Hondo Garage's New Thing

Since a lot of what we see is the bad side of communications and when people are pissed off, i thought i'd share yet again how much they stand behind their product...

The little loop where the bungee attaches to help with closure delaminated and ripped off (obviously no buenos that this happened). A few emails later though and I've been informed they will be sending over a whole new tent portion as they said they couldn't otherwise fix the issue in any other way that would be satisfactory. Thanks to Mike in their customer service department. Just a little shout out to a company that seems to always be trying to do right by their customers!

 

will have to check that out. is it on their website or where did you see it?

 

A flat head screwdriver should be plenty, or you could, you know, Pull the dot? We use them a lot in aviation survival equipment and the only issue I've encountered is when they separate and spin but that only happens when they are well used

 

Whoa. Those are cool snaps.

Just curious, but what is the orientation of the dot on the GFCs?

 

Interesting. What type of equipment? I've only messed with seatbelts, life vests, and flexible ferry tanks. Not places where there would be snaps.

 

Survival Vests, Life rafts, Ejection Seat Survival kits, Life preservers, anywhere you only want opened by deliberate action

 

Cool. Thanks!

I've always wanted to check out a life raft in a non-emergency. It is amazing what you can do with inflatable structures.

 

From Wiley long long ago

 

For the data geeks out there, here is an update on the GFC production graphs I have been keeping. The summary is that average weekly production has gone up to 7 campers per week (past 8 weeks). This is the highest consistent level of production since they started. Orders have dropped to 12 campers per week (past 8 weeks) and I would bet the price increase has had something to do with this. The quoted lead time is out to 16 months (as of the last TW posting), this is likely also dampening orders. The gap between orders and production is still pretty wide, but if they can keep the current production rate, it looks like they will be able to meet their 16 month quoted deliveries (monthly graph).

NOTES:
I have been tracking GFC production for the past year or so. The more recent data comes from the GFC leaderboard that I snapshot every Friday weekly. The early data is estimated from posts made on TW forums regarding lead times and order numbers (Yes, I reread all the messages on the thread). Obviously, the early data is not as accurate as the more recent data, but it may provide a visual insight into the production at the factory.

The weekly graph shows the estimated total orders (shifted by lead time) and the number of total units produced. The gray line is the estimated production using the average prior 8 weeks of production. Obviously this could change, increasing the number of units produces. The monthly graph shows the average (over the prior 8 wks) production and orders.

 

Well done sir

 

Curious what you guys find while we're on the topic.

I would much prefer softer foam. Don't mind sticking with the 3" thickness as I have no issue closing it, and I'm a small guy so it would take significantly softer than the stock form for bottoming out to be an issue.

 

'

You're going to be popular leading up to the GFC IPO

 

Just slightly off topic, I fully inflate my camp mattress (Exped), the let out air to adjust. Usually, I am most comfortable when my hip just barely touches down. Everything else is supported. I'm in the heavier region.

But then, I also sleep pretty well on firmer mattresses also.

 

Very true. Until somewhat recently, I was a side sleeper at home and a back sleeper when camping. For whatever reason, I now sleep back, front, and sides at home and camping. Life is strange.

Although if I set my camp pad that way for my side, it is great for front and back also.

 

Take a picture of the ones you are concerned about, I've had to play with some in tight areas and may be able to give you some advice

 

Keep an eye on the front and rear tubes. Mine are rusting, they added me to the "replacement list". I've never had but the best customer service when I can get ahold of them; which has been leagues better recently. When I first pre-ordered that was the whole fiasco and I had a lot of frustrations, but they stand by their product 10 fold!

Also, I would highly recommend completely uninstalling the GFC for that replacement. I had to clip in a few clips that arrived not clipped from the factory (by the front piano hinge) and the terrible ergonomics and tiny crevices you have to get your hands in to are a real PITA. They didn't inform me about the orientation of the clips, but I would use that to your advantage because I personally would probably sell the GFC or have them replace it before I unclip and clip the whole tent myself.

 

Do you know if they made the switch to aluminum tubes for production?

 

I assume they did, but not 100%. Usually when they send us improvements the changes have been made, or are being made, on current and future campers.

 

Who's going to Overland Expo West? There's a lot of vendors listed; I've made a list of must sees, but I'm sure I'll miss something good just wandering around. What caught your eye and what are you most curious about?

First stop: GFC; then into the maze. I'm driving a Colorado diesel so I'm interested in Icon who seem to have the most Chevy suspension systems, I've noted three solar vendors: Sunflare, Zamp Solar and Overland Solar. I'm most interested in the thin, flexible units since there's a huge weight difference; the glass/silicone units would really cut into the bikes, SUP's, etc. the gas struts could lift; CBI Off Road Fab LLC for skid plates and armor; Big Agnes to take a look at their comforter; and, of course, Dometic and ARB for something to hook to the solar (maybe even inquire about price for air lockers for the Chevy); Rigid to see if they have something I like for the tent (unless GFC is planning the eminent release of a lighting system)

 

If you are looking for Colorado stuff I highly recommend checking out PEAK Suspension. He has a ton of Colorado knowledge and will have his on display in his booth as well.