Go Fast Camper

Welcome to the fun. Nice to see you made it over here

 

Thanks! I am a full size guy myself. Need to get a new go fast rig as jumping this thing, while fun, is unsustainable.

 

Hey Graeme,

I sent an email the other day, but others may have the same questions. So, I'm going to harass you again here:

1. How far will the tent overhang the cab on a double cab tundra? I'm assuming 12"ish if tent is 90"?

2. Any chance of having the dog ventilation solution at the time of the xl release?

3. Any guess when an order number around 100 would be delivered?

4. Is the gray side color option the same as the bar/tent frame color? Making it monochromatic?

Thanks, can't wait to see these in real life...they look killer!

 

@Tundra9831 should change the thread title to Go Fast Campers

Not much Vagabond action going on here

 

I am getting through the emails today, got slammed monday with social media/video/outside article so playing catch up. Thanks for reaching out, probably getting close to your email in my inbox now. Been a long day on the computer

1. How far will the tent overhang the cab on a double cab tundra? I'm assuming 12"ish if tent is 90"?

Overhang estimate calculator: 96"-length of bed rails=overhang.*

*edited 4/8/18. Finalized tundra canopy design.

2. Any chance of having the dog ventilation solution at the time of the xl release?

Probably not at the release (may), but we are working on a solution for the summertime.

3. Any guess when an order number around 100 would be delivered?

Our order numbers are slightly different than our build queue numbers, but late June is a good ballpark for something around 100.

4. Is the gray side color option the same as the bar/tent frame color? Making it monochromatic?

We are leaning towards a silver for the gray option, as it goes with a lot of colors and is really thermally efficient. Could probably do a custom charcoal panel color though for an additional fee. Just need to find out what that cost would be on the powder-coating end.

-g

 

Good to know! Just ran out to the garage and did a quick measurement on the CrewMax. It'll probably be 3-4" closer to the sunroof.

 

No worries, I'm sure you guys are slammed over there.

I like where you're headed w the silver...cant imagine anyone would want anything but silver sky metallic!

 

Done!

 

This is my contribution just to keep tabs on this.

 

I just came across the Vagabond and Go fast this month. They are both the closest thing I have been wanting and waiting for as I can keep my truck a truck and have a lightweight camper for both day and extended trips. I like the overall aesthetic and structural design of the Go Fast better from what I've seen so far. But, there are a few things I do like that the Vagabond has which I believe the Go Fast doesn't.

1. I like the larger side window openings in the Vagabond for more airflow especially in the Southwest. Also in watching the Go Fast Video I'm just curious in the rain where the water would go when it comes through the mesh as when its rolled down it looks like there is a pocket that would catch water when closed and zipped up?

2. It looks like the VB has a bit longer overhang allowing open space at the rear so you don't have to shut yourself off from the bottom. To me this is crucial as you don't have to move bed panels to get below. Or if you have kids or pets below you don't have to shut yourself off from them. Or easily slide down and get out of bed if your partner is still asleep. Thats a big one! Also at 6'3'' the lower the bed the better!

3. Definitely would like to see Vented tinted window options. Possibly the sides but a front would be great also as you could possibly keep it open in rain.

4. Possible solar roof option for lighting, accessories, fridge, etc.

5. Just curious how waterproof both the tent and the shell are?

Overall I think these are great alternatives to both RTT's and Slide ins. Kind of in the middle. I will definitely keep an eye on both of the manufactures and look for some reviews as they come out. Someone is getting my money as I have long waited for something like this!

And THANKS for taking the reigns and creating these! This type of Camper is perfect for many and I hope you sell the heck out of them!!

 

We're stoked that there are more options for consumers out there. Competition only helps everyone create better products, and I am confident the GFC camper would do well in a side by side comparison of any comparable 'wedge camper' or flip top on the market. Regardless of price point.

The only reason we are more affordable than everyone else is because we own every process of building the camper. Instead of hiring a bunch of third party manufacturers that make margin on the components, we do everything in house. CNC machining, tube mitering, welding, anodizing, sewing, assembly, panel cutting and forming, riveting, etc. Combine those processes with good design, and our goal is not to compete against incumbents, but to make an entirely new market that doesn't cater to just overland enthusiasts.

To more directly respond to some questions...

Larger windows doesn't necessarily mean more airflow. The smaller side window combined with the larger rear window actually promotes breezes to flow through the space. That coupled with a white reflective roof will keep the space much cooler, than say, gray. The white roof is a high gloss insulative panel that also is partially translucent so that the space doesn't feel like a cave when hanging out up there. Its amazing how much bigger it feels because of the roof panel.

