would i buy this again?? 2 YEAR REVIEW GFC v2 Camper
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- Its been over 2 years since I've purchased the GFC v2 for my 5ft bed 2012 Nissan Frontier! We've slept in this camper almost 100 nights over the last 2 years, taking it out in the snow, rain, desert heat, beach, etc. Are we still happy with the purchase? Would I buy this again? How has the camper holding up after over 2 years of consistent use?
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The GFC is a good, light, basic wedge camper. For me the best part is how basic they are. A person can build them out if they want more features, but for me they are fine for "car camping" mode. Unless you are living in one full time the convenience of quick set up and take down is the main point. Also very light and cool aircraft style construction. Anything beats ground camping dealing with the creepy-crawlies, especially the "wiggle sticks."
Agreed! It all comes down to how you prefer to camp and you can make this setup into whatever you want which is great. Thanks for watching!
For $7600 you shouldn’t have to!
Good review! The fabric sag was not something I expected, but the potential cause that you described makes sense. I've seen a couple of videos lately describing how there are other market competitors (Packout, Super Pacific, etc.) that have more features, but in those videos the weight differences aren't typically mentioned. GFC seems to be committed to strength vs weight, and it feels like they still have that part of the market pretty well cornered, even as their competition grows. Even a base model Packout is about 75-80 pounds heavier than a base GFC in midsize models. Extra features = extra weight in almost all circumstances. I"ve got a GFC install date at the HQ in July. Looking forward to your year 3 review :)
You’re spot on regarding weight! GFC is for sure battle tested in terms of strength and they r definitely the lightest of their competitors, congrats on your scheduled install date! We still enjoy this setup so I’m stoked for you! Thanks for watching! 🤙🏽
I got super close on pulling the trigger on a GFC but I am glad I decided on a different option. A few more weeks and I get to pick up my Lone Peak Camper. I think they have done a great job at fixing a lot of the issues mentioned in your video.
Super jealous you’re getting your Lone Peak in a few weeks. I won’t get mine until June, according to their spreadsheet. I’m very excited for you🎉
Nice!! Congrats on the Lone Peak!
I’ve looked at the camper on their website, looks to be a great option, thanks for watching cheers!
I have a Super Pacific (2 years) and almost went with GFC. The main reason I didn’t is the water intrusion (I live in the PNW). The best design of the Super Pacific is the three vents. Never had any issues with condensation. I also like that when my wife and I are camping no need to move anything to go pee at night. I also love that the doors when open there’s access to the full truck bed, no bars in the way. When you get the handle on the extrusion I made a webbing handle to pull the top down. Never liked the idea of pulling on the fabric. Also, the struts for the doors are pretty cheap on Amazon and easily replaced. I camped next to a guy with a GFC and he came over to inspect the Super Pacific and his opinion was the Super Pacific was worth the extra money. Cheers
Thank you! Good to know about the struts 👌🏽 and Thanks for the feedback, I’ve heard a lot of good things about the super pacific (not sure if they make one for the Frontier?) but they do appear to be well worth the money, thanks for watching cheers!
the weight of the super pacific was like 70-100lbs more than the GFC when i checked and the new version 2 PRO model that came out 2 weeks ago solves all the main issues i have seen show up in reviews, and the water intrusion issue was solved last year, im also in PNW and i was leaning s.pacific but the weight is something i have to consider for the performance of my JT; thanks for sharing im just sharing info back at ya, if you want to meet up to camp let me know i will be putting together a lot of local camping routes including doing the entire wa BDR from south to north in august
The reasons you mentioned are why I'm leaning towards a Topo Topper camper. Not only are they cheaper but they have proper ventilation set up and the bug screens on the windows are on the proper side, plus you can get a clear layer so they are a window even if it is raining outside. The fading of the black on the aluminum is probably because of the sun we get in Vegas. It's brutal on everything.
Yeah for sure! I think Softroading the West with his Frontier, hes got the topo on it and it looks great! I may end up getting a giant truck cover for the GFC to help it withstand the sun someday lol! Thanks for watching!
I’m probably gonna get the same one topo mesa Way cheaper and I think it’s better and it doesn’t leak. That’s the main thing I don’t like my bed full of water.
