Ovrlnd Camper ideas and bs

I was originally told 10 months but I called today and it has changed to 6 months!!

I also learned that Jay is going to be off the grid for a few weeks while he goes on an awesome adventure, but he's got a great team keeping things going while he's away.

 

Let's see some more builds! I am currently trying to decide to keep my DCSB or buy a 1st Gen Tundra AC with a 6.5ft bed. Such a tough choice. Any advice is welcome!

 

V8, more bed room, more leg room
Easy choice

 

Mine is going to be done this week. With the holidays and everything I won't be able to pick it up until January. Starting to plan the drive to Flagstaff from the East Coast.

 

Yes, well I actually changed my mind and went a different route... https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/rare-toy-hauler-adventure-rig-build.228342/

I don't plan on getting rid of the Tacoma though but I decided I didn't want to put $10k+ worth of camper on a 20 year old truck.

 

Awesome camper! Well done. I love the ambulance doors. For my build I’d love to have barn doors and remove the tailgate, or maybe one door FWC Style but wider to fit my 820mm mnt bike bars.

I hear you about the old truck new camper thing. I love my ‘15 Tacoma 6spd. It’s all built to withstand weight of an Ovrlnd camper. Currently have a GFC on it but it’s a total POS in my opinion so I’m going to sell it once the hinges are fixed. But I just don’t know if I’ll ever be happy with 5ft bed for camping/building out into a livable space.


Tough decisions! I think I’m nearly sold on the 1st gen Tundra AC pending test drive. Wider/longer bed, look nicer imo than my 2nd gen Tacoma. Plus side is I can still use my wheel/tire combo.


Keep this thread going! Interested if people are building these campers out or just throwing in gear and going.

 

Can you go into detail about why you think the GFC is a POS? Is yours a V1 or V2?
I've research them a bit, but it is hard to find people that are critical of them. I like the minimalist approach, light weight, short, and tapered side for tight trails.
But I think they lack maturity. I don't like how there's no good way to leave any windows open in a rainstorm. (Many Hardshell tents have side skirts on the front awning to keep out rain from blowing in) Also, the doors/latches looks flimsy and need more reinforcing and/or redesigned.
Some negatives I've read pertain to room, such as not enough room for bedding and getting in through the floor with two people. (Negatives of having a smaller camper design)

 

GFC’s are a no-no in wet climates. You can read through the litany of people talking about how much water gets in from the sides.

 

1st gen Tundra would be pretty sweet. If you find one in good condition I would probably chose the tundra. The V8 is a plus as is the extra space. Only concern is if you want to upgrade trucks in the future maybe check to see what trucks will fit this camper. Jay could probably provide you some info. I'm pretty sure the ovrlnd camper will fit different gen tacomas, not sure about the tundra.

 

Stoked! Recieved this on Friday.
Hopefully I will be able to hammer this install soon. But it's supposed to snow, might put it off if winter starts picking up.

 

Nice! What will you do for the fuel tank?

 

I’m assuming that’s a diesel heater? What’s everyone’s thoughts on diesel vs propane?

 

I will use the trucks tank and and install a standpipe. According to heatso and my toyota dealer this is possible. I see a bunch of van conversions doing this so hopefully it will go off without too many issues.

It's a petrol heater. It's the espar b4l with auto elevation adjustment.

 

Nice. That’ll be convenient to use the truck’s tank. Does that adjustment help fight the carbon build up?

 

Yes, that is correct. I'm told petrol heaters are more prone to carbon buildup so I'm hoping that this will help.

 

Yeah, I did read about that, I think that's a version 2 issue that supposable has been fixed and has an update kit for the older V2s, at least that's what GFC said.

Here's my point about the doors. Simple isn't enough reinforcing of the doors. That door shouldn't have buckled like that from prying.



I wish there was another option other then the ones being discussed here. I think there would be a market for another light weight low profile camper. Anyway, I'm getting off topic, I just wanted to hear John's issues with them. Thanks.

 

I'm sorry to anyone that owns a GFC, I should not call them a POS. They're actually a decent value for the money and a cool company. At the time I scoffed at how much $$$ other campers were but now I understand why they cost so much more than the GFC. I will write you a PM later today about my personal pros/cons and hopefully guide your decision to buy one or not.

@Dave-rass Great point about wanting to upgrade trucks in the future. There's always the flatbed/tool box option I saw on Ovrlnd's youtube page, awesome stuff they're doing for customers.

-Also very nice heater! Definitely keep us posted on that install. I always wondered where people install the valve on the factory tank.

I PM'd you @My White Tacoma <- Also, regarding what you were saying earlier, check out https://www.topotoppers.com/ They seem to be doing some cool things.

 

Thanks for sharing topo toppers what a bad ass product and a good price point. Lead time isn’t all that bad if it’s accurate given todays volatility.

 

Bump. Any new builds? Placed an order for one and still torn on whether to keep my DCLB or go to an F150 crew cab 6.5 bed and not worry about weight. 80% sure I want to keep the Tacoma as its a way better daily driver.

What kind of MPG are you all seeing?

 

I drove to Flagstaff and got mine in January. Have done nothing to it besides wire up the third brake light. I've spent tons of nights in it getting in some good skiing, so that's nice. Will probably start working on the buildout in May with the better weather coming up.

It only weighs 275-300lbs. I have deavers, but haven't changed the stock leaf pack and they're honestly doing fine with it. MPGs are maybe .5 mpg less, but I did add some aero.

The one thing that kinda sucks is how loud it gets in windy conditions, but I can pull the headliner down and add some sound deadening.

F150 would be sick, but it's too big for some stuff I do.