Hondo Garage's New Thing

My camper went back earlier this year to be resealed and updated to the latest manufacturing method.

If anything it makes me wonder how the heck this'll get fixed as there's sealant on everything now. I probably could've replaced the original method in a couple hours as it was just sandwiched between the aluminum tent extrusions and the space frame. Now though? For all I know it's all effectively glued together.

 

I'll leave this here.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7APDhMve5Lw
I haven't found anything online on how to this adhesive, nor is there any mention of solubility or anything in the safety data sheet.

 

How did you start that whole process? I kind of want to send mine back, but I'm not going to drive to Montana for it.

 

Email them. They will figure out when the delivery trailer will be passing by you and take it back to be fixed.

 

Finally got mine rebuilt and yesterday drove Bozeman to Seattle in a wet wintry slop. I’m very happy to report that the inside of the camper is dry with the new sealant, previously it would have been pretty wet back there.

The new aluminum tubes front and back seem like they’ll work a lot better in the wet as well.

 

I did the same on Friday, but my drive was Boise to Bozeman. One thing for people to note is that the new aluminum bar's latch pin is at the bottom vs the upper side in the old version. This may prove troublesome for third party products.....how do I know? My kinsmen awning bracket will no longer fit and allow the tent to close because the latch pin is blocked by the bracket.

With that being said, the sealant looks way better and I have had zero issues in rain and snow on the drive. Now I just need to retap the latch pin further back to clear the bracket, ugh.

 

Pics of new latch/pin?

 

As you can see the pin doesn't slide all the way through because the latch tightener is blocked by the bracket.

 

Just picked up my camper in Bozeman. Keeping fingers crossed they worked out the hinge issues!

How are peoples stock suspension holding up over time. I have a set of sumo springs (500 pound). Debating on upgrading to a new leaf pack.

 

Stock leafs will sag over time, best option right now for low cost leaf that will hold up to additional weight is the Dobisons USA P/N L59-110-R. There are many options but those are the best combination of low cost and few headaches.

 

Thanks! I will take a look at those.

 

Can that tube not be rotated?

 

The tube on mine does not seem to rotate.

 

Looks to me like they decided to rotate the latch down on the tube to stop water from entering there maybe.

 

It's no longer a tube like v1. It is more of a hollow shell, almost like an upside down u with a little bit of a lip to hold the latching mechanism internal. There is no way for it to hold water which is awesome, but like I said it had unforeseen consequences for third party accessories.

 

I'm right behind you at #43. Just had my second hinge break today, same as you I was nearly decapitated (dramatized due to being upset). I've been trying to coordinate pickup, but looks like I'll be dropping cash for the gas from SoCal to Bozeman. Can't believe I'm going to have to drop $500+ just to get this finally fixed, let alone the time it will take to get up there and wait.

Since my first hinge broke, before everyone else's started going, I've been crossing my fingers that it gets taken care of and reminding myself that I do like the thing when it works, but every time I come home I see more rust, more bowing in the extrusions, and more cracking hinges. Upsetting to say the least.

 

At least you're honest about it. Glad you're not broken.

Sorry to hear that. I understand GFC is overworked, under resourced so I can see their side of things with inability to drive all around the US to pick up warranty issues to take back home for fixing.

FYI - for those that don't know, the GFC forum seems to be the better place to discuss these things as they are more responsive over there since TW has turned into kid of a
https://forum.gofastcampers.com/t/what-s-up-with-hinges-breaking/

 

What's the rush to get it sent up there? Sounds like Pilosopo had the updated sealing and his hinge still broke, and I think you already have the new tent material.

I wouldn't be spending extra gas money to take it up there unless they had a new hinge design on the table. Maybe see if they would be willing to cover the cost of hurricane hinge material?

$135 Rv Teardrop Tear Drop Trailer 6' Aluminum Hurricane Hinge for Galley Hatch Door

https://www.amazon.com/Teardrop-Trailer-Aluminum-Hurricane-Galley/dp/B013PPA30S

 

true, and I check both. But if I were a new buyer I'd appreciate being able to see the issues coming up with them, in here and in the other forum.

The rush is to have a fully functioning GFC going into winter! I love it when it actually works, I have to keep reminding myself of that fact.
I've thought of the hurricane hinges, but I'm sure experimenting with that would void the warranty in a heartbeat. Then I'd really be screwed.