Back in 2017, GFC completely changed the truck camper space. Before then, a lightweight, wedge-style camper simply didn’t exist. We were limited (mainly) to massive slide-in options, which aren’t very friendly to how most of us use our trucks. That, or running an RTT on a traditional camper shell. There was clearly a gap and a need for innovation.
From day one, the idea instantly peaked my interest. So much so, that I immediately considered changing platforms (I used to only have 4Runners) to make use of a covered truck bed and integrated sleeping area. This was more attractive to my needs considering how absolutely packed the 4Runners would get on long haul trips. So much so, that we had the entire interior stacked to the ceiling with gear. Being able to keep my cabin free of clutter and organize everything in the bed looked like the ultimate solution.
Today, GFC has become the most popular camper in the category and inspired many others to enter the space. And for good reason. They’ve got the most experience in building, amazing customer support, and a community of owners and enthusiasts that hasn’t been replicated anywhere else.
This isn’t my first GFC product. Campers, toppers, tents – I’ve been lucky to see them all in action. Check out my 2.5 year review on the previous model, the V2.
Let’s take a closer look at the V2 Pro…
Table Of Contents
What’s In The V2 Pro Package?
Let’s quickly run through what you’re getting into with the V2 Pro…
Standard Features
- 3 side doors (easy access to truck bed)
- T-slot extrusion (mounting point for accessories)
- Lighting kit (5 strips, 4 down low, one up top, dimmable red/white colors)
- Drip rails (stops rain from going inside truck, redirects to cab gutter)
- Turbo Nap mattress (dual density foam for comfort)
- Billet aluminum machined corners (strong, and nice on the eyes)
- Insulated headliners (stops lights, fights condensation, Velcro compatible)
- 9 color options (at time of publishing)
- Two tent material colors (tangerine, stone grey)
Optional Features
- Rear window
- Molle panel
- Solar panel
- Beef rack crossbars
- Turbo cubby (currently not available)
- Ladder kit
- Door prop kit
- Several mounting brackets
Feature Deep Dive
The Spaceframe
- inspired by race cars, the proprietary aluminum extrusion is strong, but lightweight (~275 lbs.)
- billet joints distribute load evenly
- architectural grade grade anodizing resists scratches and purple fading from the sun
- bolted connections don’t crack like welded joints, easier to repair
The Transform-A-Floor
- interior bed panels can be removed for big interior volume
- panels can be organized in many different ways depending on use
- allows access to sleeping area from the bed
“Cabana Mode”
- doors open beyond 90 degrees for clearance
- can provide shelter from the sun or rain
Secure Gear Storage
- every door panel has two locking latches
- best security available without rear window (items out of sight)
The Passive Vents
- top of tent has vents that never close
- helps to draw out warm, moist air
- increase airflow
- door prop kit can offer even more airflow
The Bedding Catch
- stretchy mesh underneath square floor panels
- easily store pillows, sleeping bags, and more
- keeps bedding clean and off the bed floor
If you’d like to see a closer look at the new V2 features, check out my – What’s New With The V2 Pro post.
Behind The Scenes Video Tour
When I went to pick up my camper last year, I had the chance to take a tour of the different facilities GFC operates in Montana. Check it out if you’d like to see a close look behind the scenes with Graeme, the owner and founder.
V2 Pro or V2 MAX?
Before we keep going, it’s worth mentioning that GFC now offers two camper models. The V2 Pro and the V2 MAX.
When I ordered my camper, the MAX was not available. It was released a few months later. If I had the chance, I would have gone the MAX route. The main reason? Even more interior space, and the absolute most bang for your buck from a feature standpoint.
The MAX is 18″ longer, and offers a constant passthrough at the back of the bed (can be closed off). For me, the added space it takes up on the roof (essentially unused) is better utilized by more a functional sleeping area. It also comes standard with things like a bulkhead MOLLE panel, it’s prewired for Starlink and solar, machined handles, and blackout anodized hardware.