Thanks for the update.... keep working the adventures.
Thanks for watching! Appreciate it
I also have a GFC on a frontier, eleven months. I think your evaluation was pretty darn good. Other than some condensation issues, I have had no problems. Some after-market products are sure worth the money, lock covers, and mounting hooks. I also purchased the Turbo Cubby that works perfectly for me.
Nice! Love hearing from other Frontier owners especially with a GFC setup as well! Thats good to hear about the Turbo Cubby, I havent heard too much about that accessory so glad to hear it works well. Lock covers are for sure on my list! Thanks for watching Peter!
If they made the hinged end a little deeper,you could have more headroom and room for bedding as well.
Excellent Review. Fair and to the point ! Thanks !
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
great honest review. thank you
Hope it was helpful, thanks for watching!
Great update. I’m just starting my adventures with my GFC (also on a Nissan but a Titan). I appreciate you calling out things to look out for to help with longevity. I’m glad to hear you’re going to hang on to it and make it most of it.
Thanks! Glad the video was helpful! Love hearing from other Nissan owners with the GFC!
Thx Kaden!
Good review!
You bet, thank you!
Good honest review. Honestly as much as you use it, and the environment you are in looks like its holding up pretty good!
No doubt! Its been holding up well so with the price I paid i have no regrets. Thanks for watching Jay!
Great update! Nice to hear you'd buy one again. I can't think of any other company on the market which offers a lighter camper then the GFC. The floors have really grown on us. I like that we can seal it up from below keeping bugs out or heat in with diesel during winter.
Our buddy Ranger Dan made a rain fly awning. Which goes over existing factory doors. Super cool!
By any chance do you think you need new hydrolics for the roof. Which could tighten up the tent. I believe I recall someone mentioning that at some point.
Hest matress pad. WOW! YES Amazing. I actually use the REI Helix air mattress (Teresa upgraded so I got the REI) Which is really nice. Not as nice as the Hest Pad.
Yes any aluminum which is anodized will get UV fade. That's to be expected.
The lock covers only now cost $16 for a full set (6) with free shipping. Just go mine after a couple months wait. Super easy to install.
Just started my build out the last couple of days. After last week overlanding with a GFC V1 and a AluCab. The AluCab had all the systems dialed in. Quick deployment and break down. Made me realize now 1+ year running the GFC V2 it was time to ditch the bungee cords, tote and netting to something much nicer.
PS Is that a new Bed Rug I see? Best money spent. We also have the tail gate which is great on the knees. 😂
🛻+⛺️=🙂!
Mark (& Teresa)
Hampstead Maryland
• Purpose Built Adventure Rig © •
Ford Ranger FX4 - GFC Camper V2 #1919
• Kia Soulverlander •
We have really enjoied the GFC and have no plans to sell any time soon. We too would buy one again!
Thanks for the feedback guys!!
I dont think I'll need new hydraulics for the roof, i'm hoping the tent sag just doesnt get worse lol I'll check out the Hest pad and will most likely get some lock covers eventually lol its on the long list of things I need to buy for the truck lol One of which is new tires and wheels at the top of this list :) Thanks!!
@Kadenventures 😊 As for tires, check out the all new Falcon Wildpeak AT4. I have the AT3W. I love them!
P.S. Thankfully, my list is just about finished. 😂
Thanks for the 2-year review. I’m waiting for my GFC so I will be happy to mention you for the referral when I get the install. Maybe I’ll see you camping in Arizona / Vegas area sometime.
Thats awesome and congrats on the scheduled install! Appreciate the referral as well, If you ever see us out on the trail dont hesitate to say hello! Cheers and thanks for watching!
Good review - very thorough. One other pro though: because GFC’s are selling so well there are lots of accessories for them. Especially the new cabinets, which are tres bon! I think the GFC is really targeted at minimalists. If you like that, it’s a great platform. I like that there is no pouches to try and remember where I put stuff, for example. And it leaves it wide open to mod the way I want, or not. For me, when I crawl up in my bed at night with the doors out on their poles, it is just a pure, uncluttered me and the night. Which brings up the new tent design - I wouldn’t be able to see out the side windows! For me, that would kill the deal, compared to others. But again, it’s all about what a person needs, and the more options in the market, the better the fit can be.
