Hondo Garage's New Thing

No worries. I think this might be answered in the first post though.

A window in the liftgate will be an option, as will a window in the front of the topper. That window will not be operable however.

 

im only worried about 2 things

ventilation for the dog

and waterproofness

 

I am so excited for this. shell, prinsu rack, and hard top tent going for sale soon.

Also, have we come to the conclusion if or if not the prinsu cab rack will fit?

 

Not conclusive, but it seems like there should be at least 3/8 of an inch of clearance. I may machine my rear, and middle bushing spacers down a little bit of or more clearance.

 

Do you want to be able to drive with a window cracked for the dog? Assuming you aren't thinking the pup will asphyxiate because we made the shell completely airtight.

In terms of getting airflow back there, not sure an operable front topper window would be the right solution for that. A side "dog portal" that was operable might.

Are you looking to allow the tent area to breathe? Or the interior of the topper?

Propane tank could be pretty easily attached to the lower half of the pop top frame for sure.

Definitely tempered glass.

It will likely fit if we keep the canopy height at it's current configuration. That may be subject to change however if we lower it a little bit. We will know more in the near future.

 

And because every page needs at least one picture... Happy new year!

 

more !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

OK! These just came in like minutes ago...

 

thank you for posting and creating something like this

 

Word of warning on the latches... they don't work worth a damn in subzero temps that freeze the locks. Alu-Cab uses the same style. I went out in the morning after a freezing rain, de-iced the lock but the water had gotten into the latch mechanism and it was no joy trying to get them open even though the key moved freely. Water had gotten in and froze behind the tab that you need to depress to get the latch to release. By comparison, I walked over to my Leer, de-iced the lock and twisted it open with zero issues. Also, I don't think you can open the keyed compression lock style latches from the inside if they're latched. I like how they look, just wished they were more functional.

 

Looks great, but 5k pushes me to ask "what could i build?" which is a good thing

 

Familiar with issues on the alu cab style latches. If we end up going this direction we have some ways around the mechanism freezing up.

Give it a go! We can sell you the pop top RTT portion with the transform-a-floor as a standalone item if you like.

 

Care to share? I'd be interested in a replacement for the Alu-Cab if it were drop in and able to be opened from the inside. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to clutter the thread

 

I think these are really valid points. I know GFC is trying to keep things light and simple, but frankly AluCab functionality with the integrated crawl through poptop, with intelligent engineering to keep it lighter and simple, would be a huge winner. And even not comparing it to an AluCab, a Softopper or almost any hard shell provides window options which offer visibility, security, ventilation, and/or access (from within or without) that lots of folks take for granted. if the fabric version has the same features as the Softopper (wndow/door related) that would be fine. OK, I'll get off the soapbox, you guys are much smarter than me ...

 

We are offering front and rear fixed windows. Not sure what you mean by alu cab functionality? They dont offer any windows that we don't currently have planned.

 

now that I'm seeing this out in the wild, the side panels definitely needs something to break up that slab. Are you still up in the air w/ that aspect of the design?

 

Or perhaps add modular mounts on the side for jerry cans, shovel, hi-lift, mountain bike, etc.

 

If AluCab has only a fixed front window, I stand corrected. Sorry! With my 5' bed I do frequently open the sliders in my cab and my shell for small (but long) lumber or pipe loads that don't fit in the bed. But I could rack those ... it's probably not a showstopper.

 

i noticed that someone else on this site talking about a similar design had integrated a vent in the top where there is no 'bed' when the top is closed. That could help a lot.

From being on boats - the solar vents are really nice. i bought one for my canopy but haven't installed because I'm hoping to get a GFC and don't want to hurt the resale value of my canopy!

putting wet stuff - especially a dog - in the bed of the truck - it's nice to have ventilation. when the weather is dry (even if it's not warm) i always keep the side windows of my canopy open so everything stays fresh smelling and dry.

i moved up here (vancouver) from dry San Diego. down there this stuff doesn't matter so much. up here - it's imperative.

 

Offering a three piece slider window that matches up with the truck's rear window (much like a fiberglass topper) would solve all of these ventilation and access issues/concerns. All while adding just a few lbs. of glass/framing/$$$.
Is this a possibility?

Louisd75 and dman100 bring up interesting ideas about the latches...
I would love to see something simple like a good old-fashioned t-handle used on the flip ups sides/rear hatch. But then again, I would really love to see GFC take it a step further, and create a t-handle that locks from both inside and out. A small billet aluminum t handle with a keylock on the outside and a simple lever/switch/toggle on the inside. I fear my lady will back out if we can't secure it from the inside, none the less, open and close it from within...

Have you considered using mechanical struts vs gas struts to hold up the hatch/sides?

All technical concerns aside, THIS CAMPER IS AMAZING, and being a part of this whole project makes it that much cooler. Go us! GFC!