New GFC topper

[D Fresh]

I don't get the topper either. the point, for me, of the GFC camper is the ability to stand in the bed. why would I want a topper then put a tent on top and loose that ability?

@D Fresh somewhere there are pictures of a truck sitting upside down on the GFC camper and there was no damage to it. just saying

Looked it up.

800 lbs of dynamic load for the go fast. That puts even the RSI to shame.

But if I put 800lbs up top, and include just myself, the topper, and fuel I've only got about about two hundred pounds for gear/family/dogs. My two dogs alone will cap that out.

Also, 800 lbs up there is 800 lbs I had to get up there and have to get down. Not happening.

I'm not even gonna get into the effect on handling that 800lbs 8 ft in the air is gonna have.

But I'll keep it in mind next time need to do this...



How come the powertrain warranty hasn't increased in 35 years?

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[Jhbryaniv]

Like what? How many have this level of access? How many have this level of stock mounting options let alone any side / roof mounting capabilities?

if interested, here is it fully open. At first you would think the side braces get in the way but I have yet to experience it. I have also yet to experience water leakage unlike my ATC.

The only issue I can see people having is the beefy mounting hardware getting in the way if the are trying to haul items that are at peak dimensions of the bed. They are pretty bulky. With that in mind they are heavy duty and only slightly larger than the clamps that the ATC used.

Any chance you have pics of the mounting hardware? They say the parts are cnc machined... Intriguing if so.

I have seen some of their other stuff, while pricey, you get what you pay for....

How useful is/was the translucent roof prior to putting the tent on?

I want a bed cover I can also put a few kayaks and bikes on...

 

[BryanJay]

Can somebody explain to me the market for this?

I get the camper model. But from what I can see there are far better topper options at or below the price of this.

This is pretty similar to the Alu-Cab topper i was looking at, and really the only advantage over RSI for example is that the aluminum frame Alu-Cab and GFC use is lighter - I was looking for something two middle-agers could move around without help. The price tag is tough, for sure.

 

[D Fresh]

This is pretty similar to the Alu-Cab topper i was looking at, and really the only advantage over RSI for example is that the aluminum frame Alu-Cab and GFC use is lighter - I was looking for something two middle-agers could move around without help. The price tag is tough, for sure.

The ARE pictured above is aluminum as well. Again half the price to go without the "tacticool" look.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Website says "starting" at $4k.

RSI Smartcap is $3800 if you must have load capacity.

And many of the fiberglass topper manufacturers offer flip up opening side windows.

I know the supports won't get in the way. My Fastop, soft topper/tonneau combination, uses them.

But if I wanted something like the GFTopper I'd look at something this instead. For less than half the price.

ARE commercial topper.


It doesn't scream "I overland" like the GFC badge though

The reality is that all toppers are close to this price range, when they offer the same weight capacity and similar features. When I bought a topper in 2012 for my Tacoma, it was $1000 OTD and installed. I almost had a heart attack when I saw prices now. When you are comparing $3800 vs $4000, that's chump change (for what you're paying) and you might as well get exactly what you want.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Any chance you have pics of the mounting hardware? They say the parts are cnc machined... Intriguing if so.

I have seen some of their other stuff, while pricey, you get what you pay for....

How useful is/was the translucent roof prior to putting the tent on?

I want a bed cover I can also put a few kayaks and bikes on...

sorry for the crappy pic. it's what I have on my computer and it's too dark out to get a good 1

we both have the campers. the roof in the tent is very bright in the sun and down below in the lower deck is almost completely dark if everything is closed up

 

[myothercarizahearse]

But if I put 800lbs up top, and include just myself, the topper, and fuel I've only got about about two hundred pounds for gear/family/dogs. My two dogs alone will cap that out.

think about it like this- it's designed to light weight so tacos can handle them. 800 pounds puts them OVER payload

 

[D Fresh]

The reality is that all toppers are close to this price range, when they offer the same weight capacity and similar features. When I bought a topper in 2012 for my Tacoma, it was $1000 OTD and installed. I almost had a heart attack when I saw prices now. When you are comparing $3800 vs $4000, that's chump change (for what you're paying) and you might as well get exactly what you want.

Of course. In that price range the difference is negligible.

Value is in the eye of the beholder, I guess.

I'm just not seeing it.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

sorry for the crappy pic. it's what I have on my computer and it's too dark out to get a good 1

we both have the campers. the roof in the tent is very bright in the sun and down below in the lower deck is almost completely dark if everything is closed up

Thinking this, or the alucab with a set of bed drawers would be a good solution, for me...

Will wait for someone local to me in south florida to get one of the gfc ones. One of my buddies with a bison has the alucab and it's nice.

