**Get $250 towards the Super Pacific Gear Shop when purchasing a camper by putting my launch code **#933** into the referral code section** Any further questions about the Super Pacific X1? Let me know. Once it's warmer out and my build out in the rear is closer to being done, I plan to revisit this video and give an update! As always, appreciate the support! Without your support, this all wouldn't be possible.
No-see-um is actually a type of insect that can get through larger screen/mesh configurations. Tents will often advertise no-see-um mesh. If they don’t, you’ll hear of people having issues with some bugs getting through. Just a coincidence that at that size of hole, you also get the privacy effect, but not the namesake.
I had a GFC ordered but canceled when I found a used X1, probably the best thing that could have happened. I love that camper, so easy to modify. The vents are awesome, I am using a wave 3 heater and the heat “rises” through the opening and exhausts through the vent zero condensation.
Nice snag on the used one! They seem to rarely pop up but if they do, you can often snag them for a killer price. I have heard from others that the vents are a huge perk for the condensation issues.
I actually tried to order a GFC in November, but they were super unresponsive and impossible to get ahold of which turned me off of them. Ended up being the best thing that could have happened because I went with Topo Topper instead and am super stoked to pick up my Badlander in February. Really wanted ceiling fan ventilation and Thomas and Katy have been beyond phenomenal to work with. Look forward to seeing your experience with Super Pacific, was definitely on my radar!
Unfortunate to hear that but I think I heard the same during that crazy month from some other folks. Topo Toppers has some nice additions as well like the fan for ventilation and more. They certainly have been pumping some campers out! Excited to see more of those ones on the road. Glad you found the right camper and was able to get into one :)
Good review. For me, as a minimalist who spends a month at a time camping in my GFC, simple is nice. And I like less payload weight, for when I have to tow. I am jealous of those vents though! If I was camping with someone else regularly, ti would be a no brainer to get a camper that did not require lifting a bed square to get up in the night, LOL! Also, from a strictutilitarian POV, I like using a molle panel as a table.
I 100% agree with everything you said especially when you talked about your goals with the camper. I think if GFC just added proper venting and minor changes to the tent, it would attract even more buyers.
Good evening from Godley Texas, good comparison of campers. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Live life to the fullest. Stay safe and happy travels 😎
Overall a good comparison video, that was spot-on on several of the GFC Camper short comings. The damn tent has always been my only gripe, but saying that, the GFC camper has filled every other of my expectations. Value, weight , delivery, and it’s simple. I think saying $3000 is a small difference is a little off. $3000 is a lot of accessories, if that is the thing to think about. 60 lbs difference is also not a small difference when your mid-size truck payload is 1155 lbs, over 5%. Delivery times will always flex, GFC got hit with orders late in the year because of the small price increase. When I ordered it was ready for pick up in less than 8 weeks, and SuperPacific was over a year out. Yes, I like how simple the camper, it can be built as much as a person wants. But I like to tinker anyways. So question, can you close those stout side doors quietly? In your video you slammed it each time, that would suck in a campground. But overall, good and fair comparisons, hope the SP X1 workout great for you. Happy trails.
The tent and the additional features is very worth it in terms of the extra $3000 imo. I have seen some used SPs pop up for 9k as well recently. If you don't camp much, sure it may not be worth it. I have mentioned that to a lot of folks - "is it worth it" will depend on you. No one can determine it's worth for you. So it's not just accessories alone, it's also the added comfort features I wanted especially after 80 nights in the camper alone in 2023. Payload on the Tacomas is probably one of the lowest in the industry. You put 4 people and some gear in the truck and you're nearly at the payload. For reference, with all of my modifications done to the truck, my total weight was right around 5700 (including all the camping gear). I had the same experience with the GFC. Short lead time initially. Knowing what I know, I don't foresee their lead times drastically shortening especially until next year. Another BF sale may only push that out further. They cut staff and others had left - last I heard, they were running a "lean" crew. Add on BF, it bogged them down. The doors have a 3 stage "locking" process. So yes, you don't have to slam them each time and with more use, the bulb seal will break in. In my first trip out, I already discovered and found many more things I am excited about and huge upgrades over the GFC. Appreciate the watch and comment!
