Hondo Garage's New Thing

Any further along on the bed platform design? Will it be offered for all bed lengths (mine is a Chevy ZR2 DCSB)? If so I will hold off on purchasing a Decked system since I really like the way you guys think.

 

Will there be enough clearance between the top of the Deck and the roof to get in?

 

@YOTA 4X4 That's an odd stack of brew - Mich Ultra, to Bud Light, to Space Dust?

I guess variety is the spice of life

 

Haha. Well those brews pay the bills. I work for Anheuser-Busch and those are all our Brews. Enjoying a few right now Ultra Pure Golds right now. (It’s a brand new one). Can’t drink the serious stuff all the time.

 

Corporate Beer Drinking... I like.

 

From the pictures it looks like the unit that went to Baja for testing was run with a small platform in the bed. Didn't seem to be an issue for them - but with the rake of the prototype it seems like it would of required a bit of body english to not hit your head on the rear opening. I am sure the reduced rake will improve this some.

I don't personally plan on running a platform, but think I'll use an action packer I have as a step to make it easier to get up into bed while still maximizing ease of entry.

 

That does look handy - I was just thinking action packer since I already carry one with my recovery gear and tools in it. It isn't usually opened while cooking or at all for that matter - but it makes a good spare seat. I like minimizing the amount of "stuff" that has to be loaded before and after a trip - so the double duty of the AP is great for me.

Short of a crazy expensive aluminum box, is there a better plastic tote for sitting/standing on the lid?

 

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/front-runner-wolf-pack.html

I can’t say they’re really better than the Rubbermaid, but they are pretty sweet. And very stackable and you can get a higher profile lid to add space. Might be a good option to consider.

 

Ammo can

 

I love mine. Takes up almost no storage space and is very stable on uneven surfaces.

 

I do really dig the wolfpack bins for the stackability and straight sides - but the lids didn't seem nearly as sturdy as an AP. Has anyone actually stood one one?

Just so we're all on the same page - the Action Packer I've been using appears to no longer be made- it's has an attached lid but I think it's ~8 gallon capacity. The lid is like a blow molded tool case in construction - and has been bomb proof for the 6 years or whatever I've had it. Perhaps a case of they don't make them like they used to.

 

I was using my RTIC 45 as a solid step to get onto the tailgate. I also have a platform built in. Not as high as the DECKED 12" you guys are saying, but about 8" tall.

I also have one of these:

$11 Folding Step Stool - The Lightweight Step Stool is Sturdy Enough to Support Adults and Safe Enough for Kids. Opens Easy with One Flip. Great for Kitchen, Bathroom or Bedroom. (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014WOXB6...a54d-5ca355ea7b6c&ie=UTF8&qid=1521884972&sr=1

Works well, supports 200+ lb (ME).

 

Wiley has an 11" tall bed platform, and is 6'4" tall. No issues standing anywhere in the bed with the panels removed.

Steel tariffs have been a headache (not only crazy increase in prices, but supply challenges) but we have worked through those issues and are gearing up to start sending units. Long days, but I think you guys are gonna be stoked.

First production camper should be done wednesday...

 

I use this for work. It’s a tool and supply carry assist right side up, and upside down it is a one step, unidirectional compact step stool with safety tie off strap. https://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Home-Depot-5-Gal-Homer-Bucket-05GLHD2/100087613

It’s also waterproof, works as a chair, has a 5 gallon water carry capacity, and can double as a safety cone if needed. Can also be used during ‘water boarding’ in considerate fellow campers prior to subduing and kidnapping aka Monkeyface in Death Valley, or applied as Dunce Cap.

 

so an ‘ice breaker’ for conversations when you are camping, except that Doording prefers camping by himself.

 

Plus you never actually need to move while sitting around the campfire with the gang, though there is the awkwardness about explaining why your pants are down around your ankles. Come to think of it, this probably explains why you are often camping by yourself.

 

So @DoorDing, does that mean your GFC is going to have at least a rear window? Or are you planning to have the side panels open for a cross breeze while using the bucket seat?

 

For backcountry you can use an absorbent such as https://www.walmart.com/ip/CLEANWASTE-D105POW-Poo-Powder-Waste-Treatment-120-Scoops/41011222? . Cedar shavings / sawdust layer helps manage odor and breaks waste down quicker.

 

Any plans to have the bed platform on it's own hinge system within the camper? So it can be lifted up out of the way, then pulled down for sleeping? Rather than the removable panels?

 

Exactly!