Hondo Garage's New Thing

I knew it was a TW Taco! Can’t wait to get mine... it’s going to be a while.

 

What do you think of the new snorkel from Toyota? Having fun flying the drone around the shop.

 

Not a fan of the snorkel but I'm loving all the donuts that you guys have been doing in the snow!!

 

I managed a last minute split board session today after work and look what I found at the trailhead:

Black/White - Mine
Grey/Grey - Owner Unknown

I didn't have time to wait to meet the owner. Had to go fast.

Get it...

 

oh shoot we selling spots now?! who wants spot #287 for $1,000!?!?! Lol

 

I’m selling spot 397 which is an October build date. So it’s around 100 sooner than if you ordered it today. Just trying to get my preorder money back out of it.

 

Did you get a spot with an earlier build date or did you change your mind?

 

Got an earlier spot. October is our anniversary and when we do our biggest trips. We did a two week 4400 mile trip this year (link). The GFC would have been delivered in the middle of that so earlier definitely worked out better.

 

I may actually be letting my spot #287 (build in May) go to switch to a Vagabond. Love both campers but the other party suites my wants better. No commitment made yet to the decision, but if anyone is interested, PM me. Spending a few hours today doing the numbers.

EDIT: the spot is no longer available! sorry for those who have DM’d me. I’ve had almost 17 DM’s...I am keeping the spot in line!

 

I haven’t. I don’t have a new leaf pack yet. I called King and they told me to measure the difference with them disconnected at full droop and let them know and they could make/rebuild mine to make them fit. I’d like to get it all done at once but I’m not sure if that’s possible to get things done correctly.

What Icons are you running?

 

Ah, got it, thanks. I'm running the VS series 2.0 aluminum shocks in the rear. The fronts are extended travel 2.5's with reservoirs (non CDCV). I was hoping Icon made a longer rear shock, but I've looked at the Omega series and the standard 2.5's, and neither look to be longer than ~1/2".

If that's the case and Icon doesn't make anything that will work, I'll likely be swapping to King's and going the Archive Garage 12-14" shock mount route.

 

I know this thread is for gfc but do you mind sharing why Vagabond suits your wants better? I was just looking at the Vagabond website, looks like a good product.

I am build #361. I would love to take your place in line but fear I could not sell my own spot.

 

Yeah that makes sense. Wish I had put in a deposit earlier to have it for my all my trips this year. My date is December haha

 

I love to travel and do a good bit, but I also love to feel at home. I'm going to be gone for nearly 3 months this summer traveling, and there really are some necessities I must have.

Pros:

1. A fan option. It's hot as all balls in CA in summer. I want a fan. This also plays a huge role with condensation - turn on the fan after a cold night and dry out your tent. GFC does not have this option.

2. Easier to insulate is a HUGE plus.

3. No panel moving. I love the GFC design, but the panel moving is something I could foresee getting annoyed about. It's not hard, but I think the Vagabond being longer was a 10x smarter idea as you can still exit the shell or go to your truck bed without waking up the person next to you. Also, the ability to see my dog from up top is nice. I like roominess. You can also have a Mr. Buddy running below you. I don't understand how that would work when you have all panels in place in a GFC and the heater is on the truck bed.

4. Location - This is 450 miles for me to drive to get it vs. 1200.

5. Turn around time - If I order a Vagabond right now, I would get it nearly the same time as the GFC.

6. Translucent top is cool on the GFC, but I wonder how that's going to do after years of sun beating down on it. Hasn't been out long enough to know really. Also if it sheds any light inside the camper, I wont be able to sleep. Need pitch darkness.

7. Vagabond can be wrapped, painted, plastidipped, etc. No texture finished. I change colors up a lot and being able to wrap the thing vs. sticking to one color is a minor plus for me.

8. More of a "camper" design feeling. It truly feels more like a camper as I've seen and been in both.

9. Build quality - both are built well, no complaint. I remember reading that GFC stated theirs is the strongest. But seeing a rolled over truck with a Vagabond on it, and the shell being fine was a huge + for me.

10. Drill to install. No extrusion stuff. Even though that's a cool idea, I'd rather just be able to bolt something up without spending money for the brackets or something.

11. No moving of the camper shell top bs that everyone's been posting about. The Vagabond opens and closes normally. Lid lines up.

12. The multiple window zipper options. From the mesh to clear screen to tent vinyl, this is something awesome. I love the clear screen idea.