I have so many questions until than.... Has anyone found or done a complete walk-around or review on the YouTube of this one?

I can't wait to get one so I can be tacticool, apparently.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Of course. In that price range the difference is negligible.

Value is in the eye of the beholder, I guess.

I'm just not seeing it.

You'll notice, I also don't have one... I can't justify that cost. Its ludicrous.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Thinking this, or the alucab with a set of bed drawers would be a good solution, for me...

Will wait for someone local to me in south florida to get one of the gfc ones. One of my buddies with a bison has the alucab and it's nice.

I have so many questions until than.... Has anyone found or done a complete walk-around or review on the YouTube of this one?

I can't wait to get one so I can be tacticool, apparently.

I don't know about the toppers but there are a bunch of videos on the campers IIRC there was a comparison with Alu-cab.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

I don't know about the toppers but there are a bunch of videos on the campers IIRC there was a comparison with Alu-cab.

I have been spending my morning searching for a video. LOL

the 2nd video from GFC provides some insight, but not the details. . . LOL

I may have to break down and call them . . . ewww speaking on the phone is so 20th century . . . I wonder if they have a tactical comms setup I can call them on.

 

[Noface]

Website says "starting" at $4k.

RSI Smartcap is $3800 if you must have load capacity.

And many of the fiberglass topper manufacturers offer flip up opening side windows.

I know the supports won't get in the way. My Fastop, soft topper/tonneau combination, uses them.

But if I wanted something like the GFTopper I'd look at something this instead. For less than half the price.

I looked at the RSI product when it was first being launched as they were originally going to do a RTT topper setup. By the time they actually had a product available that was just a topper the GFC crew had their product coming out. At that point it was an easy decision since I wanted the integrated tent.

I specifically wanted the integrated tent for the privacy of changing in the bed of the truck with ample space and over all a stable area to stand up and work if need be. Im getting a bit old to sleep in a ground tent, hate the amount of time it takes to setup, especially when its raining. Also not to have a bit more protection from curious animals.

If I was just shopping for a topper I would go for the GFC for the following reasons.
- The side mount dual T slot rails are a huge win. It allows for a lot of options if that is what is needed.
- Simple design, strong user community and well made.
- I like the look better over the RSIs many angles. As they are in the same price range, this is something that will always play into the decision.
- At almost an identical base price and quality, my money is going to the small business based in the US.

Like anything it really comes down the problem you are trying to solve. If your primary focus is camping, fishing, or hunting, I dont think anything currently trumps the quality and versatility of the GFC as thats their focus.

I will say I do like RSI side panel storage options but lets not forget these add-ons tick up the price pretty quick. On top of that this can become a limiting space factor if you are looking to hual a bunch of stuff. The great thing about the GFC business model and mind set is that is seems to be reflected by its user community. There is a strong DIY mindset with clever items being created all the time.

With that in mind their current latches are far from the best solution. They know this and are looking at alternatives. If they continue to do what they have done in the past they will like find something that is better, retro fits and provide this either free or at cost to current owners.

You also keep comparing the ARE Commercial topper and you know what, I think that is pretty smart option for someone that is ok with it's style, the lack of built in accessory / external mounting options, and design / quality. I think it's a great topper for its intended purpose and i'm sure someone on a tight budget could get a lot out of it with a DIY mindset. Personally, I have the budget to get the product that better meets my needs and looks cool doing it.

With all that in mind if I wasnt looking for the integrated tent feature I would go with the Mitsalloy tray and 3/4 canopy. #RideTheBandwagon

It doesn't scream "I overland" like the GFC badge though

Again half the price to go without the "tacticool" look.

Its clear that GFC is not your cup of tea but why toss around hate and assumed labels? All brands / products have labels. Hell if anything GFC's is kinda boring and cheap. Most of our hobbies fall into some catagorization, not sure your beef with overlanding and camping space. If any of these products is shooting for the tacticool / hard parking look it would be the RSI with its sharp angles and multipurpose windows / side container options. I would also say that topper it is more in the overlanding space as well.

To be clear I fully support the increased interest and support of getting outside that has come from the overlanding crazy. Hopefully this has long term benefits for not only the small business in this space but a desire to help keep this outdoor based destinations in good condition and accessible to all who is willing to make the effort to get there.

I think what you miss though is that the small crew that has put together the GFC company was focused on the weekend campers, fishers, hunters. Have they benefited from the overland craze, sure but I have yet to see them changer their mission just to profit from it. They started small with a product that they most wanted to create. Once the business allowed and based on community feedback they are now creating other products that are inline with their current products and production processes which are almost 100% in house. The topper was a no brainer for them as its already something they make just without the integrated tent. They already make a stand alone RTT but they were getting feed back that people wanted both but with the ability to take the tent off when not in use.

