GoFastCamper GFC Mods, Tips, and Tricks thread.

New “official” thread for tips, tricks, and build outs for the GFC. Please contribute with pics/ links and descriptions of your GFC camper buildout’s and modifications you’ve done.


Try to use one post for Mods and update as your build evolves (in that same post) it’ll make linking to builds much simpler. Thank you.

 

Ok I was asked to edit a post and provide links here to save time reading through the hopefully 100's of pages that end up here someday... So here goes nothing.

If you have anything specific you'd like me to link please let me know.

@YOTA 4X4 Yours truly's build out, Decked Drawers, Tilting fridge slide, ARB 2500 Awning, Soon to be MicroSkiff (boat) holder.

GoFastCamper GFC Mods, Tips, and Tricks thread.

@ace7196 and his epic build: Home built mosiquito screens, lock jammers, onboard water, rear awning, bike racks, and so much more

GoFastCamper GFC Mods, Tips, and Tricks thread.

@gman36 Inside the Camper Bike build with sliding tray

GoFastCamper GFC Mods, Tips, and Tricks thread.

@rkam65 Review camera mod with more ideas to come

GoFastCamper GFC Mods, Tips, and Tricks thread.

 

GFC #41, as far as I know the last one built with the white inner panel rather than Bedliner OME HD suspension all around, Decked Drawers, Alu-Cab tilting fridge slide, ARB 63qt fridge, ARB 2500 Awning with 3 GFC Awning brackets, and Deluxe Room. Ordered Feb 2018, delivered Sept 19th 2018.


Simplest and one of the most useful mods, RV levelers mounted to GFC extrusion with GFC T-nuts.

 

Sub’d

 

LED Lights

Finally something I'm happy with. 2X strips down below, 1 up top, and a adjustable flood. And a 3D printed control panel, of course.

$31 StarlandLed 10-PACK V Shape LED Aluminum Channel with Milky White PC Cover for Strip Lights Installation,Easy to Cut,Professional Look LED Strip Light Channel with Complete Mounting Accessories

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LL3S006

$6 JACKYLED Light Strip Connector 2Pin Conductor for 8mm Wide 3528 2835 Single Color LED Strips

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IB7ERBC

LE 16.4ft Waterproof Flexible LED Light Strip, 300 Units SMD 2835 LED, 6000K Daylight White, LED Tape, 12V LED Light Strips, For Gardens/ Homes/ Kitchen/ Cars/ Bar

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSF66JO


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mosquito Net

Got some netting from the local fabric shop (mosquito netting, or no-see-um netting). Measure the tube outside dimensions, cut out the fabric, and sew on some nylon webbing to stiffen the edges. I tried magnets at first, but velcro ended up being much better. Used some heavy duty stick on velcro for the tubing, and sew on stuff for the netting. I used some grommets to reinforce where the bolts going through at the top. Also added some loops up top so I can fully retract the netting out of the way.





---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soft Frame Bag

I probably could have done it, but the wife’s better at the complex stuff than I. 3" thick, 2 compartments.
Perfect, out of the way, and stores our dry food/jackets/flashlights.
I went through a few iterations of the attachment methodology. You could do velcro on the diagonal and grommet up top, but it wasn't solid enough for my liking. The final design is this: sheet metal running along the whole top of the bag, with a bend in the middle to attach to the top accessory hole. The diagonal has 3D printed plates on the inside, with worm clamps attaching it. Could do a thin metal plate as well. Super sturdy. When not fully filled up the velcro attachment methodology left something to be desired. With this attachment system even Graeme chucking his Raptor wouldn't shake it loose.







---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Partial Opener

Used Gear Ties to tie from GFC support to little holes on side of panels. Great for a small breeze. Can also not use this and just prop it open via the Southco Latches.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Levelers/RAM Mount for stuff

Levels are priceless.

$7 Hopkins 08525 Graduated Level

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AA4RWM/




---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bike Rack

Yakima Roundbars/Highspeed Rack/GFC low profile mount



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awning

Got some tubing, drilled some holes, and BAM! Super sturdy in wind and allows a nice view in. Used these clips and replaced with eye bolts, but you could always modify the GFC with grommets or similar.

$10 Tarp Klip Heavy Duty Tarp Clips For Fast And Easy Securing Of Tarps, Car And Truck Cover, Tents, Boat Covers - Weatherproof Canopy Clamps For Indoor And Outdoor Use, Safety Connecting Anchors

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D5H3CH4/

Used Yakima RTT spring rods. Spring rod length varies between companies, so make sure you get the right length for what you want.

Not responsible for any damage to you/your vehicle/etc. Springs rods can go fly if you're not careful!








---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jammers

3D printed some jammers that prevent the non-sealed latches from being opened. Also has an angle on the face so you can pry open the latches from the inside. YOU WILL LOCK YOURSELF IN WITH THESE. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO GET OUT.





---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluid Holder

3D printed a case and got some bottles to fill with all the necessities: chain lube, dish soap, body wash, and tecnu



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Replacement Knobs

Because I like tweaking stuff.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Internal Netting/Battery-powered fan/upstairs lights

Keeps nice breeze circulating. Netting is for holding stuff while sleeping. LED lights up top to see.