Agreed! Its definitely targeted to minimalists so you can make it what you want it. Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching! Cheers!
Great video thank you hope you’re well. Topo mesa it’s probably the one I’m gonna go with. I have a GFC on my truck right now, but it’s not a pop-up.Topo There’s only 6950 and it doesn’t leak. They have a better tent system and it weighs about the same.
Good to know! Thanks for sharing, if you do end up getting it let me know how you like it! Thanks for watching 🤙🏽
Most of what you mentioned are known, and have been known forever. If you had a smitty, then the windows, bug screens and condensation shouldn’t be new. I had 2 Smittys and have a GFC now. I will admit the new bed is way better. But everything else is also a problem with almost all rooftop tents, like smitty. I did winds over 80 mph in CO with smitty, and I feel the GFC would suffer the same flapping wind issue. The Shitco awnings help as did his solar cable bracket. I camp in CO for weeks at a time and then weekend camping in NC, so wind, rain, heat and single digits are all things I deal with. I get the frustration at what isn’t included, but SP and Harker are both 5-6 k more and for a midsize, like yours and my gladiator, the FFC is the best bang for buck.
Yea for sure I’ve definitely heard these complaints elsewhere, good to know about the bed being way better (I hope so for this price 😂) thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching! Cheers 🤙🏽
Thanks for the review Kaden. I was checkout the super pacific campers wondering if they made your radar also?
Thanks for watching! I’m not sure what yoir referring by for radar?
The moisture issue is something to address, I wipe down the inside with towels that I carry, and when I get home I pop up the tent and dry it out. I purchased a Badger Bed to put over the mattress, which I also use when I visit at friends and family. Purchased lock covers and they work good, a bit expensive, but now you can get them directly from GFC and they are reasonable.
Never heard of the badger bed, I’ll check that out! Good to know about the lock covers, I’ll check that out, cheers!
the new version 2 PRO seems to solve a lot of the cons….did you see the video on the new pro model?
Yes! I was actually going to post a video on it but I ended up making a community post with my thoughts. link here if your interested 🤙🏽ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxV5U_eDKzIK9BKtpfV_zuaA6Bd1HnInCG?si=uFXhQVi-SC8ocuU2
I got some extra spring rods from a CVT RTT. I'm in Henderson, if you want to try them out for your windows, let me know, I can get them to you.
Thank you! I'm hoping the spring rods don't fail on me but if they do I'll let you know, thank you Appreciate it!
My biggest issue is keeping water out during the PNW winter, and I don't really camp in the winter, partly because it would be impossible to get dry, not having a garage. Water still gets in. I've added rubber weatherstripping and need to do it again. I really wish better waterproofing was something which was already built in and I would not have to jerry rig myself. I just popped the tent a few days ago after being out of town for a few weeks and it was DAMP. Now I am waiting until later this week when we are supposed to have some dry days to hopefully get it fully dry, but that doesn't take care of the mold which has built up.
Damn that’s a bummer! You’d have to have a pretty tall garage to fully open this up too, if I had this camper when we were living in Alaska I’d be screwed and in your same boat with constantly damp tent material. Have u thought of opening the tent with a giant tarp draped over it with a fan running inside? May look a bit ghetto to your neighbors but may help with drying things out lol
I just sold my GFC that was on my Tacoma for about a year. I’ll probably never buy it or anything like it again. I loved it for about 3 months and came the issues. Water leaked in all 4 corners. GFC “had a fix” for it but that didn’t fix it at all. The tent material deteriorated like yours after a short amount of time. The window panels are flimsy and didn’t hold up very good in strong wind. After about 4 months, the window struts failed and wouldn’t hold the windows up all the way. The GFC is not water tight or dust tight at all. Water and dust came in at the window panel edges. When it rain or after a run in the desert, i don’t even wanna get into the camper. This is a big one for me, the weight. They advertised it’s 275lbs. No it’s not. It’s 320 lbs. Plus all the mods and gears , you’ll get very heavy very quickly. It felt like driving a boat on a highway with the camper on. My mpg decreased by 4mpg. GFC accessories are outrageously expensive. Wether GFC or 3rd party’s accessories, they’re wayyyy more expensive than they should be. For example, $20 for 4 t-nuts. That’s crazy.
