Hondo Garage's New Thing

Kick ass first post man. I’m saving all this info as I’ll be headed that way in about 5 weeks. Though I already have my GFC this will just be for vacation. Again thank you. And welcome to TW.

 

Here's my process for closing up, which has turned out pretty well (all cushions in and no straining to close the camper):

1. Make sure bungee is attached (the one close to the clamshell hinge)
2. Unzip both windows fully and lay them flat (they overlap a little)
3. Unzip rear tent flap and mesh fully (or as high up as you can reach--for me that's all but about 5")
4. Put all cushions in place
5. Grab tent on outside edges about halfway up and pull down with both hands simultaneously (you're bringing the fabric together in an hourglass shape)
6. Hold the camper roughly halfway open with left hand by grabbing the top bar (I'm right handed), and with the right hand pull the fabric in toward center (you're sort of karate chopping it to get it to the center; do that on both sides). At some point I grab both sides of the fabric with my right hand (the center of the hourglass)
7. As you pull the camper more and more closed, push the rear door flap and mesh toward the front of the truck. I do this with my right hand while holding the bar with my left. You're trying to get the door flap and mesh to lay flat as you bring the side walls in. It's sort of like tucking an envelope flap within the envelope or trying to move a bedspread toward the front of a bed while standing at the bottom of the bed. This is the key part to get everything to lay flat and the camper to close easily.
8. Close the camper while checking there is no fabric being pinched. There is a natural gap where the fabric will lay along the edges of the cushions. Air is escaping while you do this.
9. Now that the camper top will remain in its closed position, move to one corner and apply some weight to it (either from above or by pulling down) and slide the latches. Move to the other side and do the same. I stand on the tailgate the entire time.
10. Hand tighten the latches.

And yes, this gets easier as the fabric loosens up over time. But if you can't close the camper with the cushions in, something is wrong. Don't force it, just open it back up and keep working to get the tent fabric flat as it closes. I'll try and post a video.

 

He said no later than May, he is working on updating the site and getting production lined out. I know another GFC owner is TX is getting one. You can email him or message Kinsmen via FB and IG and he will work with you on having one made now instead of waiting. He just isnt ready to scale up and produce for the masses via web ordering yet.

 

@Quadabaum , hopefully this isn't too much of an ask since you aren't the manufacturer, but I am curious about the gap spacing between the deployed awning and the GFC as well as how the GFC's panels touch/rub the Kinsmen awning when the awning is deployed and the panels are lifted up. If you have an opportunity I would love to see a few quick snaps showing the gap and where the opened panels touch the deployed awning? Do opened panels touch the awning when the awning isn't deployed?

 

I finally got to use the GFC this last weekend. Everything worked great and was super easy to set up and tear down. It is definitely nicer and more quiet in the wind than a regular roof top tent.

 

My camper was complete last week. I have had a hard time getting a hold of anyone. I tried email and the website, no luck.

 

That’s a bummer.
I’m hoping mine will be complete within the next two weeks or so.
Hoping for a June 3rd pickup. I’m going to knock on the door June 3rd if it is marked complete wether they give me a install date or not.

 

Try the Request a phone call function at the website. It worked for me before. Also did you email them at Support@gfcengineering.com ? I know they have a few emails.

 

Got this little box today. Jumped back on the wagon when I started breaking the Flippac on the dirt

 

I really wanna buy a spot...ugh...

 

And.....

*Edit* just looked you’re from PA. I wouldn't try and dissuade you from a GFC, but the Snap! Treehouse is literally made in your backyard.

 

Yeah- I really just have to find a few examples and see what I would like the best. these guys are about 45 min from me...might have to go see! That and the wife will have to approve too...hmmmmmmmm

 

I’ve seen the Snap in person it’s pretty sweet, I own a GFC and have nothing but good things to say. Not sure your plans or location but I’ll be at the East Coast Overland Bound meetup this weekend in NJ, but the first night down we’re staying at Ok4WD which is just over the PA boarder. You’re welcome to check mine out while it’s there... other than that there’s a GFC in Western Mass and one is NYC, a few down south as well. You’ll for sure see one at Mid-Atlantic and at Expo East. But they’re not too common on the Right Coast.

 

Appreciate it - celebration this weekend for birthdays and then Vegas for work Sunday. Missing a bunch of events. Missed you last year at the overland event last year down south too.

Question is ultimately, is it 2-3K better? I'll have to sort that out!

 

2-3k, well it’s $1100 to ship the GFC across the country and if you ordered today you may or may not have it for next summer... the Snap is more costly and it’s heavier but the wait time is much less and it’s local... ultimately it’s your money and your patience. If you have something that works for now you can order and just wait... the only big advantage of the Snap is you can leave your bed setup and just tilt it up. That comes at the expense of weight and cost... i just run a sleeping bag (single or double depending) so “packing” up my bedding is a 60 second process. If you like sheets and blankets the GFC could be kind of a pain in the ass.

 

Camper completed Mar 15th w/ a delivery timeline end of Apr -- early May. Little over a week ago emailed, requested a phone call, PM'd on this site, . . . silent.
Another email attempt yesterday lead to a reply today stating the 2nd support employee no longer works there and the person responding wasn't aware of my camper being put on a run, and the next W Coast run wouldn't be til after Expo West in late May.

gmacmt if you or anyone from the shop is monitoring this thread I ask for a PM to see if an install at Expo West can be accomplished.

 

@gmacmt @wileydavis

Busy or not clearly this guy needs a phone call.

Also PM’ed you Graeme’s personal cell phone number

 

Recieved an email this morning and may possibly have the install done at Expo West, they'll talk it over and let me know.

 

I think it’s mostly for the tent version... though it’d probably make cleaning the bugs off easier


The tent version is louder because the extrusion is right above your head. I’ve never heard any wind noise off mine. Of course my tires are pretty loud.

 

I have the lead on a spot for anyone wanting one - Send me a PM

It's grandfathered into the old price of $5,750 and I think it is going into production soon.

Edit: Spots gone