I hear Ford is releasing a '19 Ranger (already available in foreigner markets)...and I am interested. Will you guy make a version for that truck? (b/c I am also interested).
Printable View
I hear Ford is releasing a '19 Ranger (already available in foreigner markets)...and I am interested. Will you guy make a version for that truck? (b/c I am also interested).
Very nice. Agreed about hard-sides on the topper, front/rear windows, and side doors or windoors. Curious when/if that stuff would be available, and if there's any point in reserving now if I plan to wait for some/all of those things.
Are the popup sides tent material, or that heavy, rubbery stuff like FWC uses?
Will production models have more cab overhang? Something like this would be nice to maximize space.
Attachment 214499
Any pics of the AL skinned sides? What is the interior of the roof on the tent like-any carpet to keep condensation from dripping down?
Checking in to agree with Bags. 2006 Silverado 2500 with 6.5ft bed and plenty of interest in something with solid sides on bottom/ability to access bed from side. No pass through needed as I have solid rear window. I realize my truck is not covered on your list and probably not where you'd start if you expand to GM due to older body style, but the design shown above would be sick.
Cool idea. Do you plan to sell only the platform/tent to DIYers who can fab the space frame?
I went down the Overland Expedition wormhole this summer. I only bought a cheap RTT that I put on a fiberglass shell, but I looked at all the fancy shit out there, much like what Single is making. This one definitely seems to have a niche. RTT's are nice, but this is definitely a step up.
It is mind blowing how far you can go with this stuff. This product definitely has a niche I think for the Made in USA, and lower price point. I was looking for something like this but everything else is $9k and up. I'm sure you could get there adding Windoors, and other options pretty quick. Also the fact that the shell seems to be strong enough to support all the other shit you are going to bolt or strap onto it, makes it appealing.
I'd definitely go hard sided shell. Maybe instead of windows, the whole side could pop out when needed? Removable sides that were still water/wind proof would be pretty cool.
I really like the modular floor idea. Haven't seen that before but I think that's pretty useful. Especially with the cab over design, you can control how much room you have.
Lastly, it seems like the bed dimensions could be wider than a full size mattress if it was on a F150 with 6.5' bed.
Any idea if a motorcycle would fit under this? This is exactly what my dirt bike riding brother has been looking for.
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by Norseman
Very cool - checking in for the ‘06 Sierra 8’ bed folk.
Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
Quote:
Originally Posted by fatnslow
Thanks guys!Quote:
Originally Posted by Rideski
We will definitely be down there for expo this year. Yeah, you're totally right the habitat is the closest alternative. I know Mario from AT, he makes a good product. Here are a few differences...Quote:
Originally Posted by Rico in Flag
- We are $5000 shipped right now (if purchased through the preorder), retail will be 5000+shipping so our pricepoint is 3500-4000 less for the base model.
- 150 pounds lighter.
- Burlier construction and components (plus cool billet machined parts).
- Hard roof instead of fabric top, better in wind and camping in places where RV's are allowed but not tents.
- We do not have the 'cabover' 2nd bedroom functionality, there is more usable interior space in the habitat.
- We fit in the footprint of the car, so opening this thing wont take any more space in a parking lot or wherever.
- Our product offers a stronger roof rack that is capable of carrying more gear.
- The habitat is probably a better insulated lower for the base model, though we will offer insulation kits in the future that should make ours be better.
- We won't have the 6month to 1 year wait list since we are going to be building every part of this system in house. Our product is optimized for manufacturability.
- Deploying and closing up our system is almost instantaneous, there is a lot of tucking and messing around with the habitat.
Thats most of the differences I can think of, I do camp with guys (Brian from Goosegear and Jerry at Tembo Tusk) that run the Habitat and it is a really nice setup.
