Go Fast Camper Platform Topper

[briscoelab]

We made the drive out to Belgrade, MT last weekend to get a GFC Platform topper installed on the new '23 JTRD.

Our '20 Launch Edition has an RSI Smart Cap installed, so I can offer some comparisons if anyone has questions.

Overall, really pleased with the GFC and the install process. The people out at GFC were super friendly and awesome while we were there.

A few initial observations:

1. having the windows front and back are great. Couldn't imagine not having them. I was worried about the lack of side windows, as compared to our RSI. But, that was a non-issue.

2. Really like the GCF load bars. Super solid mounting option.

3. It sucks they won't mount to the factory trail rail system in Gladiators. I understand they were having issues with mounting geometry variability with the factory applied bed liner being inconsistent from truck to truck. But out came without a factory bed liner and the aftermarket one we had applied did not go behind/under the factory trail tails. I know they have mounting feet to accommodate that type of mounting. In the end, this is a minor issue. The factory bars can be modified and bolted back up. But, you do lose some function.

4. It leaks a fair bit at a touch-less car wash. (Think high pretty a few inches away). Our RSI is VERY well sealed, with the only real water intrusion is around the tail gate (ie not an issue with the cap). With the GFC, the bed was fairly wet. Time will tell if this is an issue when driving through hard rain at highway speeds. But, I'll have to be mindful when getting it washed at a high pressure touch-less. We drove home from MT in some moderate rain and had no issues. The truck also sat overnight at a hotel in rain and had no issues.

Now, I'm waiting on some brackets to attach awning and we'll be set out back. Waiting on it to warm up a bit before installing the suspension. But, that's for another thread

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[Chief_jeep]

Have you slept in the GFC yet? I've heard mixed review that it's very uncomfortable.

Pretty ridiculous that a $8k canopy/rtt leaks.

 

[briscoelab]

I think you might not have read my post correctly and also not looked at the pictures. This isn't a GFC Platform Camper.

So no, I haven't slept inside my truck bed, within the last 5 days since the install... if that's what you are asking.

Regarding the leaking, it doesn't leak from the top, etc. Water got inside when I was in a touch-less car wash, with crazy high pressure water blasting the corners from a few inches away.

Sure I would have liked to have no water come in, but that's a pretty extreme edge case. If it leaks when driving in a rain storm, then I'd be upset. This is more of something to keep in mind. We did drive back from MT in rain and freezing rain and there was no water intrusion. But it wasn't "dumping". It also sat at a hotel overnight while raining and no water got in.

The large panels, which open up completely just can't seal as tight as the RSI's smaller windows, with inset seals. I'll certainly post up and continue to compare the two if this ends up being a more significant concern.

 

[jeventures]

What made you decide to get a GFC over the rsi or an alucab canopy? I’ve the Alu cab canopy and love it. We mount an ikamper on top for family camping. If it were just my wife and I I’d have gone the GFC camper with tent integrated for the lower height of the tents weight. My tent and canopy weigh in the same as the GFC camper but my tent has to sit 2-3” higher than the GFC.

 

[briscoelab]

Good questions!

I'll address the Alucab first. I just don't care for how they look, compared to the other options on the market (yours looks stellar though!). Although the new, more angled ones (like yours) are MUCH better than the old design, as far as looks go.

As for RSI. We did almost get another RSI. RSI, if you can get one, are really nice caps. Ours is the Sport model, with the side windows. They look REALLY good, are strong, can be more easily shipped and assembled, etc.

That said, we had some problems with our RSI.

1. Availability. Ours was one of the first into eh USA back in 2020. Getting it was a long, draw out affair. Their distribution and dealer network was, and still is, a nightmare.

2. Ours arrived with significant shipping damage. We had to have a body shop fix the top panel and repaint it.... or wait MONTHS to get a replacement. The rear lift gate panel was also shipped with the wrong decals and graphics on it. So that had to be replaced as well. They sent us TWO incorrect ones, before finally getting the correct panel.