The mesh is bonded to the waterproof fabric, and there is no pocket formed underneath the window. I will better address how our camper sheds water on question 5.

If you are running our tent solo, you can leave panels open and have it be in bunk mode. When sleeping two folks, you close off the upper from the lower, but the small panels weigh about 2 pounds and are super easy to move. To the point where your partner doesn't have to get up or out of bed for you to get out and go 'downstairs'. The panel can easily be moved and placed behind you to get out without disturbing another sleeper.

In any of these campers, moving in the upstairs area is going to wake up whoever you are sleeping with, the question really is whether or not you are going to inconvenience them. The truck moves, if you sleep with your head at the 'tall' end you have to pull your body underneath you to get out, etc.

Closing off the panels does create a nice amount of privacy upstairs without being completely shut off from whats going on below, so the kids wont be trying to crawl into the tree fort if you're up and they are down. It also helps from having your bedding fall downstairs while you're sleeping.

Lastly, the sleeping area is designed with tall folks in mind. My partner at GFC is 6'4" and has more than enough length to sleep comfortably, as the bed is 90" long.

Do you mean on the canopy or on the tent portion?

Solar can be easily fitted to any of the wedge campers. We will likely come out with a kit to facilitate that process this summer.

Our camper is really good in rain, as we designed it to have a path for water to flow. The roof is going to take the brunt of the water load (which will immediately shed off) but the water that hits the tent will flow down into the rain gutter we designed. The gutter flows down the extrusion and has drain paths every few inches, which allows the water to just run off the camper rather than trying to make the thing a submarine (which is a losing battle).

The shell also works really well to shed off water, as every panel is completely sealed against the frame. In our testing it is also very resistant to dust intrusion, better than most standard toppers.

_________________________________________________________________

A final thought on the design of these campers. I was camping in Big Sur with my big truck and cabover camper (like a small earthroamer) and my buddy had his FWC. It was raining hard, but without even thinking about it, we parked the trucks very close to eachother, and strung an awning between the two and proceeded to hang out outside.

This is a very normal use case, and we designed the GFC with experiences like these in mind. It's not what seems like a good idea in paper, the idea is what is the best space we can make when you actually go out and use the truck. It is very easily deployed, and offers refuge in the rain and sun. By creating more living space, you compromise a lot. Cost, performance, build quality, drivability, durability, etc. I could design you a mini fifth wheel camper that goes into the back of a tundra, but it will be full of compromises that make it terrible. We took what was possible with the given platform and made the best possible space/part to accentuate that experience.

The GFC Platform is a curated balance that we consider to be the pinnacle of functionality. By being able to open all the sides, you create an indoor/outdoor cabana space that is unparalleled. Deploy your awning thats tied into our custom extrusion track, pop open an entire side panel and watch the storm as it rolls in while your wife reads a book upstairs in the bunk.

Why hang out in a tiny box when you want to be outside? And when you want to get out of the elements, you can batten down the hatches and have a refuge from the outside world.

Here is an image that our first production customer sent us, I think it applies well here.





TL ; DR

We designed the GFC Platform so the lower opens up completely to combine indoor and outdoor spaces, letting you take shelter from the weather while still feeling like you’re outside. You don’t go camping to hole up in a metal shoebox.

 

Thanks for your very informative answers! I love that you guys are in house production as I am an Artist/Sculptor/Painter by trade and believe in doing things myself. When things get outsourced you start not really knowing your product as well as the in house philosophy. That is a HUGE plus for Go Fast Campers in my book!!!

I really do like the design of the Go Fast and the tubing looks very structurally sound. I'm not a hardcore wheeler but I do take my 13' Tundra on some challenging flexing trails at times and this for sure looks like it would hold up well! As for the roof you guys use, I really like it for both the reflective nature and the translucent factor. A solid roof really would feel cave like. Smart!

I guess as far as the small tent windows go, since you guys are designers and test this in places like Baja I'll take it as this is one of those times where bigger isn't always better. I rewatched the video and still don't quite get where water would go if it came through the mesh as it looks like it would get sandwiched between the material below the mesh and the zip up cover. Again, this is from a video and I am not seeing it in person and trust the design just works. Much of the thought that you guys have put into this camper definitely shows in the look and function of the designed parts and the overall aesthetic and livability of it. It really hits a niche that is untapped!

As far as the sleep area I think what you wrote would work well. One opinion as a possible option would be maybe a possible 1/2 square so you could still keep an eye on the lower portion for kids and or pets. The shorter of the two people could sleep on that side. Again that would be an option for someone like me who wanted it. I think your current solution works very well!

