tray/ FWC flatbed builds as we were the original importer of Norweld and had their first tray on a 3G tacoma in the states. This Tacoma is now residing with Travis Burke, but was owned by MLO owner, Matt Henwood:



https://www.mainlineoverland.com/blogs/vehicle-builds/2016-toyota-tacoma-trd-sport

We've done quite a few different suspension set ups from occasional use to full-time duty. So if you have questions about the particular application, feel free to reach out.

-M

 

That bed! Holy smokes its gorgeous!

 

I figured their metallic charcoal was matched to MGM which is cool because hat's the color of my truck and definitely what I'll choose when I get around to ordering mine.

 

The BP 51s Handled the weight just fine and it works really well both on road and off. Absolutely no complaints. We used them because we're planning International travel and parts/rebuild kits are readily available. Originally had Dobinson heavy-duty springs, they didn't cut it. But the custom Deavers springs are great. The handling of the truck is very competent with a rear anti-sway bar, it now corners quite flat. It is like riding in a 3/4 ton truck that has a load in it, the ride is firm yet compliant.

 

Thanks! Cant wait for the borders to open and we'll be off!