Be curious to see your review after a year. Those Super Pacific canopies are super nice and cleverly designed, no doubt. I think for some that 70-75# weight difference on a mid-size application is more significant and a bigger concern with overall payload than it might be to others. I ordered a GFC V2 during the Black Friday sale and the price difference between that and the X1 was closer to $6000 with pick up in Montana. That's also significant. If the extra money and weight were no concern... yeah Super Pacific all day long. Hope it meets your needs. Looking forward to future reviews!
With the sale price, for sure it made a bigger difference. Downfall, depending on when you purchased and finalized your order, many are not going to get to use their camper this summer due to the lead times. Personally, I don't think I could have waited and missed out on summer camping in 2024! Overall payload on the midsize trucks especially the Tacoma can be maxed out bone stock with just passengers or camping gear in the back. Last time I weighed my truck I was sitting right around 5600-5700lbs with the GFC and LOADED with camping gear. I also run E rated 34 inch tires which make the truck heavier. While I don't disagree on the weight difference, the added comfort and other features make it worth it for me. Now just think....people put Scout Campers or a heavy 4WC in the back the Tacomas.
I had mine for a year - just sold it last month. I get the appeals of a canopy camper combo, but I think even the SP is overpriced for what it is. After initially having a rack/RTT, then SP, I am now moving towards a Alucab Canopy and an Alucab Gen3R RTT. All of these canopy campers are a compromise. I think the Alucab is the best setup, but don't like the aesthetics. So now I'm going to a setup where I can remove the tent for the DD aspect. SP still has so many issues for $13k+. Condensation both in hot and cold, not being able to slide the bed over to stand up in the truck bed once mattress is inflated, door latching was finnicky and required extra attention to make sure they were fully closed, and overall I'd say the tent is awful in freezing temps (metal rail mating meant I had to scrape the surface in order to close, the latch system froze on me multiple times requiring hot water to be able to sleep for the night, and once the gutter system freezes over, water will intrude along the edges). There is also an inability to fit anything extra in the tent area when closed, despite SP insisting you can - note they will always say it depends on how deflated you make the exped mattress. I have many more nitpicks, but these were my main issues. It's a great canopy with an ok tent. But for 2/3 the price, can get a great canopy and a great tent with no compromises. When you are sitting there in the cold with an air pump inflating your exped mattress, then moving blankets and pillows up while your buddy with an Alucab CC has just undone 2 latches and has a full bed setup with blankets, real pillows and everything is just ready to go, you will really start to question what value was provided for the amount of money spent
The Alucab RTT and canopy topper is like what I had for my 2nd set up which was the CVT Mt hood and Smart cap. While I loved it, I would never give up the ability to stand up inside the back of the bed again. It's just so useful for how I like to camp and was one of the big reasons why I stuck with something similar. Also, height was another huge pro. I really can't afford to go much taller in height due to my garage space. The CVT Mt Hood + Smart cap was much taller than the SP thus the center of gravity sat much higher. Not the best for off roading/off camber spots in my experiences. They have also since updated the locking mechanism to new locks, but I am sure you saw those differences in the video (old locks were the shiny metal, new ones are the all black ones). Sounds like you also didn't have a way of heating the SP/canopy camper - might want to explore that option for the Alucab! Just last wekeend when running the diesel heater, I was a toasty 70-75ºf inside. Also, the ability to stand up, move the bed allowed me to edit the video all while wearing a t shirt :) I am glad you found the set up that works best for you! At the end of the day, getting out there to camp is all that matters.
