Hondo Garage's New Thing

Well there you have it. Never mind an explanation. Raise your prices and plenty of people will justify your actions for you. It is super cool, I'm just one of those who can't afford it I guess.

 

I didnt get a # yet, I was told mine should begin being built in August so I can pick it up the 1st of September (at least thats the plan). I decided to pick up because shipping to the southeast is pretty expensive due to the distance and I have never been out to the NW/W so I am making a road trip of it. I had to use almost all of my vacation but I am putting money towards the experience instead of towards shipping cost. At least that is how I justified it. My current plan is to hightail to belgrade, then yellowstone, moab, and quick peak at the grand canyon before heading back East.

 

I just saw a lot of questions unanswered, so I posted. Their increase was noticed and not addressed. I come from a very conservative company who would explain our position and the need for our actions. I don't think anyone can say this was a little increase.

 

I won’t justify any thing for the GFC team. I won’t say they couldn’t get better at communication either. They are good dudes who have the fortunate opportunity of explosive growth and are managing that as they go. When I met them last weekend it’s all hands on deck for 18 hours a day 7 days a week.

But now being a fortunate owner and gone through the process with them the cost has gone up a little for a number of reasons. Steel tariffs went up I think around 40%, the process of bringing 95% of the build in house was probably a goal but became a reality very quickly. Also, very common for pre-orders to be lower than market price. Things like Kickstarter are a great example. The discounted price helps create the product and development and a more sustainable price is established after. The main competitor in Vagabond is STILL more than there raised price starting at $6500. Not speaking to quality or options, GFC is still the lowest price point for the style of product on the market.

 

A few more photos.

Feel free to ask any questions, answers hopefully becoming more detailed as we get more use and client feedback.

 

Sorry I missed this ace. The vinyl tip to tip on the bug is ~18" I will confirm tomorrow.

 

@wileydavis or @gmacmt please come visit us for a few moments and square up some things. I realize things are crazy but words from the owners would do a lot to settle some speculation.

We all understand a fluid business model, but I think a quick post or explanation is not only warranted but quite necessary in this case to help everyone understand.

Thank you again, and good luck at ExPo. We all look forward to hearing from you.

 

Spotted this thing not too far from the Baja Designs booth at Overland Expo West. Looking good, guys!
(stay tuned for better photos posted here after the event)

-Bailey, Baja Designs
www.bajadesigns.com

 

Great pics! Thanks for posting them!

 

This part, I disagree with considering what was posted by GFC early on. The pre-order discount was only free shipping for those folks. It was said that there might be a price drop down the road. I believe the time frame given was 2yrs? This is probably on the first few pages of this thread.

Edit:

Like Yota said above, it'd be great to get an idea from GFC what is up with the pricing change. Myself, it would allow me to just grab a canopy in 6mo instead of dreaming for a GFC in 12mo.

 

That is utter BS. I was budgeting for one and the price just moves it out of reality for me. You don't know me or my intentions, so it might be best to not ASS-u-me?

 

Comfortable expense and affordability are different. Money is saved a dollar at a time. Just because someone can’t justify an extra $750 doesn’t mean they can’t afford to save it.

Sorry, but you’re rolling around in $30k of truck and contemplating spending $5k more on it just to change your camping experience. It’s either priced affordably or it wasn’t in the first place. The difference in price is a set of tires, a brake job at a repair center, etc.

Sour grapes IMO.

On that note, I’ll let you guys have your thread back.

 

lol


no


no i am not. not even close. If i sold all 3 of my tacomas and got 30k for them Id be amazed i got away with robbery.

 

Hi all. As you know we’re at overland expo right now so won’t have a ton of time to respond but just to quickly address the price increase: the biggest reason is that steel and aluminum prices went up significantly between the time we launched and now . The bulk of our product cost of goods is for the steel and aluminum, so in order to make sure our business stays healthy and has the resources to develop our planned product line, an increase was needed.

 

Not you. The guy with the third gen.

Someone like you I’d have more merit with the argument of pricing. But not someone who can’t afford $750 cash but can afford $30k of truck and $5k of overland camper toy.

 

Well stated. No arguments there. Nice to hear first hand and learn about the load and hours it puts on everyone. Communication would help and undoubtably will follow. Thanks

 

How difficult is it to remove the front, rear and side panels? I have a dog.

 

I believe the front panel is just dzus fasteners, so it should be very easy to remove. The sides and rear have full piano hinges, so I don't believe they are "easy".

 

I've been following this thread since the beginning and have a few questions.
1) there was talk in the beginning of a cushion foam upgrade. This might be something I'd consider upon purchase but unlikely to do after the fact. Also, fitted sheets still in the works?

2) seem to remember something about weld nuts on the inside of the frame. Haven't seen any mention of them from anyone who has already gotten theirs. Was wondering if there would be a way to mount a Rotopax to the frame possibly on the front near the cab so as not to interfere with any side access.

3) finally anything happening on the ability to lock the tent in the closed position?

Ok back to patiently waiting, figure I'm still about a month or two away from getting mine.