Hondo Garage's New Thing

Will the rack incorporate the fairing and will it fit a Colorado crew cab?
--Asked order #1097, who probably has time to just wait and see--

 

Decked/ GFC/ Fridge/ WILCO Max/ Spare tire is actually well over 600lbs. I’m running OME Dakkars heaviest pack (+660lbs.) and it’s fine right now. I have about 15000 miles on those leafs. If things start to sag at all I’m going to add bags or Timbrens. While that stuff is heavy the rest of my gear is VERY light, I could go for 2 weeks to 2 months with less than 75 additional lbs. so realistically I’m out on the edge of weight rating for the OME’s.

I do not run steel bumpers or a winch right now as I’ve just never had the need yet. East Coast wheeling is different than the Rocks out west. My rig is built for my wife and I to camp and get away for extended periods. I won’t claim to be a hardcore rock crawler or fire road flyer like some of the guys on here. We travel cross country and off grid and the GFC was IDEAL for our needs (the light weight was a HUGE factor for us). Mine arrived less than a week ago and I work 6 or 7 days a week most weeks so sadly my first trip won’t be until the last 4 days of the month. In the meantime I’m getting it set up for my needs.

We will be boondocking for 10 Days in NOV in the OBx (if they’re still in good shape) so that will be the first real test.

FWIW all my suspension goodies are from Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and I have been very happy. (886X springs up front btw)

 

But yet it worked.

 

While on that topic, lol, Phoenix Campers is the only one I've seen that is actually suited for off road (assuming that you get this version). Pretty badass, but 2-3x price either way. Completely different market.
It even contains within the tailgate

 

That thing is actually kinda awesome. Don’t forget about the Alu-Cab Kahaya

https://ok4wd.com/alu-cab-khaya-prime-camper


Pretty offroad worthy... fully built though it’s close to 30k!!!!!!

I actually looked pretty hard at all these models and still decided on the GFC. If i was still running my Power Wagon 3/4 Ton Full Size I may have gone a different way but the 4wh, Alu-Cab, Phoenix, ext are all 700-900 lbs heavier. That’s completely unacceptable to me in my little Taco....

I love those models and i do see a place for them, but to me even considering any rugged travel they just can’t hold up (well they might but the rest of the truck might not).

I won’t be as definitive as some and say the GFC or the Drifter is “better” than anything else. As you said just a different market and as long as you’re happy and make the choice for you that’s all that matters...

Now... this is a GFC thread lets get back to discussing how it’s the most badass thing ever made

 

Is there a GFC-specific picture thread yet?

 

No I definitely made the right choice. Payload is around 1100 for me and having a constant weight of 900 lbs is just unacceptable. I'm more for modular and functionality over anything. But that one is the only one done right imo cause it stays within the shoulders of the cab and doesn't protrude up high. The khaya is huge in comparison. But either way stoked for Graeme's second East Coast run, mine is almost done . Should be done in time to go to the UP for Fall and once the insulation is done then Winter Camping in MI will be bearable (-30 with wind chill ).

 

This video ais seriously laraming if not outright scary but ... it happens.

 

Click-bait fear mongering if you ask me.

Yes it's true losers check for unlocked car doors and valuables in camper shells/tool boxes all the time.

They want nothing to do with you.

It's not scary, it's sad this behavior has become so common. In California part of the problem is that petty theft of goods worth less that 10k is a misdemeanor now that comes with no jail time.

 

It happens, but is it common or is it dramatic?

"Why the Human Brain is a Poor Judge of Risk" https://www.wired.com/2007/03/security-matters0322/

One of many articles on the subject available through a google search of "why are we so bad at risk assessment."

 

T

Thanks, I appreciate the GFC community here and the useful GFC info. I've skimmed all 284 pages and have enjoyed watching the community and the product develop.

 

@wileydavis what gauge wire do you recommend we run for the lighting kit? My fuse panel is located behind the starter battery.

Also, any chances my build can get the white panel instead of the linex? The original panel seems like a smoother panel and looked good to use as a desk and or table (I am referencing @inv3ctiv3 picture with his laptop). I am also a little ocd and having 1 black panel with a line x texture would bother me.

I am build #94 C. Quattlebaum

 

Just wanna add to the discussion, did 120 miles on a quarter tank of gas going from Orange County to San Diego and back.

Stop and go on the way down around lunch time, cruise control on the way back just now set at 70.

So for me at least, there's a negligible impact if any on my fuel economy as that is about what I'd do before the camper was installed.

Then again, I'm not one of those who's mission in life is to pass the car in front of me.

 

My biggest concern is how the GFC would affect my gas mileage. I commute 60 miles a day to and from work and usually average 22 MPG. Did you happen to notice the exact MPGs for that trip?

 

My 2nd gen lost about 1-1.5mpg highway. If you're commuting 60 miles in a Tacoma already and can afford a GFC the fuel economy loss is negligible.

 

If you're not set on tire size use the tire calc and slightly, very slightly down size from the factory spec.

 

I just drove 28 miles from my girlfriend's place, cruise control set at 65 since it's a Sunday morning and the roads are empty, and got 18.2mpg according to the computer.

Same thing without the camper and I'm pretty sure I used to get about 19.5 to 20 on the same journey. I don't think the loss is aerodynamic only though, it's very hilly here and I'm carrying the extra weight of the camper now too.

Still, this is much better than the 13mpg I got on my Jeep with a roof tent .

 

Thanks for the info. Doesn’t sound like the aerodynamics have too much of an impact on MPGs. There are nights that I work late and would rather just sleep at work....problem solved I guess.

 

Sounds good, any idea if the lighting kit wires still drop on the front of the bed (cab end)? I am wondering where I should terminate my prerun wires.

@wileydavis Looking for proper fuse size for the lighting kit and the where the wires drop into the truck bed. Also, hoping you saw my question a few posts up on getting the old style panel vs the line-x panel.