@@hunter_pauley I thought the standing space would be a game changer as well. I just found it to be more of a headache instead. Moving the panels to get up and down is annoying, especially in the middle of the night. And like I mentioned, once the mattress is inflated you can't really slide the platform over to utilize the full truck bed space like you'd imagine. The only part I really liked was being able to close up the rear in rain/snow and be able to shed wet layers and leave them down below before jumping up top. You touted the benefits of the bug nets, but those don't do sh*t when you have the side door open to access gear and bugs can get right up into your sleeping area through those Molle panels. I'm 6'3" and so in order to fit comfortably in the bed, I'd need to leave at least one of the panels in place so I can slide my head slightly closer to the rear of the truck to have enough room for my feet. In general, a lot of the pros on paper just really didn't come to fruition, at least in my use case. Understand the camper height factor, that just comes back to pros and cons. Lower COG for offroading, awesome. But for those extended trips where now your bedding is taking up space inside your truck and having to do the full setup and tear down night after night gets old fast (not really that big of a deal in the scheme of things, but for $13k I expect the easiest possible setup and tear down). Not sure how the CVT stacks up, but the Alucab RTT has plenty of space to leave everything setup exactly how you'd sleep, including thick blankets and real pillows. I had the updated locks (black handles). It wasn't an issue with those, it was an issue with their latching system being a 2 stage latch. They advertise it as a soft close so you don't have to slam them in the middle of the night and wake people up, but really it just means so much additional force is needed to get them to close fully. And if you don't realize it's not fully latched, after a day of driving down dusty trails it just sucks all that dust up into it. That's if you don't hear it rattling first. I did run a diesel heater, but I also run warm so unless it's colder than 45 degrees-ish, I'm more than comfortable in just a sleeping bag. On nights the diesel heater was on, condensation wasn't near as bad. Maybe with carpet added to the roof panel it would've helped, but there was almost always condensation on the black aluminum rails that connect from outside to inside so it was hard to find ways to mitigate that. Then on the cold nights where the heater was on, you run into issues with melting the snow - the gutters lead to drains in the corners of the tent, but those are the furthest away from the heat source. So snow melts in the center and runs towards those drains, where if they are frozen has nowhere to go. And since the SP is long enough to have those open access panels, means the heater is less efficient as you are now heating up the below space too Also, have fun when it rains. On the DCSB Tacoma, the front of the SP is right over the front doors so the water drips right in on your seat whenever you open your door. There is a solution out there for $120 gutters, but something this trivial you'd expect to have no issues with when spending this amount of money. Overall, that's how I felt about the SP in general and why I decided to walk away. There are so many oversights that for the cost made it hard to justify the purchase. Could I have improved it myself? Sure, but that's just throwing more money at an already expensive solution
Glad you came to that conclusion! Sounds like the new set up will fit you perfectly. I ran the exped in the CVT Mt hood and could still store bedding in there which was just a very small blanket since I ran the heater in there too. Oh, the CVT also dripped down into my back seat but unfortunately I couldn't do anything about that since there wasn't a fix. The drip rails from Josh fix both the issue that the GFC had and the SP. Thankful for something being available! Like you mentioned, every set up will have their pros n cons just like the Gen 3 tents also having leaking issues from the front latches. I have been stoked with the SP thus far and it's been a huge upgrade over the GFC. Pretty much has checked many of the other boxes I wanted before going to a full slide in style camper.@@braydenjacobson
I recently Put down $$ for a Lone Peak Camper which has many of these same sizing options and is out the door for under 6000$. the lead times now are sadly next fall since they are new to the industry and working out production line but seem very flexible about adapting to customer request. their add on are limited since they are so new and seem to be a bit pricy but if your handy with setting up power systems it seems like a great option for the budget camper. Figured this would be more up your ally since they are based in eastern Washington.