Cons:

1. Heavier. But this really doesn't matter to me. My truck already weighs in at 3 tons. 100+/- difference is nothing.

2. Expense. It is most definitely more expensive.

3. 2" smaller footprint sleeping. I'm pretty small at nearly 4% body fat, 140 lbs, and 5'10...so this doesn't really impact me. My girlfriend is also small and we marked out 48" and tested it against 50" and there was 0 difference.

That's it for the con list for me.

Again, this is all personal preference and my opinion. I do think the Vagabond has it's drawbacks being 2" slimmer for the bed footprint, but that's something I'm willing to give up. Please don't start some argue war with me over my opinion as I've seen happen here. I know there's some diehard GFC fans on this page lol. I'm stating opinions and some facts so those who may not have done as much research have a better understanding of both companies. I truly do think if you want to huck your truck, beat it all day, then go sleep in the camper shell to do it all again tomorrow - a GFC is a better option and that is exactly what they market themselves as.

To note: I'm making a camper purchase once, and that's what I'm sticking with. I don't want to buy a GFC to be less than impressed with it. There are already multiple people who sold their GFC due to the fact it just is not big enough or suites their needs. Still haven't heard of someone selling their Vagabond. I do think there is a HUGE hype for GFC and at the price, it does win for the best camper shell + tent combo.

I'm going to copy and paste what @Hodakaguy said in his thread as I see so many valid points:

"Now some background on our decision to purchase the drifter. Originally we planned on purchasing the GoFast camper and while camping at last years Northwest Overland Rally we were able to check it out in person along with several other brands. The GFC construction looked really good and finish work was top notch. Canvas material is similar to what we had on our Four Wheel Camper and it’s proven to be super waterproof. We live in the desert and the camper will be outside 365..the sun here tears things up fast. We were both concerned about how well the composite roof will hold up over time to intense sun we see here. We were also not huge fans of light coming in through the composite translucent top, when I sleep I like it dark and the inside of the camper glowing could be a issue. Guess one could always make an internal light cover for the top. We also didn’t care for the short overhang and the need to move bedding every time you want to enter the bed, you also need to mess with bedding if one wants to stand up and get dressed. If you want to open up the whole interior space you need to do something with all the cushions which I see as a pain. The tubular framework of the GFC relies on a large number of seals to keep water and dust out, this seems like it could be problematic over time. The tubular framework also makes it difficult to install decent size side windows and harder to insulate. Overall it was a nice camper but we were glad we could check it out in person before we ordered one, it just wasn't a great fit for us.

After checking out the GFC we walked over to check out the AT and Vagabond units. We both really liked the Vagabond unit a lot, the construction is top notch and we both preferred the solid aluminum structure, this camper is rock solid! We loved the insulated HD one piece aluminum roof (1/8") and solid sides (No seals against tubing), will make dust proofing the camper an easier task. The drifter has similar canvas material to the FWC as well which again we have found to be bullet proof in rain. The tent is roomier than the GFC and the larger side windows are nice. We liked the longer extension over the cab and the ability to have a standing space with the bed deployed, no need to mess with bed panels. We also liked the side windows in the Drifter and they offer several options to choose from, we like the Windoors as they allow easy access to the interior of the camper and give a view through the camper while driving. Without the tubular frame of the GoFast insulating the interior will be far easier. When standing in the camper you can slide the bed all the way forward and have the entire interior area open to stand in, the mattress and supports are all stored in the cab over area leaving the entire bed space open....Nice! This will be great when hiding out in the camper when waiting out weather. The top utilizes hidden lift struts which is a also a nice touch, overall a very well thought out package!"

 

FYI, I'm aware of one Vagabond sale, and their reason was that they were living in it full-time, and just decided to step up to a full-size rig with 8 ft bed.

 

@SoCalTacoTruck it all depends on what your plans are. If you want a camper build get a Drifter, if you want a truck get a GFC. If your truck already weighs 6000lbs you might want to put it on a diet before adding another 500lbs of camper and kit though.

 

I already know what I want - I was just providing reasons for the person who asked.

And with 35's (going to 37's), bumpers, full skids, sliders, etc...weight adds up real fast!

 

Sounds like a supercharger needs to be in your future as well.

 

@SoCalTacoTruck
Wow, you put a lot of time into that post. Just waiting for an opportune time to use it, eh? Only 10X smarter idea having it longer? Hmm.....Why not 20X? You should've bought a larger truck.

 

Was curious after that last discussion, so finally went to look at my extrusion, and it looks pretty well centered.



I've always closed mine with all the panels in as well and never had an issue.