A truck camper is an incredible deal when you own a pickup truck and want to participate in off-roading competitions. They are less expensive and much more portable than just an RV or trailer camper, and they use your pickup’s bed as both storage and resting space. There is a plethora of outstanding options available in the market, many of which are designed for specific automobiles. Even so, as with everything you load into or onto your pickup, mass is always an issue. If you contribute a truck camper and exceed your payload, you risk damaging your truck.
Fortunately, there may be a way out. Go Fast Campers, centered in Minnesota, has unveiled the Go Fast Campers Platform, which it claims is among the lightest campers in the industry.
The Making of Go Fast Campers Platform
GFC develops the Platform almost entirely in-house. The powder-coated structure is made of steel tubing, whereas the tent frame, hinges, and side panels are all made of aluminum. Its tent frame is principally one large T-shape track that allows you to connect up to 500 pounds of equipment to the outside of the camper. The aluminum side panels can be locked and hinged to swing out of the way if necessary. The Platform does not include all of the features that the AT Summit Hardtop does. But even so, because it is so simple, you can still load items into your pickup mattress. With the tube frame, the Platform now tends to add some height and security.
The GFC Platform’s lightweight is also due to its simplified design. It’s the lightest truck camper Outside magazine had also tested to date, weighing in at 250 pounds. When folded down, the tent is also quite slender. GFC claims that at 6″ thick, it is the thinnest such tent on the trade.
The GFC Campers
You’ve got your bug-out bag primed and ready to go, and it’s easily reached near an exit so that you can get out the door in a flash if the worst happens. What happens next? Is your automobile capable of not only getting you wherever you need to go but also making it a pleasant place to be? But what if we’re only chatting about camping for a moment? While you’re out roughing it, how rough would you like it to be? The V2 Platform Camper from GFC—Go Fast Campers—is now available, and it readily addresses every one of those issues.
This same GFC V2 Platform Camper is a combination of a pop-up tent and a camper shell truck cover. Because of the V2’s design, you can keep the camper on your vehicle even if you’re not camping, allowing you to use your truck’s cargo capacity and truck bed. Because the camper has a holding capacity of 500 pounds, it may also be used to transport the remainder of your belongings. A hidden entrance on the floor leads to the pop-up tent.
A mattress big enough even to accommodate two persons with ample space will be found if you crawl through. Composed of waterproof ripstop nylon, the canvas is also a four-season home. Views and fresh air are provided by screened windows that can be opened. The cargo space, which is secured on all corners by removable aluminum panels, is located beneath the tent. There’s no need to be concerned about anyone else obtaining access to your gear because these panels are protected.
Depending on if you really have a midrange or small truck, GFC offers the V2 Platform Camper in two different sizes. For an extra $500, there is a variant for full-size trucks. The V2 is available in a range of colors, as well as some extra features like front and rear windows, a tent side entrance, and customized colors. Finally, GFC has a variety of accessories available, such as fitted bed sheets, awning brackets, a wind skid, and light mounts. You’ve got all you need, now it’s time to think about your car and accommodation, and GFC is exactly what you’re looking for.
Platform Camper
They built the Platform Camper so that you really can spend so much time doing what you love as well as less time thinking about where you’ll rest after a long day of hiking, hunting, biking, surfing, running, or paragliding, and it’s meant to rapidly turn your truck into a minimalistic mobile home.
On Thursday, you can always haul lumber. On Fridays, go for a walk in the forest. Whenever it came for the time to play, the Platform Camper lets you use your vehicle like a truck and does not really lose a beat.
Additionally, regardless of whether you’re lounging out, sleeping alone, or bunking with someone else, our revolutionary Transform-A-Floor provides for even more arrangement possibilities.
Standard
The Standard Platform Camper fits most midsize trucks. Starts at $7,700
XL
The XL Platform Camper fits full-sized trucks. Starts at $8,200
Standard Options:
Base Camper
- Black anodized aluminum pop-top camper assembly
- Black anodized aluminum space frame
- Operable, locking, powder-coated hard-sided panels
- Base panel color options: Black, White
- Installation kit designed specifically for your vehicle
- Tent mattress
Available Options:
More than 4,000 Configs.