I was able to see the camper they had on the owners truck at Mtn Expo West last year. While I think the price is good, I wasn’t super impressed with some of the quality control on the camped. Many of the anodized parts on the camper had turned purple from the sun and it seemed like they were still trying to finalize a lot of the details. I had a couple close acquaintances who also had deposits and the continue push back of lead times made them look else where.
The price difference is quite substantial between these two campers. I think with your yearly use the cost could be justified if it fits better with your style. Be interested to hear whether those vents will prevent condensation when not utilizing the diesel heater or if you would need to consider a roof fan install. I hope super pacific is paying you something for this type of marketing.
After nearly 80 nights in the GFC last year, I was ready for something with a few more upgrades and added comfort features. I still wanted to keep it semi light in terms of weight and the Super Pacific fit the bill. I know the vent will make a big difference. Coming from my CVT Mt Hood, they were smaller and they made a substantial difference especially when it rain. Nothing will 100% mitigate condensation but reducing it with vents is certainly noticeable in my previous experience. I'm very excited to put it through it's paces this year. I have quite a few bigger trips already lined up and a list of modifications once it gets warmer.
It's truly crazy to see just how many companies are in the scene now! Lots of choices to pick from which is great for the customer - downfall...it can be overwhelming like you mentioned! Keep kicking it with the GFC! That is the beauty of options...multiple different use case scenarios for folks and the ability to go the route they feel is best for their style of camping :)
Totally agree! I beleive the main reason for all these companies popping up is that they don't have to follow RV guidelines (National Association of Trailer Manufacturers - NATM) nor be titled (good and bad you can't get a loan on a non titles camper). Just as well wedge campers fit a middle area between Roof Top Tent RTT and Slide In Truck camper or trailer. Both in weight offings and price. Heck now days you buy a good bed rack and RTT you can be well over $4500- and all your stuff is out in the open. A used GFC can be picked up loaded starting at $6000‐7000. Keep rockin the content. Congratulations for getting into the RU-vid algorithm with all your videos. We might have to try..."Camping With Our Horses In Snow" 😂 As we both would say, whatever it takes to get someone out camping is a total win! Get them Out Of The Office Camping! Regardless of there platform. You meet the nicest people when camping. 😊🏕 ‐M
@@obrianmcc So true built to last 10 years 😂 If you're lucky. Sad, really. Heck, most of the non certified campers are far better built than those with the badge. That's what I like with my GFC. Any part can easily be replaced or updated. Just like many of the wedge camper manufacturers.
Cool video! I hadn't really seen a SP vs. GFC comparison video yet. As someone who is picking their GFC up in March, a couple of the SP's features has me feeling a little buyer's remorse haha. Mostly the door and lock handles and the pass-through space in the bed. But I'm really just buying the GFC as a really nice truck canopy that will serve for spring/summer/fall camping purposes so the price at which I ordered the GFC makes the most sense. But I can see the advantages in the SP especially for the people that want to do more "building out" than I will ever do. Edit: Sorry, hadn't seen your final thoughts yet. You nailed it. Also, Blue Mountain!
I think at the end of the day, you just have to really look at how much you’re going to use said platform. I spent a lot of time in the GFC last year and just wanted something with more comfort features and ability to build it out. There’s a different slice for everyone out there. Biggest thing I was to stress to folks, just getting out there to camp is what matters the most! 🤟🏽
I went from the Ikamper Mini 1.0 to the GFC V2. The GFC leaked when it would rain, open or closed. They sent me a tube of shoe goo to fix it... not putting shoe goo on a $10,500 tent that has one job to do... keep you out of the elements. Sold the GFC, went back to Ikamper mini 2.0
@@krautdude1600Itwould leak from several locations. The forward bulkhead at both the top corners where the transparent roof met the frame and would run inside along the edges and absorb into my mattresses even if closed. Then, it would leak into the tops of the side panels and trickle down to the bed of the truck. I have photos of all of this which I had sent to GFC. They sent me Lexel and Shoe Goo both of which are not appropriate for customers to fix a defective product.
