Platform Camper Suggestions

[kwhit24]

Two weeks ago I received my 23 Lariat Tremor which was the first big step in creating my overlanding rig. One of my main goals is to use it go explore trails my AWD Edge couldn't get to and not have to depend on my buddy's 4WD 4Runner (I owe him a lot of trips). I also want to be able to camp out at trailheads (spent about 15-20 nights this past year sleeping in my Edge) and explore National Parks.

I've been looking at wedge platform campers for awhile and I've seen some spirited discussions on the topper threads but I do want to sleep in mine and plan to DIY some slide outs with other add-ons. I think I'm pretty set on getting a GFC but I want to make sure I've looked at all options. What suggestions would you have? A few I've been looking at:

GFC Platform Camper ($8,225 - with side doors but no windows. 275 lbs)

Super Pacific Switchback X1 ($12,995 - Seems like better quality, longer sleeping area, and has better built in options but I feel like I can do a lot with that extra $4,700. 350-400 lbs)

Alu-Cab Canopy Camper ($10,299 - lots of addons available including prewired for solar panels etc. Back door instead of panel so requires tailgate removal. 550 lbs)

4 Wheel Campers Project M Topper ($10,995 - Doesn't look as durable but more open sleeping area since its a pop up instead of a wedge)

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[HippoTrucker]

Not directly comparable, but why not a set of billiebars+tonneau cover and a roof top tent? Not as much internal storage but vastly cheaper and a lot more flexible when you're not camping.

I don't have a RTT yet, still happy with ground tent, but I love the flexibility of my billiebars+truxedo setup.

 

[ReigleCM]

We have a Lone Peak on order, check them out, much cheaper than anything else and better than a GFC IMO

https://www.lonepeakoverland.com/

 

[Wes Siler]

Two weeks ago I received my 23 Lariat Tremor which was the first big step in creating my overlanding rig. One of my main goals is to use it go explore trails my AWD Edge couldn't get to and not have to depend on my buddy's 4WD 4Runner (I owe him a lot of trips). I also want to be able to camp out at trailheads (spent about 15-20 nights this past year sleeping in my Edge) and explore National Parks.

I've been looking at wedge platform campers for awhile and I've seen some spirited discussions on the topper threads but I do want to sleep in mine and plan to DIY some slide outs with other add-ons. I think I'm pretty set on getting a GFC but I want to make sure I've looked at all options. What suggestions would you have? A few I've been looking at:

GFC Platform Camper ($8,225 - with side doors but no windows. 275 lbs)

Super Pacific Switchback X1 ($12,995 - Seems like better quality, longer sleeping area, and has better built in options but I feel like I can do a lot with that extra $4,700. 350-400 lbs)

Alu-Cab Canopy Camper ($10,299 - lots of addons available including prewired for solar panels etc. Back door instead of panel so requires tailgate removal. 550 lbs)

4 Wheel Campers Project M Topper ($10,995 - Doesn't look as durable but more open sleeping area since its a pop up instead of a wedge)

Why the perception that GFC is lower quality? Every part that can be billet is billet. It's not just lighter than the knockoffs, but exponentially stronger too.

Some feedback after owning two GFCs: you really, really don't want a sleeping area that remains open. Like any other pickup, the Rangers bed is surrounded by openings. Just look at the half inch gaps around the tailgate. Dust and moisture will get I through those gaps and into your bed, no matter how well sealed the topper may be. You do not want any of that in your bedding.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

https://www.snapoutfitters.com/home
just like to add this from their website and GFC can't make this promise
- Guaranteed watertight sleeping area (does not include the base/truck bed area)

https://www.hiatuscampers.com/

 

[myothercarizahearse]

Why the perception that GFC is lower quality?

because it is

 

[kwhit24]

Not directly comparable, but why not a set of billiebars+tonneau cover and a roof top tent? Not as much internal storage but vastly cheaper and a lot more flexible when you're not camping.

I don't have a RTT yet, still happy with ground tent, but I love the flexibility of my billiebars+truxedo setup.