$15 Efluky 3 Speed Mini Handheld Fan, Mini Portable Fan Electric USB Fan with LED Light and Rechargeable 2200mAh Battery, Mini handheld fan quiet for office, beach and camping fan,4.5", Black

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y1VZ00E




---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quick Deploy lower awning

For when you want to cook up something on the tailgate and it’s pouring rain. 48” ½” OD aluminum rods and silpoly fabric.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Always there stuff

Paper towel holder (most used thing in the truck), bluetooth speaker, fire extinguisher, knife, axe, shovel, CO detector, recovery boards, road shower, fluids, hose holder. Also have a dehumidifier in there, and a bike pump. Tools and electronics in cubbies.



Recovery boards are mounted with 2nd gen front bed rail, 2 t nuts/washers/bolts/all thread, then cut to length. Added some tubing I had laying around, then some knobs from a hardware store.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RAM-mounted flood light

I never seem to have the lights aimed at the right spot (or maybe I need more). This fixes that issue. Bright light for tailgate work, campsites, or under the awning. Ball threaded right into the GFC, 6" arm, then ball mount. Made a little adapter plate for the Element Micropod to mount to.

$19 RAM Mounts RAM Long Double Socket Arm for 1 Ball Bases RAM-B-201U-C

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CU9BTKY

$7 Ram Mount 2.43 x 1.31"es Composite Diamond Base with 1" Ball

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B006PK661Q



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grab handle (non-awning side)

Added a handle to make lifting the bike/kayak up to much easier. I grab onto the awning on the other side.

$7 Plastic Grab Handle-Entry Door Assist Bar for RV, Trailer, Camper, Motor Home, Cargo Trailer, Boat-OEM Replacement (Black)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B074SX596W/



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Various string things (rear panel limiter, large panel "air vent")




---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upgraded grab handle/puller.
Added a loop with D ring, and a pull strap. You attach the strap before you open the tent. When you want to close it, you pull on the strap, not the tent fabric.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Custom Cushion Covers
Modified the covers to allow access to the grab handles. Carefully cut a slot, hem the edges, and add some velcro between the webbing attachment points to take some of the load of the fabric stretching.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lower Insulation
Wear glasses and a mask, and cut it in a place that’s easy to clean after. The little bits fly everywhere and stick to everything! Also make sure your cuts leaves a smooth surface (you’ll get much better adhesion).

Used 1 sheet of 1-½” insulation (https://www.homedepot.com/p/R-Tech-...R-5-78-Rigid-Foam-Insulation-320817/202532855) and 3 yards of charcoal felt (https://www.joann.com/craft-felt-fabric-72-solids/prd10007.html). It was an iterative process of cutting/trimming the insulation, but once I was happy with it, I used some spray adhesive to stick the felt onto the panel. Once that was done I used some outdoor stick on velcro, and added a couple strips around the edge of each panel.








---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diesel Heater
Used some sheet metal to create a plate for the heater to mount to. Also made a bracket to hold the exhaust hose.






---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

King Starboard (HDPE) Tailgate Replacement
⅜” black King Starboard. Had to route the lower edge a lot to get it to close. The sides I took a bit too much off (width-wise). Also counterbored the 4 lower holes so the screw sit flush. Now I can get in and out of the bed easier, and cook on it too without fear of things falling into the ribs.

 

Yay! Thanks @YOTA 4X4

 

@campvibes

 

GFC 80 something, built a custom bike tray and storage solution. Easy in and out with the bike being on 52in slides. Mounted a waterport on the front rail as well (Part number is PT278-35100-BH, genuine Toyota part that comes on 2nd gen. It will bolt right up). Front runner tracks to strap down the yeti and some Wolfpacks as well. Sewed up a bag for my front wheel and strapped it down using some d rings from Amazon. Stick on lights and cargo net are some random ones from amazon. The rear window has a 40% tint, still can see out the back while driving but gives a ton of privacy.






Had an extra baja designs s2 sport, so I tossed it on for a chase light. I need to get a yellow lense.

 

Here's one... If you have a swing out blocking the rear camera and your view, I bought a camera that plugs right into the existing wiring harness. This thing is rock solid and gives a great image. No issues so far and I wheel every weekend and the truck goes swimming a lot. It is mounted to my bumper, but mounting it to the extrusion would be a great idea. Here is the link -> https://camera-source.com/2010-2015-toyota-tacoma-camper-camera-kit-plug-and-play.html

 

Ace....

 

@riz_atx

 

@ace7196 can you post up some more pictures of that frame bag? I’ve been itching to make one myself, but am not to sure how to secure it to the camper.

 

Bicycle frame bags use Velcro attached on each side. That way they fit to any size tube. BTW Ace is awesome. King of GFC mods so far.

https://www.blackburndesign.com/bags/frame-bags.html

This general idea....

 

I will have no time to do really any of these mods once I get the camper. Will shoot for doing some on the road I guess! I mostly want to do that mosquito netting one.

 

Great work!! Love the frame bag idea! I have made a few of these for bikes, and will for sure be making at least one for my GFC when I get it... in a year!

The jammers are a great call as well! I may have to figure a way to build some without a 3D printer.

 

I haven’t done anything fancy with mine still. I need to get that bug netting done before spring though.

 

Updated first post to try and prevent future people digging through a huge thread. Let me know if you want more pictures of specific parts!

 

@ace7196 would you be willing to make and sell those rear door awning mount pieces?

 

Not really. I did it all with a sawzall and drill. If I were to sell something, I'd want it to be (close to) perfect. I've added dimensions to the top post. The hardest part was drilling the angle. Start with a really small pilot hole straight down. Step up slowly until you have the angle you want.

 

Understood. Didn’t see the update and thought they were one of your nifty 3D printed parts.