Hondo Garage's New Thing

Interested in the floor plate system. Plans?

 

Thanks! I'll have to rip out my trim and work something out like you did. The only thing I'd do differently is add a solid panel in the rear, since I have a USB outlet with switched power for my Dometic fridge mounted there.

 

No plans, just winged it. Looked at the GG model and knew I could do it for WAY LESS $$$. It's basically 5" Plywood, doubled up by the tailgate to account for the ribs' dropoff. Notched out for bed bolts/wheel wells. Shiellac on both sides, Supper 77 and outdoor carpet. Some t-nuts to bolt tool box down and add footman loops for fridge. Plate weighs about 40lbs.

So much better than the naked ribs when in Cabana Mode. I understand the purpose of the ribs, but this should be an OEM accessory in my book. Flat, even, sturdy surfaces kinda take the "wild" out of camping. But who am I kidding, we sleep in a GFC! Which is built better than than the Apollo Command Module, no joke!

I can take some pics of the underside when I get some gear out for ya.... kinda loaded at the moment.

 

Pics would be much appreciated. I’m assuming you meant 5/8ths. Do you think 1/2” would be strong enough? Weight would come in significantly less.

 

Curious as well, I haven’t even looked at a cooler since installing my ARB... though I’ll admit I like a cooler full of beer/ ice, there’s just something about that... besides that a fridge is better in every single way and in general uses much less space.

 

Super budget Amazon special lighting kit complete with remote control dimmer was a great success. Was going to double the amount of LEDs, but they're not needed. Might add some to the panels to light up the campsite when they're open.

 

Just whatever LED tape I found on Amazon.

LEDMO SMD5630 LED Strip, 16.4Ft, 300LEDs Warm White 3000K, DC12V Waterproof IP65, 25LM/LED, 2 times brightness than SMD5050 LED Light Strip, LED Strip Light

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01339F5ZO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I specifically didn't get the RGB as I very much prefer the lower kelvin temperature lights, but I do see the benefit if you're dealing with lots of bugs.

 

Awning is all done being mounted. I went with a 2.5M ARB awning off the drivers side with 3 GFC brackets. As previously mentioned I decided to over think things and find specific values to torque the awning bracketsto my truck. Decided on 20 in/lbs, for the awning side i went with 12 M6-20mm stainless bolts with lock washers and locknuts.... because why not. I also loctite’ed all the GFC T-nuts with “blue” medium strength thread lock.

I’m super happy with the mount it’s rock solid. I can shake the whole truck with just the awning. The only thing not perfect is the center bracket i used it biased toward the back due to the gas strut on the GFC blocking a portion of the extrusion.

I used a wheeler “fat wrench” to set the torque. In my opinion the 2500 awning fits PERFECT. No distance shot because it was pouring outside so I did all the work in my garage but it fits almost exactly.

 

I have been looking at those gunsmithing screwdrivers for years. Great little tools.

 

That bitch is huge hahahaha.

 

Are these lights in reaplce of the GFC kit? As in you didn’t order their lighting system but used these instead.

 

Indeed i do. Got the new “deluxe” room (been out a few years now) it’s kinda all in one it’s got a floor/ screens/ and panels. Hopefully it makes for a lot more living space in bad or buggy weather. Couple days and I’ll be trying it out.

 

Correct. Probably not as nice as the GFC kit, but for like $30 and a little bit of my time, I'm pretty happy.

 

If I had a Nickel for everytime I’ve heard that.

Hahaha, seriously though it is massive. But quite literally almost the exact length of the GFC platform. It fits perfect. I was gonna go with the 2000, but who’s ever said “man I’ve got way too much space”. Cost was within $20. It seems super well made for the price. I bought mine from Bomber Products and they shipped for free it was about $260.

 

I have been thinking about doing my own lights too. Saves me enough money to buy an awning or fridge slide.

Speaking of fridges...I just ordered this Costway 12v. Figure that since there are such great reviews, I should give it a shot. I’ve been watching the prics increase almost daily.

 

$260 for the arb 2500?

 

I lied, just looked up my order confirmation and it was $289 shipped no tax. It was still better than I found anywhere else.

 

I believe they’re all the same thing...just different branding

 

Thats still super good. I’m going to hope they do a black friday sale of some sort since I still have 7 more months till my pickup time haha

 

The prices are going to continue to jump. I bought it for $379 yezyedxay from costways website and it already jumped $10