Hondo Garage's New Thing

Everything!! Go crazy for us. We want to see it all (the GFC).

 

@Ralston do you leave the sheets and comforters up there when you close the top down? Or do you have to remove all your sleeping stuff before closing it up

 

I have not left big sleeping bags up in the bed area yet when closed but I did leave some deflated pillows, light sleeping bags and a blanket and it was fine.

 

Derp.

The external struts. I was thinking about the side panel struts

 

This one is kind of funny to me, seeing how alot of people mount things to the sides of their canopies and im sure many will mount to the side of the gfc extrusion so the struts being mounted there seems like a nonissue to me. I understand the concern, just doesnt seem like a big deal since ill be mounting an awning there. I like that theyll be easily swapped out. Im sure they're tough.

 

Hey thanks for the imput..What about the cushion firmness..I'm a bigger dude and when u was rocking a rtt we put an air mattress above the provided matress.

 

Hey,
I’m also in Portland and waiting on my GFC. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen your rig over by 24th and sandy!
Did you do anything with your bedrails before installing the GFC to help seal the bed from water?

 

Yup that was me. Me no just stock rails. I did take them off and clean and touch up some rub marks I had from the canopy. Wore it down to bare metal in a few spots. But then installed them as normal.

 

So what was the final thoughts on bed rails like those from @kbvoodoo and fitment on a Gen 3? Will the GFC still fit without chopping the Shark Fin? I’m about 1 month out now so if I’m going to get rails now is the time.

Also is KB still doing them? I thought i saw a few pages back they have Aluminum coming but it’s not here yet?

Thanks.

 

I think they stopped making them but still have some short bed versions in stock. I ordered and received my short bed rails roughly two weeks ago.

 

Hey all here is an update with more photos as well as some things we have learned We are going to start our own build thread after this.

Quick tips:
1) The height of the “top deck” is higher than you expect. Plan on making or buying a platform to make entry and exit more ergonomic. (Especially if you have a small significant other)

2) I hit my head countless times on entry and exit of the the back door during this build. Yesterday We secured 1in pipe insulation to the the back part of the frame. It definitely helped when I hit it again 30 min later, and does not interfere with the door.

3) The panels are very easy to work with, we had to remove one to run the wiring for our solar. It sealed right back up around the power wire.

4) The lighting kit is 100% worth it. Do it.

We will be debuting the truck this evening at earthtreks climbing gym in Golden co during the camp out rendezvous. If you are a front ranger, and want to check it out we will be there around 5pm to allow people to take a look.

Now for the pics... She is a little dirty.

 

Sweet! - Any tips on how you mounted the solar panels?

 

Someone should video an install of the GFC on their truck.

 

interesting sideways vaginas in the tailgate.

 

So many ways to mount solar. We did a low profile mount with industrial velcro and removable locks so it can be adjusted as needed. We also can fit the GFC rack over the top of it to carry bikes, skis, and surfboards when we travel for outdoor industry events. We used 100% Goal Zero equipment which is super high quality but there are tons of options.

 

You trust the velco at 75mph?

 

lol, i was totally writing that just now too.

 

I'm planning to use

$7 3M VHB 100x200mm~ (4" X8") Double Sided Foam Adhesive Sheet Tape 5952 Automotive Mounting Industrial Grade Very High Bond 5952 (1 Sheets 100x200mm)

3M VHB tape to hold my thin/flexible panel on.

I think as long as the surfaces were cleaned appropriately prior to applying the Velcro it would be bomber. My bed mat/bed rug thing is attached with adhesive hook and loop and holy shit I have to really pull to remove it. The half that's attached to the truck via adhesive shows no sign of coming off.

One helpful trick I use is hitting the surface with a heat gun before and after application to really get the adhesive going. As part of a particularly artful bodge, I once used this technique to tape a solar panel to the top of my camper shell with gorilla tape on a cool/foggy winter evening. A year later when I removed the tape it pulled the paint off.