Thanks man. We are not going to offer window options initially because we don't want to overpromise in our delivery timeline, but we do plan to offer operable sides for the hard paneled system. That will be an upgrade in price because of the cost of hinges, latches etc. We also plan to offer a see through sliding door on the front of the topper so you can gain access to the back of the truck from inside the cab, and check on kids, dogs, etc. Does that answer your question?Quote:
Originally Posted by splitter
Thanks for the insight, I will work making that clearer on the sight. We made a new rendering that might help clarify things...Quote:
Originally Posted by AaronWright
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4497/3...1499f95d_z.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by Norseman
We have a rubber extrusion made that seals from the 1.5" round tube to the bed rails. The tubework lower rail has holes for through bolts that go into a machined adapter plate to either fit onto an existing track system (standard in a lot of newer trucks), or to a clamping setup for older vehicles like a traditional truck topper. No drilling into the bed required.Quote:
Originally Posted by frorider
Thanks man. We will have some operable hard side options soon, whether it's a window in the panel, or the entire panel is operable and swings up. It will be sealed to the tube when closed. The initial run will just be fixed sides or fabric however, but the lower framework will all be the same and you will have the ability to switch from fabric to operable panels to fabric etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by oldblue
Initial mattress size for the f-150 model is just under a full size width with enough length to sleep someone 6'6" easily with plenty of clearance above. It can fit someone like 7'6" tall, but the front section of the camper has a pretty low roof so it wouldn't be comfortable.
We are going to come out with an 'XL' version for fullsize trucks with a queen size mattress, and may offer that as an option with the f-150 in the future.
Thanks dude!Quote:
Originally Posted by Slow 'n Steady
If we can get 5 first gen tundras with the same bed length, I can add that as a production run for this spring.
I think we will have most of that functionality as options on release.
Quote:
Originally Posted by smartyiak
We will absolutely make a version for that truck. I really hope they bring the ranger raptor in...
We will know more about options and our production plan as it happens, probably have a better understanding once we finish our production prototype in december. The options will interface with the existing lower structure, so you could totally pre-order the system now, and we can ship the system without sides (for less than the 5k of course, still need to finalize that pricing option) and get the sides to you once they are developed.Quote:
Originally Posted by bagtagley
The pop up sides are not that heavy vinyl product FWC uses. We have experimented with tent sides (like, 5oz bivy tent material) and less breathable heavier options and have found both to work pretty well. The lightweight tent material was too loud, to fragile, and doesn't work great for waterproofing if its dirty. We are moving towards something in the middle, more along the lines of a sunbrella fabric.
That's wolfmobiles truck eh? It will have a small overhang, but there is a lot of "fixed" bed space because of how we configured our floor.
No photos yet, just ordered the chromoly for the production prototype lower. It will be beadrolled (to stiffen) .062-.090 5052 sheet (good corrosion resistance and workability).Quote:
Originally Posted by Conundrum
There will be a zip up headliner on the roof panel. The panel itself is translucent which creates a really nice ambient light in the space so you can wake up with the sun if you want to, and if there is any light outside you can still see inside the tent. The headliner will allow you to black it out. The panel is also thermally neutral, with a decent amount of insulation from the trapped air in the honeycomb. There shouldn't be much in the way of condensation from anything but breathing, and the headliner will keep that at bay.
Additionally we are working on ventilation systems to keep that to a minimum, both passive solar powered vents that are always flowing a small amount of air, to a larger system to cool the tent when occupied. We want to have it all integrate into the sides of the tent so we don't increase stack height. You could totally install a fantastic fan and a marine solar vent on the roof as it sits, but we plan to have some better alternatives.
