I did a search and some info came up but still have questions.Tell me what you like or dislike about Hawk trailers. I am a little concerned about wood floors. This trailer is very clean so I am sure the floor is in good shape but I have an aluminum floor now and not sure if I want to go back to wood. Also- I was told that some trailers, where the aluminum and steel come together that there is corrosion due to having the two metals connect. Does anyone have any info on that and would that be a problem with a 1999 Hawk.
Posted 2009-01-26 8:37 AM (#98242 - in reply to #98228) Subject: RE: Hawk trailers
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If wood floors are properly maintained, they will last for many years. Covering them with mats will prevent the wood from being abraded. Frequent flushing with water after they have been soiled will prevent rot. The mats should be frequently rolled back or removed, and the wood allowed to completely dry.
A pre owner inspection of the flooring can be accomplished using a narrow tipped screwdriver, ice pick or the blade of a knife. In the corners where the boards abut the sidewalls and frame, check to see if any easy penetration of the instrument is noted. The butt side planking will usually fail first. Any joints and edges are usually suspect. The bottom of the flooring should also be inspected, as well as the frame. Wherever the planking is supported by the metal framework, is a potential source of rotting of the wood, and rusting of the frame. These areas should be carefully inspected.
The builders of bimetal trailers insulate any common joints by a variety of methods to prevent electrolysis, tapes, sealants, compounds and paints are commonly used. Some are more effective and longer lasting than others. A visual inspection of the dissimilar metals, at the joints of the sidewalls to the frames will indicate the quality of the assembly. Other areas to inspect are the axle attachment points, and the GN, body to goose transitions. These areas are typically steel reinforced in an aluminum trailer. You should not see any white or grayish pitting on the aluminum, or if covered with paint, a bubbling under the surface. If you touch the metal surface with your sharp instrument, it should not penetrate at all. If any of these joints has constant corrosion, you would be advised to not purchase the trailer, and look else where. Replacing aluminum panels is a time consuming and expensive proposition.
Posted 2009-01-26 9:52 AM (#98247 - in reply to #98228) Subject: RE: Hawk trailers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
We sell about 7 different brands of trailers, including Hawk. The Hawk trailer has as good of fit and finish as any of the trailers we sell; which includes Sundowner and Elite. As Gard mentioned above; any floor is only as good as it is taken care of. An aluminum floor will deteriorate fast also; IF it's not maintained. A very good compromise on a Hawk floor is the optional (and very worthwhile in my opinion) is the RUMBER FLOOR. It is a 20 year floor that has a rough texture for good footing, and you don't need floor mats. Wash it out with a hose and water, and that's all you need to do with it. Yes, the Hawk is a very nice product; with a great staff of people to work with. PM ME, if you have more questions or need more information.
Posted 2009-01-27 8:21 PM (#98362 - in reply to #98228) Subject: RE: Hawk trailers-Insulation?
Regular
Posts: 78 Location: Wisconsin
Someone told me that all the Hawks are insulated in the DR and the floor. Does anyone know if this is true? I looked but couldn't find it. The seller says it isn't but maybe it is underneath the metal on the trailer when they are building them?
Posted 2009-01-28 6:48 PM (#98421 - in reply to #98362) Subject: RE: Hawk trailers-Insulation?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
Hawk trailers are double walled all the way around, including the dressing room, with insulation between the inner and outer walls. The floor in the dressing room is raised a few inches, but the standard is not insulated.
Posted 2009-02-01 6:28 PM (#98611 - in reply to #98228) Subject: RE: Hawk trailers-Insulation?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 316 Location: Illinois
About all I can add, is Hawk, like it's cousin Trail-et, started using galvanized steel for it's frames in 1996 and had worked out most of the bugs involved with steel/aluminum combinations. Most of the problem trailers are from the late 80's early 90's.
Beyond that, I have a 1996 trailer (sadly not a Hawk) with a wood floor that still looks beautiful. So pull up the mats have a look. Don't know anyone with a Hawk trailer that's unhappy.
Posted 2009-02-01 8:22 PM (#98620 - in reply to #98228) Subject: RE: Hawk trailers-Insulation?
Regular
Posts: 78 Location: Wisconsin
I went and picked it up yesterday. It was a 3.5 hr drive but a beautiful day up in Wisconsin for a drive. Got up to 40 degrees! I think I am gonna love it. It is a 1998 2H Gooseneck with a rear and mid tack. Huge stalls (especially the one near the rear tack). There is nothing for LQ YET! I can't wait to start searching this site for all the great ideas. First off- where can I get ideas? Any great sites other than this? I thought I would just use it as it is this year but maybe we could get started. Thanks for all your thoughts on the Hawk trailers.
Hawk trailers-Insulation?
