Hondo Garage's New Thing

I'm excited for the finished video. You can see some of the deflection (nothing too dramatic) in your teaser video, but you are typically going pretty hard too. Thanks for sharing "first hand" with us.

 

I got that, but good clarification for the masses

 

Actually it shouldn't be bed deflection or the camper. The bed is solid mounted to the frame.

Its the cab moving on the bushings more than anything.

 

@Blackdawg I could see the cab compressing downwards slightly on the bushings and side to side, but seems like upward movement of the cab would not be possible without the bolts/nut/washers stretching?

So when I see the roof of the camper get closer to the roof of the cab I have to believe it's the much longer c-channel frame rail under the bed doing what it's designed to do and flexing. And yes while the bed is solid mounted to the frame it's also made of a very flexible composite.

I lifted the rear of my truck from the tow hitch the other day and could see the gap between the bed and cab change even in that static situation.

 

What would be the most cost-effective/efficient method of getting the camper on and off the truck bed, assuming you don’t have a few strong guys to help—it’s just me and my very petite wife.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW-l-isBMfS/

 

How often would you want to take it off? A couple six packs of beer for friends, maybe grill some food.

 

That was My immediate thought. 200lbs / 4 guys = 50lbs a corner. Get some friends or neighbors to swing by for literally 10 mins. Or like blackdawg if you have a ceiling you can solidly mount a few pulleys to raise it off than lower it onto a set of rollers and stash it in the corner. I plan to remove mine late Nov every year until April, i do plan on supporting mine off of the internal frame in order to preserve the bulb seal

 

I'm hoping that the tent portion isn't too epic to remove from the space frame, and then removal of the panels and the space frame on their own shouldn't be too bad.

Otherwise, if you don't have a garage with space to lift from above you're going to have to get creative.

Gantry crane setup in the driveway? Big ole tree with a side branch in the right spot? Cross fit gym nearby?

 

Let’s say I get home on a Friday and decide to take some brush to the dump; I’m brainstorming quick ways to get it on and off that don’t require hosting a BBQ.

Regarding the hoist video posted above, I’ll have to do some measurements in my garage to see if I can rig something up without getting in the way of the garage door tracks.

 

Crossfit “BOX” or you’ll never get them to help you haha!

Not sure fully disassembling it for removal is a great idea honestly. Unless it’s on rare occasions.

 

Well if you don’t wanna have a weekly bbq I’d prob buy a trailer, I’m guessing it won’t just be the GFC in the way of carrying brush to the dump if your truck is “set up” to camp.

Committing to one of these is kind of negating your truck as a work vehicle. Pick up a trailer for $600 bucks at harbor freight or rent one from Uhaul for $20/day. Than it can be a truck again

Be much simpler than unbolting and hoisting this thing on and off. Treat it like a normal truck cap and you won’t be disappointed.

Just my thoughts but if you do plan on hoisting it on and off I’d prob get a spare bulb seal and change it once and awhile.

But if you still wanna lift it

https://hoisterdirect.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=103

Something like this? There’s a ton of options out there for truck tops, even more for jeep hardtops...

 

I wouldn’t go that far. I plan to use my truck to haul stuff to the dump, carry firewood, load dead animals, etc. Won’t be able to use a bucket loader to dump stuff in it but I don’t and wouldn’t do that with a tacoma anyway. A big draw to the GFC for me is the ability to completely open the sides and pressure wash the bed out almost as easily as if there wasn’t a cap on top.

 

I suppose everyone’s build and ideas are unique, which is what makes the GFC so great. I actuality haul dead critters on a hitch mounted rack, and have done so for years. Hoisting a 200lb critter into my bed solo, is well, to be honest I’ve found it to be nearly impossible. Plus i have a Decked in Mine so that’s another 12” higher. Honestly as i said a trailer is sooooo much simpler. And if you don’t wanna mess with registering and inspecting one rent one a dozen times a year and you’ll still be ahead of the game.

Truth be told i can’t wait to see some of the ways these things get used. I know for a fact the VERY first trip mine will be making (if it gets here by Memorial Day weekend) is to Alchemy Brewery..... mmmmmmm. GFC and Heady Topper, i might camp right in there parking lot depending on how things go lol.

 

Did people finally get a answer to the current lead time on the campers?

 

I am considering getting one of these campers, I have been following since day 1 and love the concept and detail. If I do get one I will come by and pick it up (I live in central Georgia, expensive shipping so why not make a trip). I currently have an RTT and a M416 trailer that I will consider getting rid of for this, just trying to decide if its right for me. I really dont want to pull a trailer because I have a truck now (bought the trailer when I had a jeep) and I like the RTT but wet and windy conditions suck. We also pack up camp and move everyday so an all in 1 solution seems nice. I only get 15 vacation days a year but my new schedule gives me a 4 day weekend every month so I could see myself getting out and exploring more.

Here is my question:
I have a stock 2017 TRD OR DC SB, is anyone installing a GFC onto a stock tacoma? I know most interested parties either have a built rig or money to build it up but this truck is only 1 year old (my 1st tacoma, 1st new truck, im 26yrs old) and Im not interested in upgrading suspension yet since the stock OR gets me most places with the right lines. I am wondering how this will effect the stock leafs in the rear, maybe I can just upgrade the rear leafs for the "camper" build out.

 

While i built mine.... my ORIGINAL plan was just to add a set of Sumo springs to the rear and call it good. You’re 100% correct in stock trim the OR is more than capable.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-install-sumosprings.447686/

Super simple and around $200 bucks. If you keep your set up “mild” for now the GFC only weighs ~200lbs. No need for anything special!!!!

 

Thanks for the feedback, I plan to add a DIY drawer system and I have a dometic 50qt fridge already. I also bought a chinese 270 degree awning. My goal is to buy mods as I need to and focus more on spending money on trips/adventures. So far my only mod is 265/75/16 Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires because the stock tires sucked, especially for the SE region obstacles.

 

I’d definitely consider helpers/ Sumo’s/ AAL/ or suspension than. You’re talking about adding considerable weight. Again doesn’t have to be fancy i think the Sumo’s add 500lbs or 1000lbs (depending on model) to capacity.

 

Awesome, I will have to look into the options. I have the V6 tow package as well, although that doesnt do anything for the leaf springs but I thought it would help keep my engine/trans in good shape and help when I get a larger battery and upgraded electrical system.