Thats awesoem that SP took the time to make sure the truck bed was air tight, thats a huge downside of my GFC currently with the bed not being weather proof after install. Great info between the 2 campers, thanks for sharing man!
Yea it really was AND they also have a great video showing how they seal under the bed rails on their YT. Took me 3 times to properly seal the bed rails under my Tacoma originally but it's pretty damn sealed up now or close to ~90%.
If I recall @kadenventures you are driving a Gen 2 Frontier .... keep in mind when sealing the beds on the Gen 2 that there are very large sheet metal channels in both the front and rear corners ... these required expanded foam to fully seal.
SP is the product everyone thought they were going to get when they placed their order with GFC. SP is superior in every way; the weight difference is negligible for nearly all practical use cases. Glad you made the switch
I've yet to see one of these in person, but it's apparent from this video the build quality and form/function are top notch. The thicker tent material, window layout, and vents look very nice... If only they made a RTT for us none truck folk :(
They actually DID make RTTs at one point. They said they have about 7-8 in the wild right now but there just wasn't enough demand for them. I guess this was a few years ago supposdely but who knows, maybe they will bring them back at one point!
I was just t Super Pacific a month ago and they have an add on insulation kit for 4 season camping as well as an outside liner to prevent snow getting in the tracks- makes it bomb proof in my opinion. And they’re getting w Truman heaters to make a propane (w wet air exhausted out) for the side door)
@@hunter_pauley Do you know where i can find some information on the outside liner? it doesn't seem like its an option on their website on the gear shop. Cheers
I live in Montana, and I’ll be purchasing a canopy camper style unit this Summer. I absolutely positively crossed off the GFC simply based on the supports that block off parts of the side windows. Hard pass. “But, you’d dismiss it just because of that?” ABSOLUTELY. But also in the mix is the dust intrusion. I’d love to support local, but I can’t. SupePac is good, but again, I want what Alu Cab could offer in a number of other areas. But that’s just me, and the SupePac is a really great unit. I just love this style of camper.
GFC is a decent product but having owned several tents and toppers now I have to say that the SP is clearly worth the extra cost. My V2 was a pretty poor experience for me and I had buyers remorse about it up until I sold it. Now looking at getting into an SP. I just don't get why after all these years the GFC team refuses to change or work on the problems of their product
Thanks for the review. Just got a 23 Tacoma and looking at SP vs. GFC. Now that the GFC V2 PRO is available I'm sure we'd all like to hear your thoughts on those upgrades as they seem to have addressed many of the issues that caused you to make the switch...
@@pchone I’ve only seen the v2 pro in person. Likely the additions will fix “most” of the issues but I’ve really grown to like many of the things on the SP. I saw pictures of the v2 pro prototype back in February which makes me think they didn’t test it much yet it the elements - time will tell how the additions will do but I think they will work out well for the most part. I would have loved to work with GFC and offered many times to on the tent redesign but never got the opportunity.
@@hunter_pauley Appreciate the reply. I've only seen their video showing the features of the PRO- not in person. When the time comes I'll likely go SP. In the meantime, a Leer 180 will have to suffice...
@@pchone if you can, I always recommend going to an overland expo OR seeking someone out locally to see the product. Feel and see the products in person. I did that with the SP last August when I still had my GFC and I instantly knew one was in my future. For all you know, you might find another platform besides the two that fits your needs and demands even better.
A good comparison. I have a GFC and there are certain issues that have come up and I have figured how to deal with them. I have the old mattress. To solve the mattress issue, I bought a Badger bed, which isn't cheap but it is a bedroll that I take when visiting and don't use the camper. I always have my own bed with sheets and quilt. One thing to note, I bought the GFC early on and it was under 7000. The Super Pacific looks like a solid camper.