3. The locks/latches are less than awesome and require some looking after. The first batches were made with an improper sealant that would run when the topper got hot, making a huge mess. They sent out replacement seals to fix this. They are very prone to freezing up like in the winter (we line in MN, so that's a good part of the year, lol) if you don't lube/treat them. The keys are TINY and thin.... very prone to breaking if you aren't careful.

4. Back to avlaibility. We didn't want to gamble with placing an order and waiting months to get one (we weren't able to find one in stock when ready to pull the trigger on purchase this time). With the GFC, we had an avlaibility estimate before placing the order. They beat that date by over a month.

More specifics on the GFC decision:

1. I liked the overall design and concept.

2. it weighs less than the SmartCap.

3. Thought it would be a nice road trip to pick it up in person (it was!).

4. Wanted to try something different.

5. Love the modularity of their extrusions for mounting accessories. Although we got the loan bars from them, you don't need them to mouse awnings, lights, etc... like you do on something like he RSI or Alucab.

5. Wanted to support a manufacture that has a progressive work philosophy (4 day work week for production staff and a very livable wage, even at the bottom end).

6. Thought of it as a trial run for possibly switching out our RSI/RTT combo for either another GFC Topper, or more likely the Platform Camper.

RSI on our other truck (yes, we have two white JTRs, lol):

 

[jeventures]

Good questions!

I'll address the Alucab first. I just don't care for how they look, compared to the other options on the market (yours looks stellar though!). Although the new, more angled ones (like yours) are MUCH better than the old design, as far as looks go.

As for RSI. We did almost get another RSI. RSI, if you can get one, are really nice caps. Ours is the Sport model, with the side windows. They look REALLY good, are strong, can be more easily shipped and assembled, etc.

That said, we had some problems with our RSI.

1. Availability. Ours was one of the first into eh USA back in 2020. Getting it was a long, draw out affair. Their distribution and dealer network was, and still is, a nightmare.

2. Ours arrived with significant shipping damage. We had to have a body shop fix the top panel and repaint it.... or wait MONTHS to get a replacement. The rear lift gate panel was also shipped with the wrong decals and graphics on it. So that had to be replaced as well. They sent us TWO incorrect ones, before finally getting the correct panel.

3. The locks/latches are less than awesome and require some looking after. The first batches were made with an improper sealant that would run when the topper got hot, making a huge mess. They sent out replacement seals to fix this. They are very prone to freezing up like in the winter (we line in MN, so that's a good part of the year, lol) if you don't lube/treat them. The keys are TINY and thin.... very prone to breaking if you aren't careful.

4. Back to avlaibility. We didn't want to gamble with placing an order and waiting months to get one (we weren't able to find one in stock when ready to pull the trigger on purchase this time). With the GFC, we had an avlaibility estimate before placing the order. They beat that date by over a month.

More specifics on the GFC decision:

1. I liked the overall design and concept.

2. it weighs less than the SmartCap.

3. Thought it would be a nice road trip to pick it up in person (it was!).

4. Wanted to try something different.

5. Love the modularity of their extrusions for mounting accessories. Although we got the loan bars from them, you don't need them to mouse awnings, lights, etc... like you do on something like he RSI or Alucab.

5. Wanted to support a manufacture that has a progressive work philosophy (4 day work week for production staff and a very livable wage, even at the bottom end).

6. Thought of it as a trial run for possibly switching out our RSI/RTT combo for either another GFC Topper, or more likely the Platform Camper.

RSI on our other truck (yes, we have two white JTRs, lol):

Thanks for the detailed reply! #5 is pretty important I think. I’ve almost made the kids run their own ground tent so I can get the GFC camper to support their business model/ethic.

 

[TotallyReasonable]

I think looks wise the RSI wins slightly over the GFC, but the USA made and availabilty have me leaning towards the GFC. I wanted to get their camper, but I don't like the idea of being stuck with a 2 person tent when I go camping with the wife and kid. GFC topper plus a nice large RTT sounds ideal to me.

Great looking truck and thanks for the insight!

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