Why not just GFC?

I might be a little out of touch here, but I've been wondering this for a while:

Why not just get a GFC? (vs. Packout, AT Overland, etc..)

Disclaimer, I camp/operate out of an ARE MX, for stealth camping, cost, looks, functionality, etc.. BUT

I love the look of GFC style campers. The only turn off for me has really been the price. They're double the cost of a normal topper, PLUS they're not as stealth. On a short bed I get it, but IMO a truck isnt a truck unless its got at least a 6' bed (a different fight, for a different day).

I digress - I keep seeing these other brands pop up - newest one just got posted today - Packout campers. It looks nearly identical to a GFC, clamshell and everything, the only difference is that it STARTS $2k more expensive. Same with the AT overland, Habitat, Drifter, and about any other brand I've seen pop up. GFC was the first (at least from my memory) so I'm just baffled as to why people would opt to pay 20%+ MORE for the "off brand". I get these things are expensive to build and in demand, which is why they command such a premium, but I still don't get it. If I'm buying safeway brand "kleenex", it sure as heck better be $3 cheaper. Certain models like the project M, sure - I can see why that might be more spendy, but for these ones that are essentially copies of the gofast I just dont get it.

Am I missing something?

 

Ask the fabricator on what makes theirs unique.


Without even looking I'm going to guess the not-said-out-loud answer is "lead time."

 

To my knowledge, AT Overland was in business way before GFC? Quick google says ATO was established 2001, GFC not established until 2017.

There's differences to all of them, IE the Packout camper has 360 extrusions for the frame for maximum modularity/mounting. AT Habitat has a fold out tent, not a wedge, which lends more space.

Personally I chose GFC not only for the price, but also the light weight which I believe most other iterations are usually 50-75lbs heavier minimum. They also had much quicker lead times when I was ordering (I believe they're still pretty quick now as well), paid for in November and installed that next February. Most other companies I was looking at had 6 month+ lead times at the time. Being able to drive to the facility for free install was also a plus, even though it was far it was a beautiful drive and an excuse to take a road trip.

Some people also prefer to support a smaller company just starting out, vs one that is already established and has a following.

Some people just wanna spend more money because they can, or to have something a little less common.

Some people prefer the look of one over the other.

Can't really nail down a universal reason, it's subjective to each individual and their choices/needs.

 

I was basically thinking the same thing when I came across the Packout campers thread. I wouldn't pay more than what GFC's are for something that just came out, imo they should be priced cheaper than the established brands for more incentive to buyers. Thing is I don't think a lot of these companies think they're "off brand".

 

A big thing I’m noticing is that GFC has in house milled components all over the camper. These other ones look like your homie built it with his free time.

 

What is your definition of “stealth camping”. Mine is camping like a homeless person in a populated or semi-populated area where no one notices me. Ive also heard it called “commando camping”. No way is that going to work with a pickup truck. You must be talking about something else.

 

Why did you buy a Tacoma instead of a less expensive midsize pickup from a different brand?

If someone isn't the original, why does that mean their product is lesser quality and should cost less?
Did Ferrari invent the automobile? No? They knocked off the idea and charged more for it? Preposterous.

I'm not in the market for a GFC or Packout style camper, but right off the bat there are some noticeable differences. Look at the openings when the side doors are open. The GFC has diagonal braces across the opening while Packout has a less obstructed opening. That might be a big deal to someone.

 

So, someone says camping and the first thing you think of is doing it in a city?

I'm no expert, but I'm guessing your version of stealth camping wasn't the motivating factor behind GFC et al.

 

So far the only thing keeping me from buying a GFC is I need a pass through window from the shell to the cab.

 

A lot of people here have made good points - this was HIGH on my list of why I cant get one. That and vented windoors.

As far as the stealth camping comments - sometimes in a city, sometimes not. But a parked truck looks like a parked truck. Not as stealthy as a van, but not as blatantly obvious as a clamshell tent popped up on the back of your rig.

 

You could still stealth camp with most if not all of these options, just throw some bedding in the bed rather than opening up the tent

 

The vents are an issue for me as well. I put my dog in their kennel in the back a lot when we're duck hunting and no airflow is a concern.

 

This is a weird point, but I think I know where you're getting at. The difference is while Ferrari made a better car (faster, whatever, for a lot more money) But we're talking about the same general setup between a ton of different companies. Nobody here is making groundbreaking developments just variations on a theme.

That being said, you're right. Some people have extremely particular tastes. I for one wouldn't buy anything buy a manufacturer that hasn't been around for a while, but I tend to lag behind in that market. My money is too precious.

 

With a long bed yeah, but not with a 5' bed.

 

your knees bend don't they?

jk lol but they make most of these campers for long bed models as well? Not sure why you'd nitpick that, if that's the limiting factor you can't stealth camp at all in a shortbed unless you're under 5', regardless what option you choose.

 

I have been eying a wedge and the thing that is pushing me away from gfc is that you have to move the bed panels out of the way to get down.

 

Yeah the Ferrari example is an exaggeration. I don't know who invented the first car or who made the second or third car, but I'm sure those were more minor adjustments/improvements on par with GFC vs others.

 

You can buy a ladder to have side entry, that's what I did. Currently using one with the mantis claws GFC provides and their mounts, but I'm now looking at other mounting options for the ladder so I can swing the ladder out for my pup to climb in. The Mantis claw mounts don't allow for very much angling at all.

 

Why not get a 4Runner or a Sequioa fold down the rear seats and sleep in it.

 

I mean I think you already know the answer here...no separation of gear, not big enough, needing to shuttle gear back and forth to the front seats to make the bed..etc...