We will likely be able to support your truck when we launch the XL version, hopefully summer/fall of 2018.Quote:
Originally Posted by mooseknuckle
Yeah, we will be able to sell just the tent with the panelized floor system. It will probably be in the 3-3.5k range. We can also sell the spaceframe without any sides.Quote:
Originally Posted by DIYSteve
I think you'll be stoked on a lot of the options we are working on. We are staying narrow initially because we want to stay inside the existing body lines (vehicles taper from bed width to roofline) and offer a product that can support Tacoma/Colorado/Raptor off the bat.Quote:
Originally Posted by shredgnar
We have been getting a lot of questions about that. We could totally make a taller lower assembly that would allow a moto to clear if there was a market for it. We just carry our bikes on hitch carriers currently, but that doesn't totally work for multiple bikes.Quote:
Originally Posted by hutash
Seems like theres a few of you guys! I might add a interactive part of the site that you can input your vehicle into if we don't currently support it....Quote:
Originally Posted by shafty85
Bumping for the start of our production process series. Starting with a blog, but going to move towards vlogs as well this week. Basically outlining the design, reasons behind decision making, and real world testing to see if it works. Should be a bit slapstick, informative and hopefully worth watching.
First post ˇˇˇˇˇˇˇˇ
https://www.gofastcampers.com/gfc-blog/
^^ very well done and informative.
A ton of great conversation, I'll have to come back and finish reading through. Looking forward to the version for a full-size pickup.
I definitely agree with the pass through. This system, integrated with a similar hardshell topper for a flatbed like the Ute canopy would be my ideal.
Attachment 214822
I notice that you keep referring to the Raptor instead of just F150. Is there a reason for this? Will it only work on a Raptor?Quote:
Originally Posted by single
2000 s10 zr2?
I just asked her a dirty.....the truck that is.
Attachment 214825
Stay tuned...Quote:
Originally Posted by ghosthop
Apologies, bed size is the same so it will fit fine. I keep referencing the raptor because it is the reason we are supporting f-150 initially.Quote:
Originally Posted by shredgnar
Not in the immediate production plan, but if we can get 5 people with the same generation truck and bed length we can offer products for that vehicle right off the bat. Otherwise we are hoping to be able to make a custom option where we can build to any vehicle for a fee.Quote:
Originally Posted by permnation
If a guy can afford a Raptor you should be charging him $20K for a tent with upgraded sticker package.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice write-up. Thanks for the thorough responses.
Any idea of overall height on a '16 Tacoma? Ballpark?
Believe it or not, value per dollar (actual msrp, not paying over sticker like people have been) a raptor is actually good value. You can't build a "mid travel" ford for less money. A stripper crew cab is like 50k. An optioned out tacoma is like 40+ and way less capable in go fast applications. YMMV and all, but if you don't want to really modify the truck any further it is a great starting point.Quote:
Originally Posted by shredgnar
No worries. So we are 7" above the shark fin if you have a third gen. 1" of clearance room above the fin, then our assembly is 6" thick. According to a google search, a stock taco is ~71", so that would put us at 6'6" overall height with stock tires/suspension.Quote:
Originally Posted by bagtagley
Thanks again. Gonna have to go measure the low point in the parking garage. I think it's 7'2", so I should be fine. I went ahead and reserved. You guys make it too easy being fully refundable. Plenty of time to figure out how to pay for it, and how to break it to the wife, though. :D
Sweet, #19!Quote:
Originally Posted by bagtagley
7'2" should be no problem. And yeah, we don't use the deposits in any way for development funding, thats all taken care of. We are literally just using the deposits to gauge interest and find out how much material we need to start ordering. Turns out the response has been really good so far :yourock:
I'll drop you an email in the next day or so here to touch base, thanks for the support!
Also, to all the first gen tundra guys. I have been getting a lot of emails on those, if you are reading this and are seriously interested please let me know. I just need you to fill out the form on our FAQ page (very bottom) and it'll go into my spreadsheet of requests. We aren't too far off from offering it as an option.
How much weight can it support when popped up?
We travel with two 17' FG sea kayaks + 2 SUP's and my old GMC Safari is on it's last legs, looking at trucks and vans right now. Hard to get the boats on top of a Sprinter etc.
Assuming that the load is well distributed (on cross bars or a rack we are designing, 500# when being used as a roofrack, and 75-100 pounds on the rack if being opened for camping.