After speaking with GFC, they tell me that the MAX has been very popular and that many are going this direction. All that said, if you want my advice to make a decision, I would get the MAX.
Check out Brenan’s GFC MAX Breakdown to learn more.
Daily Driving With A Camper
Most of us still need to use our truck on a daily basis. That could be anything from commuting to a run to the hardware store. As we modify our trucks, we need to make sure that daily use isn’t compromised. I think the GFC does this really well.
The design is low profile, it doesn’t make the truck overly big (compared to full size campers). It doesn’t hang over the sides and the tent portion hugs the top of the body as close as possible.
It’s lightweight. Under 300 lbs., it’s a reasonable amount of weight to add. It doesn’t make the truck feel too top heavy, and doesn’t push the limits of GVWR.
While you might not be able to carry that massive dresser vertically, there is still plenty of space to do pretty much everything else.
The camper is doesn’t make any annoying noises like creaking. There is some wind noise from the tent portion, but that’s to be expected.
MPGs might take a small hit, but I’ve never noticed anything that would make me reconsider the setup.
I wrote a post on daily driving with a GFC and why I think it fits in really well for the situation. Check it out below!
But to quickly summarize… you lose some vertical space in the bed, but you gain a ton of function for your adventures. If you’ve thought about adding a camper to your daily, I think the case is very strong for choosing GFC.
Camping Setup – From Parking To Sleeping
One of the biggest appeals of a GFC is setup time. Gone are the days of messing with tarps and tent poles.
Finding a campsite is relatively straightforward. You can camp literally anywhere you can fit the truck, you just need to make sure you’re able to level it. We usually use logs or rocks found in the area. Some people use their traction boards or dedicated leveling plates.
Once you have a spot, getting ready to sleep literally less than 30 seconds. Just pop the tent latches and push up, the shocks will help the tent to open. That simple. It’s going to take you longer to bring all your pillows and blankets inside than it will to be ready to climb inside.
Closing the tent takes a little longer, but it’s still pretty negligible. You have to be mindful to tuck in all the tent material, but it usually doesn’t take me more than one minute to close up.
Accessing your bed takes seconds, either via the tailgate or side doors.
The time this setup saves and the convenience add up fast. If you like to boondock, or camp at primitive sites, or even at the local KOA, you know how important time is. You can lose hours each day just setting up and breaking down. That’s time spent not making the most of your getaway.
Tent Comfort & Sleeping Experience
You’re buying a camper because you want practical sleeping space. So what’s it like sleeping in the V2 Pro?
The Turbo Nap mattress is definitely an upgrade over previous versions. It’s very comfy. The 3″ dual density foam does its job. The base is a little firmer, the top where you sleep has a little bit more give. Considering we’re sleeping outside, and not in a huge pop-up or tiny cabin, I genuinely get a good night’s sleep every time and don’t find myself desperate for something better.
As far as space goes, the sleeping area is 90″ long by 50″ wide. The added length is great. The 50″ may seem narrow (mainly limited by truck size), but I can easily sleep with my wife and 55 lb. dog without feeling too cramped. My buddy and I recently took the truck out to camp in the UP (Michigan), both of us are a little over 6 feet tall, and we had enough room.
The added vertical space is nice too. Even though it’s a smaller confined space, the height makes it feel bigger. Like how having taller ceilings opens up a room, even a small one.
The newer tent material is great. I got Stone Gray for a neutral look and to block out sunlight. The Tangerine allows more light transmission. The zippers are silent, there’s no metal on metal contact, so you really only hear the wind hitting the tent on occasion. All closed up, the tent is very resistant to wind and doesn’t flap like crazy or make excessive noise when it picks up.
The vents and insulation. Condensation sucks. Every enclosed space needs to consider how to prevent/deal with it. With the air vents, airflow is steady and the potential for condensation is greatly reduced. But the really important part is the insulated headliner. The material actively resists water vapor build up at any temperature. The best part? I have experienced exactly zero condensation yet. From winter to summer. Job well done on controlling this part. The temperatures are more stable as well. This is more relevant in colder temps than warm, but the tent retains heat better than before. Last thing. The insulation acts to deaden the sound inside as well.
