Hondo Garage's New Thing

No kidding right??? I’m well over 2000 miles from Bozeman. I’m pretty excited about it though. Graeme is clearly an Animal!!! Props to GFC for always going the “extra mile” haha. Literally.

 

I heard from Grame about 35 mins ago, yes 0300, he just pulled in to sleep for the night. He really is an animal, I know there's been a lot of praise thrown around on here but these guys really do deserve it. Do I wish my camper could have got here earlier, of course, but considering how much effort the entire GFC team is putting into this its hard to be anything but appreciative. Can't wait to see the camper, he says tomorrow pretty late 8 or 9 PM EST. I can't wait!!!!!!

 

I went no windows too. I’m hoping I made the right decision....

 

I went with the windows, for the reason of I want all the visibility I can get when I'm driving. I will have the rear window done with a film that will cut out 60% of the solar heat. Haven't found a film that does more than that, probably in a pretty light tint as well. A t-shirt and some magnets will easily solve any privacy concerns when parked.

 

I thought about that except for aluminum isn't magnetic. Only option is to velcro or build curtains into it. Then you have to remember to undo them, etc. Just seemed more of a hassle to me. Rather just leave out the windows and install a mirror camera. Cheaper than windows and solves both issues.

 

Duh. Forgot all about magnets not working, easy enough to make a curtain with some velcro strips. Plus if I'm forced inside to ride out a storm, it'll be nice to be able to look out. To me the positives outweigh the negatives.

 

No solar gain with just the front window but still can see out, have privacy, have security and get the added light.

 

would leaving your panels open during a storm be an option?

Im not sure how much water would get in but it looks like you would be mostly protected other than the 2 rear corners

 

That's cabana mode. With the continuous hinge, water will run off the ends only. The only water getting in would be from the wind, which should allow you to have at least one panel open (downwind side).

Also, with some sort of homemade hold open device, cracking the panels would work. When my GFC happens, I will make some loops of paracord to string around the struts as limiters. These won't do the job for small openings though. You'd need some sort of stick. I'd probably be pretty easy to make something that grabs the latches on the panel and braces / attaches to the frame to hold the panels open just a bit.

 

sweet! This sounds not bad at all. I can already imagine chilling in cabana mode during a storm out in the sticks!

 

Exactly! I have dreams about how much better this will be compared to a ground tent. Cabana Mode plus Couch Mode equals a great day in any weather. It brings back great memories of that one weekend in a Westy.

The sad part is that I cannot seem to get the wife or daughters excited about it. A mini RV without the hassle, size, or weight. I'm not betting that they will come around after I get one either. They want a nice sized travel trailer. A TT and a GFC would be a real nice combo, esp if it keeps the TT small.

 

Thats too funny, i have the same issue with my son and GF. Luckily, we have a large group of folks who are always willing to go out here in the austin area so there is always someone to go explore with.

 

Nice! We have friends with a TT. I know the fam would like to get out with them if we had something.

The GFC checks all my boxes, esp when solo.

 

Do you have yours yet? Ive got till december

 

I can think of a bunch of scenarios where having panels open isn't the best. It's cold and I have my heater on, windy, windy and rain or snow. Plus I like to take a look around before I open up in the morning or at night if I need to get out. Or the dog starts his low growl, it's nice to be able to see what's out there. Nope, windows it is for me.

 

Not yet. The new reservation scheme has very tempted to finally pull the trigger, but I need to make sure that the funds will slot into place.

 

True, which is why I only feel the need to put film on the rear window. Plus I like to see in both directions.

 

I'm already lamenting the loss of the side windows from my current topper. No way I'm losing the front/rear as well. Much easier to cover them than to add them later.

We've been using a popup camper I found for cheap and fixed up for family camping. We basically only use it for the mattresses, the heat and the A/C (when hooked up). The topper was my solo camping setup, but it's a PIA, particularly if anybody else is joining me, so that was my justification for the GFC.

The kids are stoked for the GFC, though. The wife claims she's not cramming in there with the rest of us. We'll see. Ideally, I'll build up the GFC and eventually get rid of the popup, but I doubt that'll happen. Ultimately, she's either gonna be in the Go Fast or a tent the next time we travel out West. My comfort radius for towing that pile doesn't extend very far beyond the VA border.

 

I haven't been bothered by no windows, expect when backing out of parking lots, or things like that. I'm pretty use to limited visibility though due to my aftermarket seat with large bolsters, and the swingout.

I'll probably add a cheap backup camera, with a screen that replaces or covers the rearview mirror, as it's now useless.

 

This is my plan as rearview is useless: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hondo-garages-new-thing.516490/page-265#post-18643668. Pretty good price imo too. Some t nuts to mount it above the 3rd brake light and you're done. Also not to mention it has night vision