Even though i used it a lot. We camped in it every weekend for a whole year. We been to multiple states with it. I still found more reasons to not like it than to like it.
Yeah unfortunately I've heard of all those issues esp with rain and dust. The way my rig drives doesnt feel bad luckily. Did you end up buying a different camper??
@@KadenventuresI’m doing a ground tent for now. I’ve been driving my truck without a camper and oh man, how i missed it that way lol
I HIGHLY recommend the mattress pad/foam from overland soft goods.
Nice! Good to know thank you!
GFC makes latch covers now for 15 dollars. Shipping times can be long but the price and the covers are a solid choice.
those latch covers are awesome. My first winter with uncovered rear latches, they corroded over. This winter with latch covers, they look and work like brand new.
Good to know thank you!!
Had My GFC for 16months now. Only complaint is wish they had a better seal going around the truck bed. I got a diesel heater to get rid of the condensation but if your in baja no problem
No doubt! Before I do any build in the truck bed I need to properly seal the bed. Thanks for watching!
Do they make a hard sided pop up tent?
Yes! i've been seeing these more and more, like Redtail overland, sparks overland or Antishanty are a few companies i've seen. These hard sided rooftop tents arent cheap though lol
Interesting about the sag - mine has always been that way from the start. I think their in-house sewing just isn't that amazing. They've never included a vent at the top and zippers were never that well thought out.
Same, I think I just never noticed. I think that area just has an excess of material
No doubt about that, I think these days I’ve been noticing it more but it’s prob regular wear and tear. Thanks for watching!
Good info 👊. Definitely NOT for me.
I like the Harker Outdoors EDC.
Thanks for watching! I saw the Harker camper in person a few years back and I really like how they took advantage of the entire truck bed space with how the tent fans out from the camper
Maybe the camera isn’t picking up the paint well, but the aluminum may just be really stained. In which case, you’ll need to clean it in a specific way. The tent fabric is by far my least favorite part of this tent
Yea that’s exactly what it looks like the aluminum looks stained, you can only see it up close though
@@Kadenventures maybe you’ve looked into it, but there’s a lot of documentation on cleaning up the staining may be worth a try
I had a GFC for a year and couldn't sell it fast enough.
LOVED the metal framing.
HATED the tent.
Seriously, it's just a very crappy tent design in every way. And an uttet pain in the butt to address. I couldn't be bothered to figure out how to stop it from leaking after the 4th or 5th fix from GFC (including a new freaking tent!).
I do understand why people love them, but man oh man is it not for me. Enjoy all your vids in it still, of course.
Thanks for the feedback! And glad you still
Enjoy the videos with it lol appreciate it, thanks for watching! 🤙🏽
Makes me happy I didn’t go with gfc thanks!
Thanks for watching! I just wanted to put the information out there so everyone can make their own decisions for what would work best for them, did you end up going with something else??
Well for a budget setup you really can't be mad at it. You get what you pay for.
Agreed! Im not complaining for the price I paid just giving out the facts 🤙🏽 thanks for watching
There has to be a better option. I think I’ll skip the GFC! Too many issues!
Lots of options out there these days! For the price I think the GFC is still the cheapest but for a couple more grand there are campers that definitely solve a lot of the pain points (ex. Packout campers, Super Pacific, Lone peak, etc)
These things are $9-10,000 at this point. The issues you've seen with the tent specifically would be absolutely unacceptable to me, especially when my $200 4-season has NONE of those issues in the PNW.
It all comes down to how you like to camp and what's worth it to you, we camp so much that a ground tent doesnt make sense to us. This RRT and camper combo was well worth the price to us. What kind of 4 season tent do you use? i've been looking for an extra tent for guests lol Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the tips on other manufactures. 🫡
Though I do wonder why you leave your little cottage in town, your outdoor camping experiences seem to stress you to the point of wetting the bed, and then you blame the wet mattress on a leaking camper component.
🤷🏼♂️
Not sure how you think my camp adventures stress me out? But Thanks for watching🤘🏽