How Does It Do Off-Road?
Durability is an important topic, especially when you invest this much money into a product/hobby. And what better place to test durability than off-road, where we see excess forces, vibrations, and more?
GFC’s construction is beyond robust. They take race truck level parts very seriously. The base of the system, the spaceframe, is super strong, especially for its weight. The triangular supports reinforce the extrusions. We’d have to do some more thorough testing, but from everything I’ve seen, GFC products excel above the competition from a strength perspective.
While you do need to periodically check the bed mounts for proper torque on the hardware, through everything I’ve put my truck through, I’ve never had any failures. From bombing down a corrugated road at 50+ mph, to twisting the frame on big rock obstacles, the V2 Pro is one of, if not the most durable product on the truck.
So whether you’re a casual camper or you live for off-grid camping through the rocks, you can rest assured the GFC won’t let you down. Even if something were to happen, GFC is very good about their warranty support and replacement parts.
Weather Resistance – Dust, Debris, Water
A common question I see regarding campers is how well they protect against the elements. People often ask about dust and water intrusion.
GFC’s campers have gone through many design iterations and upgrades. They’re always listening to feedback to try and improve. And so, everything down to the seals has been continuously improved.
I have not experienced any dust or debris coming into the sleeping area. The tent is good at stopping them. The same goes for water. Even through heavy storms, we’ve stayed dry and comfortable inside.
As far as the bed goes, there are limitations. The bed is not designed to be completely sealed from the elements. There are gaps between the tailgate and around the trim pieces. These areas do have a tendency to allow dust and water in, but that’s out of GFC’s control. You would need to add additional seals and silicone in order to stop the intrusion more completely. And ideally, a positive pressure system as the negative bed pressure (compared to outside) tends to draw stuff inside as you drive.
That said, the camper itself does not have any issues within its structure. It comes down to how badly you want to keep out the elements with DIY or professional bed sealing.
Long Term Value & Resale Potential
Most people considering this setup aren’t planning on getting rid of their truck anytime soon. I imagine many are building long term camping rigs. While the cost is certainly a factor to consider, the value is in the time saved, added function, and convenience of setup. Time saved? Time is money and you can’t get it back. Added function? No question here. Convenience? It doesn’t get any easier. If you actually get out there and consistently use your camper, it will pay for itself.
Most mods lose value pretty quickly. But the success, product longevity, and the community around GFC help to retain value if you ever do decide to sell. I often see used units selling for ~$8,000. If you decide to sell your truck to change platforms, you’ll be able to recover a good chunk of what you spent. I think this is a big selling point. Not everyone keeps their truck forever, and it’s nice to know that your investment won’t depreciate too much based on brand history.
Who Should Actually Buy One?
Outfitting your bed can take a lot of different shapes and forms. I think it’s tough to deny that the function of a camper far exceeds something like a bed rack. So if you’re already thinking about spending several thousand dollars on a bed rack and RTT, you’re not terribly far off from getting into a camper. I have yet to find something that I liked more (for my use) than the GFC.
If you want to…
- have super fast setup and breakdown
- keep the weight down
- keep the price of entry down
- camp without giving up all your everyday utility
- have something that works daily and on weekend trips
- have relatively low maintenance
- build something that can evolve over time
- buy an American made product
- focus on thoughtful engineering and function over luxurious amenities
- have a historically strong brand for long term support
Then GFC campers are for you!
Final Thoughts
Man, what else is left to say?! As long as I’m running a rig like my Tacoma, I will always prefer to have a GFC. The added value for how we explore is undeniable. If you’re on the fence, I challenge you to find another brand that’s this dialed, at this price point.
If you have any other questions, I’m always happy to answer them. Thanks for reading!!