As far as vented tinted windows I meant on the lower canopy portion. Sorry for not clarifying. It looks like you do have front and rear window options which I would add if I bought one as I like seeing out the rear view if possible. I currently have a Snugtop and do like the front folding aspect of the front window for easy cleaning for it and the back truck window as I drive in pretty dust locations. It also has a small slider opening on it.

Since your campers sides already come up you don't need a "wind door" option like others might. But, if there was an option to have some type of tinted window with slide opening it would be great for airflow for kids/pets below.

Sounds like you have the solar deal on the plate already. Kind of figured that and was just throwing it out there.

Overall I REALLY like the design and thought put into the Go Fast Camper and most likely see myself with one in the future. I have a 13' Double Cab Tundra and I believe I read you guys were developing for it and is possibly slated for summer? I really have been looking for this type of camper for quite awhile as with in the story on your site I thought of but did not want to go with a slide in for various reasons. Great for what they are, but your product is better suited for my needs and lifestyle. Well designed, well thought out, simple, and easy. And the big bonus is I can use my truck as a truck with the Camper still on!

Overall I wish your company the best and believe you will sell a lot of these. I have family up in Montana and most likely see a road trip to pick one of these up for myself once the design for my truck is finished! Awesome Job guys!!

 

Well the bed is starting to tear its self apart so i often question any type of camper durability. Will follow and see how they do in the real world because they sure do look nice and address some issues that I have with the RTT.

 

came across this online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXezf7znya4

 

Mmm. That’s what gofast stood for.

 

Me like

 

You can see the tundra GFC on Instagram now. @gfc_usa

Looks sweet!

Any info on how the honeycomb roof will hold up in a hailstorm? It's that season...

 

thats a dope rig, but you're going to have to downsize lol Here's my fully self-contained RV:

Weighs 8k lbs, RTT/awning/spare room, hot water system, fridge/kitchen, 35 gallons extra fuel and water storage, full armor/winch, dual spare tires, and recovery gear.

https://youtu.be/mM6bzFPQTHI

https://youtu.be/jaA68U1WvuI

https://youtu.be/0tDTOgEFrG0

https://youtu.be/FRJXabbuv9s

 

Those vids make me totally rethink my suspension plans.

 

You and me both!

 

well. hmm. that's somewhat thought provoking.

 

It was nice to see them in person. The quality is superb and the team is very friendly. I'll be adding one down the road, it's exactly what I'm looking for.

 

wish i could have gotten down there last week. had been planning on it but the past few months threw curveballs into everything. how'd the week go?

 

Saw both the GFC and Vagabond campers at Expo this past weekend. Not to hate on GFC because I like that it's built for taking abuse that going fast offroad would require but I'm a little disappointed that they seemingly just slapped on the same size sleeping platform shell from the Tacoma version onto the Tundra version and sloped the walls inward from the bed to match the shell footprint. Furthermore, the Vagabond has way more sleeping space due to the longer overhang (without sacrificing strength) and the sleeping platform sets up easier. It's only priced under a thousand more than the GFC. I talked to Phil of Vagabond in person (one half of the two-person team behind Vagabond) and there is a proper full-size version in the works.

 

It was great! The event was massive and had a nice variety of vehicles ranging from Ural Motorcycles to Earthcruisers. Quick 11 hour drive yesterday and I'm back to the grind tomorrow

 

I think the xl is 6" wider than the tacoma model. I'm torn on the length, I like how tidy the setup is. Our plan is to have the kids up top anyway, so I don't step on any faces when I stumble in. Planning a fold out bench/bed down below.

 

Placed my deposit today for an XL for my crew max. I’m pretty pumped to leave my softopper and bed platform.

 

Would you mind sharing your thoughts as to why you decided to go with the GFC. We’re having our first kid next year and are planning ahead, but it seems like the RTT just isn’t gonna cut it anymore. Just not big enough for 2 adults, + baby, + 75lb doggo.

 

I appreciate the space frame design and the ease of setup, but at the end of the day, it's still just a roof top tent. I haven't seen the GFC myself, but if the entrance is on the floor of the thing, I don't think you'll get the space you need. You can probably go with a bigger RTT and get better results.

https://cascadiatents.com/shop/mt-denali-roof-top-tent/

https://tepui.com/products/ruggedized-series-autana-4

http://www.23zerousa.com/roof-top-tents/sydney-roof-top-tent-annex-included-black-cover

https://shop.wildcoasttents.com/Big-Sky-Roof-Top-Tent-BIG-SKY-RTT.htm