- Front and/or Rear Topper Windows (+ $200 / window)
- Tent Side Doors (One on each side) (+ $525)
- Premium Colors (+ $399)
- Tornado Grey
- Destroyer Blue
- Rifle Green
- “Dare Ya” Red (+ $1 – Yeah, only a dollar. Dare ya.)
Specifications:
- Weight: Most Units < 300 lbs
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 Adults with a pet or an infant
- Sleeping Area: 90″ x 50″ // Standard, 90″ x 56″ // XL, 5′ Tent Headroom
- Roof Storage Campacity: 500 lbs // Closed, 75 lbs // Open
- Panels: Locking, Removable
Platform RTT
When based out of a truck or SUV, ground tents are fantastic for backpacking and human-powered adventures, but they’re a bit of a nightmare. This is the RTT. It’s a different kind of outdoor experience that takes the sting out of it. You can say goodbye to damaged poles, bent stakes, and having to re-pitch the tent in the yard just to get it dry. Camping is simple with the Platform RTT.
The RTT is made to be a long-term installation that doesn’t detract from the drivability of your SUV. The RTT is completely hard-sided when it is shut. It can be used year after year, time after time, without requiring to be withdrawn and stored between uses because of its longevity. The RTT is designed to last and may be fixed or replaced in almost any way you want. Perform it yourself or enlist the help of their customer support team.
Design & Construction:
- Thinnest RTT ever made, at 6″ thick when closed
- A perfect mix of protection from elements and immersion in outdoors
- Black anodized aluminum pop-top tent assembly
- Built to withstand the rigors of Baja off-road racing
Standard Features:
- The rear door, dual side doors, and dual side windows come standard
- Proprietary utility track makes mounting accessories easy
- Serves as its own rack—can lift 75 lbs. on its roof
- Tent mattress included
Specifications:
- Weight: 135 lbs
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 Adults with a pet or infant
- Sleeping Area: 90″ x 50″ // Standard, 5′ Tent Headroom
- Roof Storage Capacity: 500 lbs // Closed*, 75 lbs // Open
Pros and Cons of GFC Truck Camper
Even in heavy gusts, the Platform truck camper was observed to be extremely durable. The track structure, and also the modular panels, were also positively received by reviewer Wes Siler.
Nevertheless, there are certain flaws in the tent’s design. You’ll have to have a sleeping bag because the tent is uninsulated and there are minor spaces between the panels where drafts can enter. In addition, it appears that the memory foam padding is pretty firm.
Because of the Platform’s architecture, there’s one extra thing to note. Despite the fact that the aluminum side panels feature bulb seals to keep water out, these aren’t completely waterproof. Eventually, occasional dust and water drops seep in. You could just house it out because the truck bed isn’t filled, according to Siler.
Pros
- The side panels’ rear latches could be used to partly open the side panels, allowing dogs to ride in the bed while being ventilated. A white automobile roof likewise absorbs less warmth than a car with a painted roof. You wouldn’t take your dogs back on a hot day or leave them there unsupervised for lengthy periods of time, but it is a very great addition.
- The basic frame and side panels combine to give you unrestricted access to the bed.
- It’s the most powerful tent you could ever sleep in, and it’s nearly silent even when there’s a lot of wind.
- You rapidly become a pro at detaching the square panels and sneaking out to do some of your personal business at night. You’ll have one less heavy and cumbersome item to carry if you don’t use the ladder.
- Almost every part is modular and adaptable because of this. This has made it easier for anyone to organize a bed, fit a solar-power system, run a 270-degree awning, and hang things like such a fire extinguisher, Max
Cons
- It can be a tremendous hassle to manually lock and open each of the latches, and some fear losing their key. In addition, they’re a magnet for dust, mud, and other debris, and if they’re too dirty, they’ll clog. Keep WD-40 on hand, and don’t forget to keep the small straw that goes with the can.
