Hondo Garage's New Thing

There are (at least) 2 solutions on TW if you have a 3rd gen. I just hit a switch and I activate my backup camera. It was a well spent 100 bucks.

The only problem is backing up a trailer. It’s mostly my ego. I grew up in farm country, being able to back up a trailer is a matter of pride. Trying to do it with a camera has a learning curve...

 

I can easily add on a switch or better yet I can get a camera package that hooks up to my head unit and display mirror cameras, rear and front cameras. The point of this solution is you can fiddle with your apple carplay/music etc and see out back. On top of that if you have no windows the rear view is useless, so why not utilize the space. And better yet, if you have a swingout your backup camera is useless as well. This solves my future and current additions while making use of the useless mirror.

 

This has Apple play? Looks like a camera and monitor to me. Not being a dick. I really hope I’m missing something. If so I may have to buy it.

 

No this doesn’t lol. Mine does. I don’t own a Tacoma. I use my headunit pretty often so having it used for a camera means I can’t touch anything else. This way I can do both. Would be useful on any platform without windows realistically.

 

We’ll understood. And thanks for the clarification.

I find that it’s not that big a deal (Midwest talk right there) to only see the camera when I’m checking things. If I need to turn off the radio I just hit the button.

I don’t find myself checking my GPS. Trying to make a call, and change radio stations while I’m backing up a trailer.

It is a nice add on for sure.

 

Maybe that’s where the misconception lies. I’m planning on using it as a rear view replacement. It’d be on 100% of the time I’m driving. Whereas with a headunit one I’d have to switch to the rear to see. I’m fine with side mirrors but this enhances visibility so why not.

 

I get so much dust in through my tailgate! Has anyone thought about a way to improvise a positive pressure system similar to what the Aussies do?

 

Upgrading my suspension with ADS coilovers and OME Dakars. I plan on running the CGF full time and I probably carry about 150lbs of recovery gear and spare fuel. Would you guys go for medium duty Dakars or heavy duty?

 

Good catch. Sorry abut that. I have steel sliders, which are 150lbs combined, and a full set of aluminum skids, which are 77lbs. I am not trying to account for camping gear.

 

I also have ADS on the way and I went with the HD Dakars since its my DD and I will carry the GFC all the time since I dont have a garage to store it in or a way to install/uninstall for trips. I carry ~250-300lbs when going on trips, purely an estimate. 4 wolfpacks, 7-10 gallons of water, dometic fridge, and chairs and what nots. I am currently stock but plan to add armor down the road. I went with 700# springs up front on the coil overs. Dont forget you can remove/add leafs to the dakars so if you instal the Heavy duty version and dont like it or its too stiff you can remove (the 3rd leaf i think) to make it better suited to your ride.

 

I got the light duty dakars for my 2nd gen access cab, and they barely leveled the truck with the TRD Pro front suspension kit (so < 2" of lift in the front). Only weight I have remotely near the rear is my sliders and KB Voodoo bed rails and tailgate cap.

I just added a leaf to each pack (that I originally took out of a 1st gen Dakar pack) in preparation for installing my GFC.

Point being if I did it over again I would have ordered the heavy duty pack and removed a leaf or two if it was too tall, and then could add one back if the pack settles over time.

 

I was in the same situation. No matter which way you go, it can be adjusted later by adding a leaf to make the medium a heavy, or pulling leafs.

I went with a medium Dakar pack. I have not done a fully loaded weeklong trip yet. For daily driving and short trips it is fine.

 

Guys I'm still looking at a November date to get my GFC but... need opinions about getting Bedslide platform for my short bed for easy loading and access to travel gear.

What do you think? Is it too narrow to be practical specially when being inside ? Any firsthand experience?

 

I also removed my my top overload - so that did lower me a smidge right off the bat. Are you at stock height in the front?

 

Ok, I'll be the first to admit I was pretty tired of all the guys that already HAVE their GFC's posting about how it's worth the wait, and how great Graeme is installing it, ext ext ext... All I could think was well yeah, easy for you to say right you have yours...

Fast forward to tonight just after 9PM EST. Graeme and his lovely wife rolled into my driveway with the GFC Tundra and 5 campers on board. Both Graeme and his wife are absolutely wonderful people, so easy to talk to and fun. My parents happened to be in town for the weekend and they treated them with respect answered questions and took time to show them things and talk about some camping experiences (my folks traveled the country for about 18 months after retirement).

Long story short, it is absolutely 1000% worth the price and the wait. Graeme was absolutely awesome, he took all the time he needed to do the install 100%, taking the time to adjust the seals and how the camper was centered a couple times before committing to the final location. Everything about the install was 100% professional and honestly A LOT OF FUN.

My wife, mother, and his wife seemed to have a lovely time together talking and swapping stories.

Graeme busted his butt to get it buttoned up right by 11 when I had to leave for work. Honestly didn't take many pictures because it was very dark (until we pulled into my garage) and we were working with a purpose but here are a couple shots of the GFC.

1st one is Graeme doing his thing inside the bed tightening down all the bolts, second is my GFC at work. Sorry for the picture quality as obviously its late and dark. More pics to follow tomorrow!!!

 

Ohh the satisfaction you must feel! How do you like it? More pics and details on usability will help us all.

Congratulations!

 

Awesome, that is a massive ceiling in that garage. Nice to see it installed on another MGM. Dont forget to change your sig to "Home of GFC #41"

 

I'll follow up tomorrow when I actually have time to put my hands on it and see it in the light, but again like EVERYONE keeps saying it's honestly even better than you can imagine, it's just so well made the quality is amazing, there is no question it fights way above it's weight class. I couldn't be happier, and like I said I've been waiting patiently (and not so patiently at times) since February. It was worth it...

 

Yes, I've got 13 ft ceilings and two 12x12 doors, garage space is one thing I've got... Good call on the change of signature.... I'll admit I'm still a little jealous of your trip, I would have loved to have made the drive out there with you. Graeme has a lot of cool things to say about Bozeman...

 

I am hoping they can point me to some places to check out but I fear there may be very cold. Due to my wife going back to college we decided to move the trip so she could go, its gonna be the end of November now, still super excited though.

And trust me, I am jealous you have your GFC already. Hopefully I make it to overland expo east and can see it in person.