Hondo Garage's New Thing

Order # 189 places 30 minutes ago. It's going to be a long, painful wait.

 

Sadly they don’t make a longbed bedside rail cap replacement. I’m not sure if anyone does. I wonder if I took off the factory plastic caps and laid down some rubber type material, if that would work. I’m sure I can find something.

I’m guessing his has been discussed earlier in this thread? Gonna try to search a little and see what I come up with

 

There is some question as to whether or not there's enough clearance for the antenna on a third gen with lower profile bed rails. I haven't seen a definitive answer, but I may have missed it.

 

It was said that GFC might make some.

It sounds like the caps on the 2nd Gen were pretty thick. The 3rd Gen caps are thinner. A metal cap would not be significantly thinner than the plastic ones.

 

The splash zone.

 

I have the factory bed rails and no problem with any leaksl. The bulb seal GFC uses is very thick and pliable so once the rail attachments are cranked down tight, there is little chance of a leak. I've been through two major downpours while on the interstate and not a drop...

 

Oh no doubt, Just that a smooth surface will always seal better

 

wow....just went to their site...expecting $5,000 or less since they are in production now....but instead saw $5250 then windows at 250, lights for 325.....pretty expensive.....alos it is a pretty permanent mount and difficult to put on and take off.....The Tepui is very similar and around $1500.....or did I miss something

 

Quicker setup, storage of a truck cap, lighter that RTT and cap combined, etc. But might not be for everyone.

 

what is the weight?......

 

240-260 for Tacoma I think. Better question for those that have received them or @gmacmt or @wileydavis

 

thanks....that weight is about 125lbs more then the Tepui....but i get it....i agree less set up time, but for a weekender or 3-5 days get-aways, could be over kill and very expensive...but you correct, might not be for everyone.....I camp now with my BMW gs motorcycle.....as I get older, I plan on using my truck and want something easy to set up and use but not break the bank....thanks for your help

 

One other thing is that from what I’ve seen online and comments from those that are lucky to have them now, the quality and durability of the GFC is likely significantly better than a RTT. Another benefit is it was designed so owner could replace items if needed as it’s kind of modular.

 

You missed something. The rough equivalent Tepui, the hard top version is 4K not $1500. There's no entry from the bed. It's smaller, looks less refined and not as well built. It doesn't include the whole camper shell. It appears to be fiberglass not aluminum/composite, I could go on. Go back and do some more research and all the differences will be clear. The hard shell Tepui is not even close. It really is just a roof top tent. The GFC is in another league.

 

Just installed, its definitely ~1" lower, but I did it primarily for strength and a tighter weather seal. Mind that you may have to mod the shark fin for these to fit on 2nd gens.

I have a 2012, and with an RTT for those years, the plastic caps had worked through paint where the cross bars were exposing a little rust. Although very little, some rustoleum, some silicone, and now the kbvoodo steel caps are flush and 10x as strong.

 

Tepui and most other RTTs are mass produced in China. GFC machines, produces and hand builds each one of these in Montana. I had an ARB RTT mounted on bed bars and for only about 50lbs more weight I have a far better and higher quality setup.

 

i’m being won over...keep it up guys....

 

You also get bed protection for all your expensive gear or whatever you haul in the bed. Its also lockable. Price a hardshell and a bed cap that can handle the weight and offroad abuse and your in the $3500-$4500 range, assuming you buy new and get one of those $1800-$2000 hardshells in a group buy. Then remember you cant use the bed as a "room" when its raining, set up will be quick but breakdown takes more time, and its not as strong as well built and no where near being built in america (if you care). To me its not that big a jump to go to the GFC. I already have hardshell and I was looking at some of the really cool bed rack/cap options (@Dissent86 builds) and I was still going to be a few thousand deep and not have the same features not to mention a soft shell that high up is horrible on mpg. Thats how I justified it. With my work schedule I only get one weekend off a month (granted 4 days and I have 3 weeks of paid vac) so I will be using my GFC 10-12 times a year, mostly 2-5 day trips maybe 1 big 10 day trip, and it still seemed worth it to me.

 

Nice pics!
Any photos of those brackets and sheets?

 

@wileydavis (or any 3rd gen GFC owners) do you have the stock bedrail caps on your truck? I know kbvoodoo doesn't have their bedrail caps for longbeds, but was curious if there was such an option if it would affect the sharkfin at all. Any chance on a measurement from fin to bottom of GFC with how it sits stock?