- The memory-foam sleeping surface is extremely firm. The Exped MegaMat is a great place to sleep on, but it isn’t as good as the Exped MegaMat.
- The seams between both the floor panels may feel a very little cold air rising through on cold winter nights. As a result, a sleeping bag is a better option than a quilt for a warm night’s sleep.
- The tent does not lock, despite the fact that the panels do. As a result, the whole thing is less protected.
- Recognize that you’re still in a tent. There isn’t a heater or insulation in the room. You’ll need a sleeping bag that’s suitable for the conditions you’ll be in.
- Because it’s a single-wall tent, you’ll start waking up to condensation on the ceiling if you don’t allow air to flow through the vents while sleeping. Before you pack up, you may want to keep a microfiber towel in one of the tent compartments to clean it off.
Compatability and Price for Go Fast Campers
GFC’s Bozeman head office can install the Platform truck campers for you, or GFC can bring someone over to your home to do it for customers. A rubber seal that wraps around the whole rim of the truck bed supports the Platform. There are four clamps that are made specifically for the camper.
Standard and XL are the two sizes available. The Jeep Gladiator, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon are all mid-size trucks that meet the requirement. Ford F-150 and Super Duty, Ram, Chevy/GMC 1500-3500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan are all full-size trucks with the XL designation.
The basic Platform costs $6450, while the XL Platform costs $6950. A non-refundable deposit of $500 for the basic and $575 for the XL is required at the time of the transaction, however, it is applied to the final purchase cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take my camper on and off?
Yes, the camper can be easily removed and installed as well. Still, the Platform camper is intended to be kept on the truck and utilized as a daily driver/work truck, with four screws securing it to the bed relying on the truck model. The Platform can be utilized as a conventional truck topper when it isn’t being used as a camper. When not being used as a camper, you may carry up to 500 pounds on the roof with their meat rack crossbars. 75 pounds can be left up top while employing the raising roof.
Do the Go Fast Campers have a warranty?
On any and all materials, workmanship, and parts, the GFC platform comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty from the time of acquisition. Normal wear and tear, as well as damage or cosmetic flaws incurred during usage, are not covered by this warranty. The client is responsible for sending the product (i.e. tent or camper) to the repair shop, and GFC will fix or replace defective products at no cost to the consumer. The cost and obligation of freight must be borne by the owner of the GFC item, and all transportation-related damage must be borne by the product owner as well as the shipping company.
Can the tent carry a load?
With the company’s mounting methods, the tent will readily lift 75 pounds on the roof, so bikes, skis, boats, and other items may be simply mounted. The tent will also operate as its own rack because it does not require additional mounting support based on vehicle use.
How much do the Platform and Platform RTT weigh?
Depending on the features, a standard size camper weighs roughly 270 pounds. The XL size is around 300 pounds in weight. The Platform RTT on the other hand is about 135 pounds in weight.
Wrap Up
Now after going through everything about the Co Fast Campers, you might ask yourself if it would be a good idea to get this one for you and your company. Let us ask you one thing first!
What do you intend to do with your truck?
There are much more pleasant, luxurious solutions out there and if you’re constructing a specialized camping vehicle, don’t need or would like to perform procedures in an organization, take it slow off-road, and have plenty of money to spend. The GFC Platform, on the other hand, is the only feasible alternative if you want anything which won’t get rattled apart through bumps, won’t affect your truck’s efficiency or safety, and allows you to use your truck for more than just camping.
It also is a reasonably low-cost option. The Platform is a little less than half the price of some of the rivals, even though it’s still very costly, with pricing starting at $6,500. Does it make sense to go through the trouble? If you’re a part of the RV community, you probably can’t imagine living without a pickup truck at this time. A vehicle isn’t complete unless it’s equipped with a Go Fast Campers Platform. This is why you need to consider everything you need and everything you have as of now. Will it be actually worth it to buy a platform for someone like you? Think of how you want to use it and how much you would actually utilize it on your journey or if it fits your requirements enough. After thinking about all of those and thinking it is fitting for your need, then today you can get your own GFC camper so buy a platform camper today!
