Hondo Garage's New Thing

Just so door ding and wiley know, driving with the top open was suggested as a joke. I was picturing it playing out like the Top Gear custom build challenges, such as their amphibious cars or the like. Didn't mean to get you stressed out about the safety of my passengers or possible warranty claims.

@jp88 The 3RZ is a tough albiet slow cookie. It took my 03 Taco over the Sierra many times and was always very reliable. I had a shell with poor aerodynamics, 2nd battery, bumpers front and rear and sliders all putting it over 4k lbs before I even loaded any camping gear. Steep grades did sometimes require spinning the bejesus out of it in 3rd gear, but it never seemed to mind. I had a simple add-a-leaf for years that kept it from sagging from the shell or hauling materials for house projects, but eventually bought OME dakar leaf packs and for the price wished I had gone straight to that option instead of the AAL. I removed one of the leaves to keep them from adding quite so much lift. In the front I had Icon Coilovers, but set to ride at stock height. They were great on and off road, but something like the adjustable 5100s would probably be just as good in 85% of driving conditions and a lot cheaper.

The most important thing I think you could do is check your valve clearances if you never have, and adjust if required. I checked mine at about your mileage and found almost all the exhaust valves needing adjustment. If you read around you will find many instances of folks burning valves on that motor because most people never touch them. Same arrangement on the 5VZ, but I didn't hear as many reports of them burning valves - not sure why.

 

I am still gonna flag any future products shipping to smelly621 as potential warranty issues

Thats good beta on the 4 cyl. Valve clearance is tantamount to longevity of that engine. My friend's just failed and needs a complete rebuild at 205k because of it. The motor is strong but slow, and can be a workhorse when properly maintained.

On the whole @jp88 the big consideration is total payload. How much weight do you actually plan to carry? The GFC camper is only a (lightweight, super high quality, USA made) portion of what you have in and on the truck. If you can quantify a ballpark of that number, it would probably be the best way to determine whether or not the motor (or the first gen tacoma platform more generally) fits your needs.

If you want to carry lots of weight, the frame is not incredibly robust on the first gen trucks, so plating the frame may be in the cards especially with heavy off-road use. http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/products/1st-gen-toyota-tacoma-products/1st-gen-tacoma-frame-plates/

On the spring side of things, OME, deaver, alcan would all likely make something suitable for your payload. If you plan to carry variable weights and don't want the truck to drive terribly unloaded, air bags may be something to look into. I would be more worried about the chassis and driving dynamics than the motor.

 

I would DEFINITELY listen to this guy! He’s the other half of GFC and has a lot of experience, to say the least, with Expo rigs. The idea behind the GFC at least to me is to run light and fast. If you’re the type to bring everything and the kitchen sink perhaps a different truck platform (even a newer Taco) might be a good plan! If you can stay true to light and fast. Stick with your platform. Nice thing with the GFC is that if you change to a new truck down the road you can buy a new frame and move the tent portion to your new vehicle.

FYI TOYOTA still has 0% for 60mths on left over 17’s.

Maybe it’s a sign.

 

X2

I just left a 3/4 ton full size platform. To me less can be more. Evaluate your style and choose appropriately.

 

I think after 198k miles you can safely stop worrying about prematurely killing the engine/tranny

 

Any more updates, photos, or videos!? @wileydavis it’s been quiet... tooo quite, I’m so excited to see the first production units!!

 

they're busy at the moment...

 

An email I got from them mentioned the middle of the month might have some finished production units.....for what it's worth.
I'm just gonna patiently wait and try not to go crazy!

 

Yes.... patiently.

All joking aside i saw the same thing. Those guys are flat out right now. I’m not to sure they were anticipating such an overwhelming reception. Can’t wait to see the first two “rental” units they mentioned being built.

-Yota

 

Awesome! Thanks for helping all us procrastinators out. I have a lot of respect for the first buyers that take the plunge without seeing the first production units.

 

I can't wait for the first walk through video

 

What’s your Instagram handle!

 

I’m an idiot just found it on your profile page! Thanks _jim_bob!

 

@inv3ctiv3

Just curious what you've found with your experience with Flippac and why you're moving to the GFC?

 

Yep, flippac fiddliness was what never made it, or many other RTTs remotely attractive.

I am hoping the the stowing of the tent is truly as easy as they say - as I'm committed at this point.

The fact that they never shot a video of it being packed down is slightly of concern, but I am hoping they're just too psyched on getting them built to keep up with our demand for media.

 

Considering how easy it is to fold up a RTT..id imagine this one is very easy.

Plus be simple to add some loops on each side and include some small elastic straps with clips to crisscross across the tent to help pull in the fabric. My first CVT had these and they helped.

 

They could also mimic FWC and add light duty D-ring on the internal sides of the tent with a bungee. This pulls the tent fabric in when the roof is closed.

 

Yes, this GFC is so high speed low drag, only Carbon Fiber will do!!!

 

My cousin had a Type II Westy. Even if there was nothing to assist in the GFC, it is stupid easy to get the top down, fabric in, and roll out.

 

I have seen the picture of them testing some LED light strips - I would be floored if it was actually a magic illuminated lasso that was also for pulling the roof down!

In other news, I put my shell from my 1st gen on the new to me 2011 last night to tide me over while I wait for my GFC. It's making my new ride look dumpy.... Go faster Go Fast Campers!!!!