*RIP* Bijan's #EXPOASF Long Travel Build

Yup just caught up on Hondos Garage about that. I'm almost never in rain (you know how So Cal is) and don't think that's an issue.

Although, I would like for it to be fixed by the time mine would be ready so I don't have that issue.

That is a good idea - The difference with the Flippac is it has a "hammock" over the bed, so anyone under 180lbs can lay there. Practically can sleep 4 just up top.

I'll make up my mind soon enough, lol. I don't like the water leaking thing though - If I'm paying $5000+ for something, I would hope it's fully sealed up as long as I took the time to do my part.

 

I’m going to go ahead and add to this convo that you have to justify the purchase of whatever it is you’re buying. I mean if you want to spend 6k on a GFC, that’s rad, but how often are you going to use it to justify the purchase? Once a month? Twice a year? How many days at a time will you use it so you’re getting your money’s worth.

I’m just saying the 3k is a fair amount of money that could be used for other mods to your truck or anything else you enjoy. Maybe some of those other mods will be more beneficial or used more often in the long run.

Not trying to insult anyone over their purchase, by all means you do you, but sometimes we get caught up so much in the high speed stuff that we forget what should be prioritized. With that said, I have no idea the answers to these questions in both of your specific situations, they were more rhetorical for your own pondering.

 

Just got back to your text about it ​

 

Love your build dude. As a fellow silver DCLB i often find myself drooling on my keyboard at the progress haha gotta start saving my pennies and get on your level

 

That’s all great input. I don’t think I’ll be wheeling my truck very hard. Suspension mods and armor aren’t on my radar at the moment. Most of the wheeling that I will do will be to get to some nice camping spots. I figure if I stay in my GFC for at least 100 nights, I’m paying $65 per night. I think that’s good investment from my perspective. The camping I’m used to is packing a ground tent in the trunk of my Honda Accord and heading out for 2-3 days. It may take me 3 years to get to 100 nights out of the GFC, but I’m sure it will last for many years to come after my personal goal of 100 nights is reached.

I have considered the bed rack/RTT route and I feel as though an RTT won’t age as well as the GFC will. That may be unfounded opinion though, I don’t like RTTs to begin with though. I also want to make a bed slide for my mountain bike which can only fit under a tall rack or topper/GFC.

I could be convinced to go with another option, but I’m having trouble finding something with the same profile as the GFC other than a Vagabond which is more expensive.

I was actually on the fence about getting a Honda Element with E-camper (wedge style camper) on top. I think that helps explain my intended use. Nothing very extreme when it comes to offroading. I went with the Tacoma because of newer safety/technology, great reliability, and more ground clearance/4x4. So now I can get into places I couldn’t get to with a Honda Element.

 

Very true.

I think the biggest difference I’m looking at is how a Flippac is more considered as a “home” where you can build out the shell well, while a GFC is considered a RTT + camper combo. I find myself always hanging out in my shell at the beach for hours in free time and that’s what is persuading me. Friends are always hanging out too.

Also not to mention...look at how many damn windows it has haha

 

Thanks man! I really try and buy only used parts to help keep costs down. It’s been a super fun build and times I’ve had with the truck so far!

You gotta start a build thread!!

 

I'm really digging this design. Glad we talked you out of selling this thing for that DCSB last month. sub a dub dub to this thread!

 

Once i get a few more things done i might just for keeping my memory straight on when i got stuff done haha just subbed to your youtube too man! excited to see the GFC once it gets installed

 

Have you been in a truck with a gfc? Granted i have a short bed so i know thats a foot difference. But at expo east i got to see all the new camper designs first hand. I was tempted to pull the trigger on the gfc before the expo. Since seeing them in person i would definitely not purchase one. The only shell/camper that made sense to me is at habitat. ( same concept as flippac). The space is just amazing for those setups. And the space in a gfc or other wedge styles is just non existent. Also the gfc lacked quality to me comparing to the at habitat. Yes i do understand the base price is 3000 less. But you get pretty close to the habitat price by the time you add the “needed” upgrades to the gfc. No offense to anyone going that route. If that setup works for you thats awesome. Just definitely wouldnt work for me. Id rather have a standard rtt ontop of a slightly taller then cab height aluminum shell. To the OP if i came across a short bed flip pac on east coast then id be all over it. From the way you talk I truly dont think you will be happy with the limited space of the gfc. Just like the recent guy that built out the vegabond tacoma and ended up selling it due to space.

 

I think you misunderstood my point. I am not trying to convince you to go one way or another. Your build is yours and you should build it in a way that best fits your purpose. We all have different goals in having/building our trucks so I can't say what works for me will work for ou and visa versa.

I personally am interested in the numbers to see if I can justify the purchase. You’ve done that and you’re happy with the result but using your same logic, if your goal is 100 nights over 3 years you’d have to spend roughly every 11 nights sleeping in your truck, for 3 years. Obviously, this is basic math and doesn’t account for multiple night trips, etc. Point being you’d have to camp out a rounded 2x a month for 3 years to reach a $65 per night value.

Again, if you see yourself sleeping in your truck that often then great! However, most people will not.

 

I did actually get to see a few in person and liked them a lot - But the more I started seeing how small it is and how it doesn't fit my overall "build" and lifestyle, the more turned off I have been getting. The GFC is a great platform, but it fits a certain type of person. I'm the type to want to take trendy-ass star pictures with the FlipPac open or sit by the beach with all the windows unzipped. I don't drive at a ridiculous rate of speed over dirt or beat my truck to death (minus a few trails that hurt).

I am 99.9% set on the Flippac decision right now. I get to see it this Friday and have first dibs on it (as long as the guy doesn't go behind my back).

 

Thank you man! I'm currently in the Flippac vs. GFC debate

 

Thank you! The truck is actually getting fully wrapped right now haha, then something different will be coming after!

 

To me, anything over $30 a night is too much haha. For $65, I can get a motel 6 room...and maybe an std from it

 

You my friend, are on my level.

 

Just opening up some discussion. I value your opinion more than most strangers on the internet lol. You have more wheeling and camping under your belt than me for sure.

11 nights per year is definitely a lofty goal. Typically when I camp is for at least two nights. And the GFC may last me 5 years which changes the finances quite a bit. Let's talk more at the brewery meet. I may be able to make it this week.

 

I agree with you. I think the clam shell/cap is a cool design and is awesome if that works for some people. I just dont see it working for me either. I really like the bigger space of other options. Either way they are all pretty awesome campers.

 

The only things I really like are the fact you can mount an awning and roof racks to the GFC. I’m always transporting surfboards and it’d be hard putting it on the Flippac as if I installed racks, they’d need to be removed everytime I opened it

 

Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. I have experience with my setup and I’ve seen a few others but application is the make or break at the end of the day.

For sure the length of time you intend to keep your setup will alter the numbers we’ve discussed. 5 years is a pretty long term commitment though.

I’ll be at the meetup this week for sure. I’m kind of obligated to be.