GoFastCamper GFC Mods, Tips, and Tricks thread.

Did some fan testing on a 70F day in full sun:

• Fan on exhaust mode, everything sealed – 10+ degrees hotter than outside air, rising
• Fan on exhaust mode, panels closed but resting on closed latches to create small air gap (not driving, obv) – still hotter than outside air, but stabilizes. Delta decreases significantly when truck is facing into the sun
• Fan on exhaust mode, panels open, truck facing into sun – cooler than outside air
  

This makes me think that the fan works well, it just can’t get enough air when everything is locked down tight. It looks like GFC is no longer recommending the “dog hack” so I’m thinking of installing some kind of small vent to allow for good air movement when everything’s closed.

 

Not sure how you feel about leaving the doors open, but maybe you could rig up some mosquito netting to fit with the open panels so you have the airflow without letting all of the bugs in

 

I'm pretty comfortable leaving panels open when I'm parked, though I did rig up a paracord thing to tuck them down so all of my gear isn't on display. I'm more worried about heat for my dog while we're driving, when I can't leave the panels up.

 

which fan do you have?

 

See prev. post below – it's a low volume solar fan.

 

gotcha... didn't know if it was that smaller one or the maxfann or fantastic.

i'll have to see if i can get some temp readings this weekend with the fantastic.

 

Yeah – I imagine that you'll have more success than me, because the Fan-tastic moves so much more air. The main reason I didn't go with one of the larger 12v fans is because I need something that can run while I'm driving. There are options that can operate in motion, but the required orientation would make it relatively useless when the tent is open (especially in rain). This solar fan is designed for use on boats so it works in all different positions, and it didn't require me to run any additional electrical. There is a similar 12v style that I could replace it with if I decided I need more power.

 

Good info! I appreciate it!

 

I thought I saw quite a few 12v hardwired versions of these marine disk fans, should be the same size no?

I have had the same fan in my cart for months, when I put my SensorPush thermometer in the cab and GFC I was alarmed at at the 130° F readings I was getting last summer.

I plan on adding one of these fans (now that some others have and like them) but I was concerned about airflow too. I might put downward-facing corner vents in the front panel, so the air being pulled in is as far away as possible from the fan pulling air out.

 

Did some work on my buildout today.

 

Does anyone near Annapolis Maryland have a GFC? Would like to meet up and take close up look at one. Thanks

 

Very nice work! What material did you use for the panels in the 80/20?

 

It’s hdpe plastic.

 

I want to echo this question. I've been GFC-curious for YEARS, in fact it's part of why I was willing to give the Tacoma platform another try after loving my 4Runner. My guess is it had more to do with the height/noise than QC issues, but I would love to hear gman's reasoning.

The guy I almost bought a used GFC from seemed to indicate that he used his for storage about 100x more than he did for camping. That's what I worry would be the case with me, too, in which case a used camper shell and a nice new tent from REI would probably be a better investment. I still love GFC and have a friend who works for them, just trying to separate reality from internet hype..

 

I think most people would use it more for storage than camping. Same as I use my truck more for going to work than going camping. But I like having my truck setup to be capable of going camping and going really fast on the way there.

 

As much as I don't like being a hype monkey for products that "make it easier to camp" this honestly does. Two pins and the tent is open, and I can use the shell for whatever I need it to do. Has an integrated rack system that I can put paddle board or surf boards on top. This is what If u price it out on a new shell with your paint color, a roof rack system, along with a RTT on top, its right around the same price range maybe just a little below of a GFC. Throw the factor that it's bulkier than a GFC and you save some money on cash from gas. It's just thought for thought.

 

It's a well packaged bedrack and hard RTT, with sides. People that think they are gonna live in it are gonna have a harsh wakeup. It's not a 4WC or drifter and the price reflects that.

 

The concept is perfect from my point of view. I think @hoarder23 has a good summary above.

The early QC/design/build issues and the way they have been handled have definitely turned some people off from the product or company. Other customers bought the wrong product in the first place and expected it to be something different.

 

To each their own. I don't live in mine full time but have taken quite a few trips of 7 to 14 days no problem. Pair that with the ability to haul lumber, etc when needed and it hits a sweet spot.

 

Oh, I'd be happy in mine for a several week road trip, but I was also happy with a hammock or a ground tent for the same duration. But you couldn't use it as an apartment replacement.