Hondo Garage's New Thing

Why wasn't the XL version designed with a longer cab overhang so to take advantage of the larger overall truck? Instead the design just widens the sleeping bed. With a longer overhang there could be a space that would allow exit from above without removing a panel and disturbing your sleeping partner. It would also also allow through ventilation and heating.

 

Because doing so would require more structure, more weight, and would be less compact overall. Our design goal was to make a camper that's as small and light as possible on the truck while still allowing people who are 6' 5" tall to sleep really comfortably. There's also a diminishing return with length of the popup. As it gets longer, you can't make the pitch angle as steep without it becoming ridiculously tall. But if you make it less steep, the forward portion of the sleeping area becomes less usable because it's not tall enough. So the 90" interior length was the sweet spot for being able to sleep with your head in either direction, not being crazy tall, and remaining compact on the truck when closed.

 

I get the sense that the folks who keep worrying about disturbing their sleeping partner when removing a panel haven’t watched any of the videos and don’t understand how the panels work. It is a complete non-issue and designed such that either person can remove their panel and climb down without disturbing the other person. Honestly it seems easier to get out without disturbing the other person than getting out of a standard two person tent.

 

I didn't say that I wanted a house but just an extra 20" of overhang similar to whats offered on the short bed Taco design. Half ton trucks can easily support that and probably still look and be less burdened than Taco designs. What about the heating/ventilation circulation issue?

 

just wondering what you went from before the GFC? bare bed? cap with roof racks or no racks?

 

Thanks for the detailed explanation and not being defensive.

 

@wileydavis would you guys sell the tent portion without a bottom platform? I’d like to have rounded tubing instead of triangle.

 

I am not Wiley, but they said eventually the tent portion would sold as a rtt only. I believe it would lack entry from underneath. @DoorDing has it in the faq buried in the thread somewhere.

I am getting ready for install. Next I need to sell my OEM tonneau cover and swap rails. Keeping plastic bedrail caps but definitely going to silicon them underneath. Stock they let more water in than I would like.

 

We will be selling the upper as an RTT this summer. And when we get our production numbers up we'll be offering builder parts for the upper as well (with a panelized floor). But I am confused. Our lower frames are made from round tube. And if you mean bent tubes, I'm not sure what the advantage would be. A bent tube is always weaker than a straight tube as the bend thins the wall thickness. It also makes sealing panels to the tube frame a lot harder.

 

Super +1 on this. It would look more cohesive to the larger truck and definitely be able to give an open spot to below! This keeps me from pulling the trigger and still thinking of the competition even though I like how GFC executes much of the rest of the design aspects.

But, I do get the lightweight design and overall nature of this platform which is appealing.

 

Co

I bet it is magnetic, but you could also sew some hook and loop to a no see um mesh.

 

The GFC sweet spot is pretty well thought out, but I agree that IF I had a longer rig (Tundra for example), I'd be thinking the same thing. I put my money on them cooking up a longer one at some point. They have quite the thirsty market as it is at the moment.

TBH, if I had a bigger rig, I'd still be considering verticle pop ups like the FWC, as those trucks can handle more weight!

 

I ordered an XL and couldn’t agree more with GFC current direction. As Wiley said, it’s optimal for the 2 person use without compromising weight, size, or cost. FWC are great for what they are, but 2-3 times the weight and cost.

Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS).

 

Here is an interior photo from a different angle. The modular cushion game is strong.

 

We looked at both 4100 and 3000K and decided the warmer (3000k) was the better choice. The combination of warmth and the diffused quality of light is a really nice addition

 

I'm a huge fan of LED lighting that's always on the warmer side. it's a lot less of a stark contrast compared to a campfire. i use the oxyled high cri light bars in the habitat for downlighting.

 

The current version of the lighting kit contains 6W/ft, High Density, 3000K LED strips. The USB ports are 5V at up to 2A. Certainly not skimping on wire, using 18-22AWG for the Lighting Kit as well as the CHMSL (third brake light). Also, I appreciate your assumption that I’m an Engineer...I’m the one of the three of us that does not have an engineering degree

 

I've ordered a XL too. The thing that attracted me to the GFC is that it's usable as a pickup truck when you're not traveling and camping. I plan to construct a modular interior that can be removed so that the truck is available for truck work such as hauling lumber, dump runs, etc. without the hassle of removing the GFC and finding a place to store it. I also like the relatively streamlined foward profile with the body of the camper not hanging off the sides like the FWC. Lightweight and sleek for better MPG and handling.

 

@wileydavis Any chance a GFC will be at the Northwest Overland Rally in Plain Washington at the end of the month? Maybe even a Tacoma long bed version?

 

Ah I knew it, so you are the smart one! Just kidding guys I'm an engineer too... I enjoy it, but sometimes I really drive my wife crazy "over-doing" everything... Great info about the light though thank you Ross. I can't wait to get this thing... According to Graeme's Email Mine should be started in about a month now.

@gmacmt or @wileydavis any ideas when the "white-glove" truck is going to head EAST??? Sure would be nice to see some of these out here on the Right coast? I've altered my July 4th week off plans to stay in a tent again, but I sure would like to get this thing on while the weather is nice.

Thanks again for your response Ross.