Sounds like you bought closer to the price increase before I got mine - seems like there has been 2 price increases since you picked yours up and only 1 since I had mine. I don't usually have buyers remorse but I did after a couple of weeks of owning the GFC. It was pretty damn good in the summer but any elements the flaws would really sign through. I upgraded my mattress with the Hest which completely changed the way I slept. I slept horrible in the GFC prior to that especially after coming from a qomotop in my CVT Mt Hood. By time someone starts doing all of these additional upgrades, the cost really does start to add up.
I'm a sub 100 SP owner and appreciate this comparison... especially after a negative experience with GF attitudes. I have experienced leaking from both windows in rainy weather with the SP which long term could be a problem. Weight, access, and build quality I'm stoked but living in it I'd probably opt for the Alu Cab if I were to do a start over
Just like with GFC and other companies, I know A LOT of updates have been to the campers especially after being released. I had asked the folks at SP about some of the concerns that I had, especially the anodizing on some pieces turning purple and they have updated their processes. I am sure similar things have been done for other parts of the camper as well. I was between the Alucab and SP. At the end of the day, I knew going the Alucab would lead to a much heavier build which would include a regear, bigger brakes up front, and just an overall higher price point. Adding everything I knew I would want on the Alucab was pushing me well into the 20-25k range which I just wasn't comfortable with.
Stating differences and upgrades is not bashing. I could have been much more blunt like some other creators but decided to take the higher route. These are important things potential buyers should know before getting into a camper that they have VERY high hopes for. Thanks for watching!
Gotta agree with Andrew. You were bashing and not only that, you were intentionally obtuse about some things which make you look kinda petty and also kinda full of it. Either lay out all out there or don’t even bring it up.
I think it's hard to know especially when getting into something as pricey as they both are. However, I knew this was something I was super invested in especially after spending 75+ nights in the GFC last year. SP seems really solid thus far and excited to put it through it's paces!
2 hinges, one lifting strut sheared off that raises the tent up(nightmare to replace), 2 new aluminum latches, new keder (holds tent fabric in the frame of the gfc), various bolts loose or fell out, and now the door latches are starting to go @@codycurler4883
I was actually thinking of getting one myself and im like 30mins away from Portland Thanks for giving an honest comparison! BTW do you use your taco as a daily or you have another car as a daily?
I'm in the process on figuring out which camper/tent set up i want. One thing that turns me away from GFC and other like companies is that, you had to come in from the outside or push panels out the way to get up there. Super Pacific, Orudesign and Harker were the 3 I narrowed it down to. But most likely going with Super Pacific.
I will just add on - the build quality of SP is top notch. From the stitching to the finishing touches, it just really stands out. It rained and snowed the first night out and I had no worries. The material really shed the exterior water as well.
@@hunter_pauley how did it do in high winds? I currently use the tent that goes over your bed. Works well in rain and wind. But was worried when the wind was blowing it would have blew it off.
It didn't absolutely pour in water the first night you owned it while camping on the drive home from installation in MT? Guess that's better than my GFC experience right there!
Nice walk through and comparison. FYI - it's called "no see um" mesh because of the minute size of the mesh holes that can keep out even the smallest of insect: no see ums. You can still easily see through the mesh and it offers no privacy.
I was surprised to hear that the sleeping platform is the same universal size. It's a little disappointing, actually. Most guys choose a full-size rig for more room. But it looks great on a Taco. Thx for sharing
Very informative video!! Great video's btw. I live in the Gallatin Valley as well, lol!! I drive by the GFC lot everyday. I'm sure half over product is sitting outside.
Definitely valuable content with your extensive knowledge of GFC and soon to be with SP. Enjoyed your old stuff and looking forward to the new content. Would be curious to know if you paid full price or have a relationship with SuperPacific now?
Thank you! Appreciate the kind words. Should have been a little pop up saying it's a collaborative video...but there is a relationship with SP. I made the first contact months ago but they circled back in the later part of last year. This was no freebie and I still paid a good portion for the Super Pacific. They were super supportive in getting me into one of their campers especially after seeing my time spent in the GFC. They wanted folks to put them to the test, give recommendations for new products, and give feedback. I couldn't be more excited to do all of that and share this new build with my audience.