 

[D Fresh]

I looked at the RSI product when it was first being launched as they were originally going to do a RTT topper setup. By the time they actually had a product available that was just a topper the GFC crew had their product coming out. At that point it was an easy decision since I wanted the integrated tent.

I specifically wanted the integrated tent for the privacy of changing in the bed of the truck with ample space and over all a stable area to stand up and work if need be.

If I was just shopping for a topper I would go for the GFC for the following reasons.
- The side mount dual T slot rails are a huge win. It allows for a lot of options if that is what is needed.
- Simple design, strong user community and well made.
- I like the look better over the RSIs many angles. As they are in the same price range, this is something that will always play into the decision.
- At almost an identical base price and quality, my money is going to the small business based in the US.

Like anything it really comes down the problem you are trying to solve. If your primary focus is camping, fishing, or hunting, I dont think anything currently trumps the quality and versatility of the GFC as thats their focus.

I will say I do like RSI side panel storage options but lets not forget these add-ons tick up the price pretty quick. On top of that this can become a limiting space factor if you are looking to hual a bunch of stuff. The great thing about the GFC business model and mind set is that is seems to be reflected by its user community. There is a strong DIY mindset with clever items being created all the time.

With that in mind their current latches are far from the best solution. They know this and are looking at alternatives. If they continue to do what they have done in the past they will like find something that is better, retro fits and provide this either free or at cost to current owners.

You also keep comparing the ARE Commercial topper and you know what, I think that is pretty smart option for someone that is ok with it's style, the lack of built in accessory / external mounting options, and design / quality. I think it's a great topper for its intended purpose and i'm sure someone on a tight budget could get a lot out of it with a DIY mindset. Personally, I have the budget to get the product that better meets my needs and looks cool doing it.

With all that in mind if I wasnt looking for the integrated tent feature I would go with the Mitsalloy tray and 3/4 canopy. #RideTheBandwagon



Its clear that GFC is not your cup of tea but why toss around hate and assumed labels? All brands / products have labels. Hell if anything GFC's is kinda boring and cheap. If any of these products is shooting for the tacticool / hard parking look it would be the RSI with its sharp angles and multipurpose windows / side container options. I would also say that topper it is more in the overlanding space as well.

To be clear I fully support the increased interest and support of getting outside that has come from the overlanding crazy. Hopefully this has long term benefits for not only the small business in this space but a desire to help keep this outdoor based destinations in good condition and accessible to all who is willing to make the effort to get there.

I think what you miss though is that the small crew that has put together the GFC company was focused on the weekend campers, fishers, hunters. Have they benefited from the overland craze, sure but I have yet to see them changer their mission just to profit from it. They started small with a product that they most wanted to create. Once the business allowed and based on community feedback they are now creating other products that are inline with their current products and production processes which are almost 100% in house. The topper was a no brainer for them as its already something they make just without the integrated tent. They already make a stand alone RTT but they were getting feed back that people wanted both but with the ability to take the tent off when not in use.

I've worked out of commercial toppers in the past. When I first saw the GFCs and Alu Cabs I thought it was kind of cool that they looked and seemed to function just like a commercial topper but had the platform.

While I have no desire for a RTT personally I can understand the attraction and thought the implementation and price point were decent.

But without the canopy, it's really JUST an overpriced commercial topper. Wrap that ARE black, figure out your own storage options that work for you, and it's virtually the same. At least the RSI brings something different to the table with it's side panel storage options and side windows.

I don't know the guys at GFC. I'm not in love with their story. I'm simply looking at their product pragmatically. I don't begrudge anybody for trying to make a dime.

That being said, to be clear I completely disagree in regards to your "support for the increased interest and support of getting outside that has come from the overlanding crazy."

Trying to enjoy the outdoors over the last few years has become harder and harder. Just take a look at what's been happening g to our national forests. Around here they've shut down dispersed camping areas due to missuse.

This is the "good condition" your increased intrest has brought.

The worst offenders I've seen are usually rocking all the tacticool gear they could buy at REI and 4WParts tacked on to their $80k rig that they don't know how to put into 4wd.

 

[Wes Siler]

Thinking this, or the alucab with a set of bed drawers would be a good solution, for me...

Will wait for someone local to me in south florida to get one of the gfc ones. One of my buddies with a bison has the alucab and it's nice.

I have so many questions until than.... Has anyone found or done a complete walk-around or review on the YouTube of this one?

I can't wait to get one so I can be tacticool, apparently.

I helped out with this launch. What questions do you have?

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