You could probably pop it with the SUPs, but the kayaks would likely be a no go. The other problem with the 17' kayaks, is that our design isnt great for long items like that, since its popping at an angle it would likely hit the cab of anything with a longer roof than a regular cab mini truck.
The best option in this case would be to pull the kayaks when popping up the camper.
Might be able to design something that would mount the kayaks to the lower extrusion, and be able to tilt off to the side of the vehicle when not in movement so you could still pop the tent, but that would take some doing. Have actually had a few folks that would really be interested in a design like that.
Yeah, I was looking at it wondering if the rack towers were high enough you could create a favorable angle for clearing the roof with them still up there.Quote:
Originally Posted by single
The other point would be could the struts handle going up and down while weighted
This is rad. It's a concept that I am surprised we've not seen before. There are a few different takes on this style of pop up in Europe.
They are happy in that 75-100 pound load range. We have provisions to adjust the strut geometry to help it lift a heavier load without changing to a heavier duty strut. Its not just the strut that is affected by the weight, it is also our strut over-rides that keep the roof up in case the struts fail.Quote:
Originally Posted by ticketchecker
Thanks man, there really isn't too much out there. I learned a lot from starting AeroContinental, and learned that simpler rigs appeal to just about everyone. People that have Earthroamers are just as likely to be interested as those who are scraping pennies to save up for a 5k setup. It just works, and you don't have to worry about it.Quote:
Originally Posted by shirk
Welded up a couple of Tacoma long bed lower frames yesterday. Unlike the square tube on the early test mule, these are 1.5" round mitered DOM tubing and made to the final design specs. We'll be skinning these in bead-rolled .090" aluminum this coming week.
Looks like we will have options for fixed and operable aluminum sides made of .080-.090 5052 Aluminum. Operable is where the two side panels are hinged to lift off the structure and create a cabana style space in the topper, or to access things from the side. We will also still be making fabric sides for select vehicles where we see a demand. Those end up being quite a bit lighter, and are really nice for desert travel.
Rear panel will be a glass hatch like a modern leer or ARE, and the front "bulkhead" panel will have an optional view window (likely non operable) to be able to see whats going on in the bed from the cab.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4550/3...2d694dd9_z.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4557/3...c23c7852_z.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4549/3...f8fbd190_z.jpg
It's going to be a pretty burly structure...
Thought this was neat.
http://www.outsideonline.com/2167796...n=facebookpost
Sent from my XT1650 using TGR Forums mobile app
Yeah, thats my friend Brian's truck. Cool rig, and the GooseGear interior stuff is really high quality.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skidog
TEAM PROJECT.....Quote:
Originally Posted by single
Partway through the panel design, got the shapes lasered and edges broken last week. This panel will get bead rolled to stiffen it up and more holes made for the dzus fasteners. And we started working on the hinge to make these sides operable, its been a big request so we are pushing the production forward a bit. It’s a real challenge to make the hinges work with our seal and tube placement and still clearing the camper bits, but it's looking like we’ve got it figured out with a pretty trick 8-bar linkage hinge...
Probably going with .080 5052. Should be plenty stout once beadrolled to maintain the seal, and is nice because its so formable. It's also got a really good corrosion resistance and with .080 skin will hold up well to branches and impacts.
Mocked up...
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4555/2...ac0e7084_z.jpg
From the interior. Looking like a race car.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4583/3...1be057cb_z.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4552/2...dac83431_z.jpg
Sorry if I missed it...
Are you coating the inside of the alu panels with something to deaden the vibrations or to prevent sweating?
The panel to tube interface is a gasket seal, so it should do a good job towards deadening vibration. The panels will also be powdercoated after forming which will help reduce thermal conductivity. We are also doing some testing on insulative anti-condensation coatings this winter to see how they perform. If it does well it will be included as an option.
^^^ Hard not to like that!