I like the idea of being able to full stay in the tent/truck bed for bad weather day or when I want to access gear and I can set it up easy when I get to a ski resort real early to beat traffic. I also like being able to stand up in the truck bed to move around or change clothes. Your way is definitely cheaper but the functionality and convenience of the platform camper is what I'm going for

We have a Lone Peak on order, check them out, much cheaper than anything else and better than a GFC IMO

https://www.lonepeakoverland.com/

Funny because with all my recent searching these last two weeks this just popped up. I'll have to dig into it more. I like that is has a fan option to help with the condensation problem. Aside from cost was there anything else that made you what to go with it over other options? What else did you order with yours? Lead time of August is a little bit of a bummer

Why the perception that GFC is lower quality? Every part that can be billet is billet. It's not just lighter than the knockoffs, but exponentially stronger too.

Some feedback after owning two GFCs: you really, really don't want a sleeping area that remains open. Like any other pickup, the Rangers bed is surrounded by openings. Just look at the half inch gaps around the tailgate. Dust and moisture will get I through those gaps and into your bed, no matter how well sealed the topper may be. You do not want any of that in your bedding.

Quality was probably a poor word choice. I was more referring to how well thought out the SP X1 is. It seems like they basically made a slightly better mousetrap but like I said a lot of those "upgrades" can be addressed with DIY and after-market stuff much cheaper.

Good point on the gaps in the Ranger bed. I was surprised by how visible it is at the tailgate but I'll install something like the MaxSeal Tailgate Seal which sounds like it would do the trick

https://www.snapoutfitters.com/home
just like to add this from their website and GFC can't make this promise
- Guaranteed watertight sleeping area (does not include the base/truck bed area)

https://www.hiatuscampers.com/

The Snap Treehouse looks interesting. Might look at that more. I haven't read of GFC having too many issues with leaking in sleeping area with their latest V2 just the truck bed. The hiatus price of $15,500 and lead time of April 2024 isn't quite an option currently

 

[ReigleCM]

Funny because with all my recent searching these last two weeks this just popped up. I'll have to dig into it more. I like that is has a fan option to help with the condensation problem. Aside from cost was there anything else that made you what to go with it over other options? What else did you order with yours? Lead time of August is a little bit of a bummer


Good point on the gaps in the Ranger bed. I was surprised by how visible it is at the tailgate but I'll install something like the MaxSeal Tailgate Seal which sounds like it would do the trick

Price for one lol. I was order #4 so June delivery, they have well over 100 pre-orders so that's why it's August for orders placed now!

I got to see the prototype in person and it's awesome, I'd place it in between the SPX1 and the GFC. Features and add-ons that GFC and SP don't offer, more pass-through space. We got ours with every option besides the outside ladder. After seeing it in person and getting to climb in it, I cant imagine paying a few thousand more for the GFC. We have a Ranger friend 3 houses down with a SPX1 and its amazing for sure, but not $9000 more amazing than the Lone Peak.

I used black silicone sealant to seal all the gaps in the bed, then added the foam dust seals on the side of the tailgate and the rubber tailgate seal on the bottom, keeping out 98% of the dust with my tonneau cover. Adding a positive pressure vent to the canopy camper will eliminate the last little bit.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

I haven't read of GFC having too many issues with leaking in sleeping area with their latest V2 just the truck bed.

you haven't been over to the GFC forums yet? giant thread about leaking and this was condensed down from multiple threads and since has been removed from listing aka censored

https://forum.gofastcampers.com/t/weatherizing-update/10347/202

 

[AdamHarris]

I’m not one to usually bitch about the price of things, I mean if you don’t want it or can’t afford it just don’t buy it; But my God, $12,000 for a tent rides on the back/top of your truck?

And some of them still leak!?!?! Wow.

 

[kwhit24]

you haven't been over to the GFC forums yet? giant thread about leaking and this was condensed down from multiple threads and since has been removed from listing aka censored

https://forum.gofastcampers.com/t/weatherizing-update/10347/202

I've been looking at the forums for awhile but it's usually been on there for other things. I thought the leaking issue was older but seeing recent builds have water issues is concerning. All that said, a lot of the comments seem to be coming from high precipitation parts of the country. Still concerning when you pay that much for a product even if GFC is actively trying to address the issue

 

[myothercarizahearse]

$12,000

only starting at $7700

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