Hondo Garage's New Thing

I have two kids and a GFC, parents sleep up top and the kids sleep down below - works great. The benefit of the wedge for strength in the wind is important where I camp - the habitat is a full tent up high and I didn't go that route for wind, money, weight, strength reasons. Side doors open on the GFC and the transform-a-floor also make the design perfect for my needs.

 

Yeah man, the devastation is insane up there. They're in the process of having their lot cleared and it's the same for many of the lots around the area. Definitely will! Would be happy to have you take a look, climb around, etc.

 

I don't work in manufacturing but aren't assembly line robotics extremely expensive? And isn't this a limited market? 400 order is...nothing. To be honest, I have some interest in this product, but don't have a year to wait so I may move on because of that, but I am but a tiny fraction of the small fraction of people who want a $6k tent on the back of their truck.

 

You should see what they are using. They are very much in depth with robotics and automation. You have to remember, for manufacturing, ergonomics is the highest reason to add automation and robotics simplifies this process. I believe they have a CNC 5 axis with a robot for the machined components, CNC Mandrel Tube cutter and a CNC tent fabric cutter. I'm sure there is more, or more to come.

 

@Tacovore What's your set up for a sleeping space for the kids while also carrying camping gear, etc.? I went with the GFC for exactly the same reasons--ability to take a family of four without losing off-road capability (and not moving to a Sportsmobile setup). I have plans to build a sleeping platform with storage underneath, but I'm interested to see your approach. Thanks in advance.

 

second

 

@tjhaugh I just got my GFC last week, but camped out in the driveway this weekend and it was solid. Some of the following is what we just did and the other parts below are how I plan to use it on a real trip. We're headed down Baja for the Thanksgiving week and I'll share some photos and comments on how it works for a small family like ours, once we get back:

We try to go simple and light, but with four people weight is an issue. As I mentioned, my wife and I slept up top and we made the back of the truck the kids bed, we will put a lot of boards on the roof, clothes and some other stuff (food) in the back seat of the truck once we arrive, stove, etc. on a table next to the truck, things that can get dirty/stay out at night go next to/under the truck (extra gas, cooler, tools, firewood, etc). During the day I roll all the kids bedding up against the cab and that makes a nice back rest for reading or hanging out in the GFC, also opens up some space for changing clothes or putting on a wetsuit standing up in the GFC (love this).

In reading the thread I was thinking I'd want to sleep with my head towards the back of the truck, but once I got in and tried both, I really liked my head towards the front. Having the little side windows near the front was great for looking out and some fresh air.

I also got a side door on the tent section of my camper ($350) and I got this so I can get out of the top at night without stepping on the kids below. It also makes the view up top even more amazing. Closing the GFC with the extra material from the side door was tight at first, but its been working well.

On a side note, the number of people that ask about the "thing on my truck" or the people that already know about GFC is amazing AND this without having even been to a camping location with people really interested in camping. When I actually go camping I'm wondering if I'll have to rope off my camp site and post set times for GFC tours to manage the inquiries!

 

I don't see the problem of doing a $500 down now and waiting a year. All the more time to save up the 6 grand!

 

Spent a few nights on one of my favorite rivers. Really love this thing. The opening side panels really are amazing.

 

First off...I love this forum and the ideas etc that everyone shares. My delivery isn't till May but I too have kids and they are already calling "dibs" on the top bunk as they call it.
So Iv'e already been ordering and thinking about set up. @Tacovore- Look forward to hearing about your Baja trip and what works best. As a surfer I am planning for top box and surfboards on the rack. Once to a destination I'll set up my ARB2500 and unload most into that tent/room. From there I really like what FlyNorth has set up as it can pull out and make a table etc. Not to mention the lighting he's come up with. And I don't even have my camper yet. Like the thought process about the side opening on tent too as to not step on the kids...or get stepped on....I just keep printing screenshots of everyones setups in anticipation of putting my rig together in the spring!

 

Cabana mode is a headline feature.

 

Had California Wraps in Carlsbad tint my back window, 20% ceramic. Gives the window some privacy.

 

As long as the bugs aren’t out.

 

They're not much of a problem down in this area, but are getting worse. For the past 20yr+, I could count on one hand the number of bugs that hit my windshield in a year. This past year, with warmer temps, many!

The folks that posted net mods early on made it look easy enough?

 

That’s a project I plan to undertake before next spring when I’ll start camping again.

 

Is the interior pic before or after tint? Looks too light to be after tint? Looks great from the exterior!

 

I'm interested in the family set-up as well, but we have three so trying to decide between this and a trailer/teardrop combo or a SMB/sprinter buildout (potentially with RTT). Our timeline wouldn't be until summer 2020, so I've got a ways to go, but I'm checking this thread 4x a day anyways...

 

Two in the bed, one in the back seat? Or, kids up top and parents below? I'm assuming a LB.

 

Interior is after, still good visablilty.

 

That's Impressive! I think I will be doing the same.