GFC on Stock Mojave Suspension?

[Aleph]

Anyone with a Mojave here put a GFC canopy camper on? I’m highly considering it, but the main thing stopping me is ride quality on stock suspension. I’ve searched and read dozens of threads here but I want to hear the perspective of someone who’s actually done this on a Mojave. A lot of these threads are focused on sag but the most important thing to me is ride quality. Adding some spacers will make it look better but doesn’t seem to help quality of ride and handling.

1. I’m worried that I’ll lose the qualities of the Mojave suspension with the weight in the back, even without camping gear. Has this been the case for anyone here who has installed a GFC canopy? GFC tells me the canopy is 250lbs and just the topper is 145lbs.

If I add different springs in the rear to compensate for added weight, I also worry that that would further affect the ride because the Mojave shocks are really meant to go with the Mojave springs, from my understanding. Or would I be able to preserve the stock ride by swapping in heavier duty springs while keeping the stock shocks?

2. What is the height added from the top of the cab to the top of the closed tent? I need to stay below 7 feet to clear parking garages at work (or so the security guards at my future job seem to think, though they aren’t sure even though they park there every day). From numbers I’ve gathered through my research, I think my total height with GFC camper and unloaded bed would total ~83.6 inches or 6.97 feet, which would be cutting it VERY close. Is this accurate? The backwards squat from accelerating in a parking deck would probably scalp the camper on a fire sprinkler pipe or something.

I’m about to pull the trigger on either the canopy camper or just the topper, but I am set on GFC because of the lower weight and the simple, robust design. I am not very interested in AluCab (slightly heavier), Ozark Venture camper (unproven on going fast through rough terrain from what I’ve read) or others.

I’m moving to Alaska in July. The ability to camp/sleep/bug out at any time and stay inside an enclosed space is very appealing in the harsher conditions up there, but not knowing my needs until I actually move there is giving me pause. From my brief trip up there it didn’t seem like isolated remote truck camping is as easy or accessible as it is down here in Georgia. I know I will definitely need an enclosed topper before I go there though due to the sheer level of precipitation, just not sure about the tent component. I will be daily driving the Mojave.

Thanks for reading if you made it to this point. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

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[msiminoff]

Hey @Aleph

I have a GFC camper on my JTM… plus a steel bumper w/winch up front. I added 1.5” Teraflex spacers and the truck is sittting perfectly flat and about 3/4” above stock ride height. I’m also running a RockJock 1” rear sway bar.

The front suspension still rides perfect, but I have a little more bounce (longer settling time) in the rear than I’d prefer when hitting bumps at speed. This is
when the shocks are in the bypass zone, I haven’t experienced any topping/bottoming out at all. I Overall, the ride quality is still GREAT but the additional weight of the GFC plus my gear could use more damping (not higher spring rate) in the center portion of the shock stroke. I was able to find a local shop that will revalve the rear shocks for me and I have an appointment there in a couple weeks. I’ll let you know how that goes.

I’m away from the JT at the moment, but best guess is that mine is right at 84” to the GFC roofline (on 35’s and with the spacers). I’ll measure when I get home.

I can’t say enough great things about the GFC camper setup. It’s super strong, lightweight (for what it is), simple to use, and incredibly comfortable to sleep in. People also rave about the Super Pacific tent, so that’s worth looking at if you’re shopping. GFC has a referral program so if you go that route and want to save a few $$ then shoot me a DM.

Cheers,
-Mark

 

[Aleph]

Hey @Aleph

I have a GFC camper on my JTM… plus a steel bumper w/winch up front. I added 1.5” Teraflex spacers and the truck is sittting perfectly flat and about 3/4” above stock ride height. I’m also running a RockJock 1” rear sway bar.

The front suspension still rides perfect, but I have a little more bounce (longer settling time) in the rear than I’d prefer when hitting bumps at speed. This is
when the shocks are in the bypass zone, I haven’t experienced any topping/bottoming out at all. I Overall, the ride quality is still GREAT but the additional weight of the GFC plus my gear could use more damping (not higher spring rate) in the center portion of the shock stroke. I was able to find a local shop that will revalve the rear shocks for me and I have an appointment there in a couple weeks. I’ll let you know how that goes.

I’m away from the JT at the moment, but best guess is that mine is right at 84” to the GFC roofline (on 35’s and with the spacers). I’ll measure when I get home.

I can’t say enough great things about the GFC camper setup. It’s super strong, lightweight (for what it is), simple to use, and incredibly comfortable to sleep in. People also rave about the Super Pacific tent, so that’s worth looking at if you’re shopping. GFC has a referral program so if you go that route and want to save a few $$ then shoot me a DM.

Cheers,
-Mark

Thank you so much for your reply, Mark.

I highly doubt there is a shop in Alaska that would be experienced in revalving Mojave shocks. I’d have to get a substitute pair for the time I’m without them if I send the rears down to the lower 48 to revalve. This doesn’t necessarily put the camper out of the running but definitely something to consider.

If you could measure from the top of the cabin roof to the top of the camper, I’d really appreciate it!

 

[msiminoff]

I just measured; It's just shy of 82" to the roofline of my GFC. Again, I'm on 35's and have 1.5" Teraflex spacers. As long as you're not adding a Beef Rack or other roof rack system you should be able to stay under 7'.

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