Love the video watched all the way through, I’m just out of Portland. I’m gonna have to go check out their HQ I think I found the canopy I want. Always love a local company!
I'm intensely researching all truck campers and would really appreciate your thoughts on a few questions. First, did you look into the Alu-Cab, and if yes, what made you choose SP instead? How much does a camper like this decrease your MPG ? Thank you !
I was actually between the X1 and the Alucab. Main reason - weight, height, and the ability to off road/fit into tighter spots. MPG hit is going to vary cause I am on bigger tires already but as of right now, it appears to be the same as the GFC. I took some measurements on my garage and the Alucab would have been much taller and potentially limited me fitting into the garage. It also weighs a lot more and I know after doing a build out in the rear, I would have been pushing probably 700+ lbs loaded. I have been that heavy in the rear before and it's not fun. It would have caused me to regear the truck, invest in bigger brakes, etc. I started pricing out add ons that I knew I would want like the Dickinson fireplace and I was approaching the ~$22-25k range. You really have to sit down and look at how you're going to use the camper. The Alucab is solid for sure, but by time you price everything out, it's a 20-25k+ camper depend on add ons.
What a great video. Thanks for posting it. I am planning on purchasing one this spring. The information you provided is super helpful. Would you have a problem if I could ask you a few questions I have? Thanks.
I just sold my GFC V2 that was on my Tacoma for about a year. I loved it for about 3 months and came the issues. Water leaked in all 4 corners. GFC “had a fix” for it but that didn’t fix it at all. The tent material deteriorated after a short amount of time. The window panels are flimsy and didn’t hold up very good in strong wind. After about 4 months, the window struts failed and wouldn’t hold the windows up all the way. The GFC is not water tight or dust tight at all. Water and dust came in at the window panel edges. When it rain or after a run in the desert, i don’t even wanna get into the camper. This is a big one for me, the weight. They advertised it’s 275lbs. No it’s not. It’s 320 lbs. Plus all the mods and gears , you’ll get very heavy very quickly. It felt like driving a boat on a highway with the camper on. My mpg decreased by 4mpg. GFC accessories are outrageously expensive. Wether GFC or 3rd party’s accessories, they’re wayyyy more expensive than they should be. For example, $20 for 4 t-nuts. That’s crazy. Even though i used it a lot. We camped in it every weekend for a whole year. We been to multiple states with it. I still found more reasons to not like it than to like it.
I agree ... $20.00 for for T-nuts is a bit expensive. I recently purchased two packs and the threaded posts on two of the eight spun on me. reported the condition via email, but never received a response. I had to pin the remaining two to use.
When you’re investing this much in a product you might as well spend a bit more in order to get a way better built product. It’s going to outlast your truck, the resale value is very high on them and they’re built the same way airplanes are built. I don’t think you mentioned this in your video and that’s a HUGE deal. One of the owners came from the aerospace industry and kept that level of build quality and put it into the X1 Camper. I have a few buddies that have GFC’s and run into so many issues. I’ve had my X1 for a while (Launch code 291) and it’s never failed me or given me issues.
Thanks for the comment Matt! I 100% plan on doing another walk around review after I have spent some more time in and get more familiar with the product. I feel like I am barely cracking the surface on what can be done with these campers. The resale value on them is quite high for sure! Glad to know your still rocking the SP from an early launch code - my launch code was #933!
@@hunter_pauley I mostly just wanted to comment in order to raise awareness about the construction. Like you, I did tons of research on them and the fact they were build like that was the main draw to it. Airplanes are built to never fail which is huge when buying a product that will be used and abused like a camper. Especially with all the road vibrations and off road use. Stoked for you! Man I wish I had the newer handles though that’s the only thing I wish was different. I’d have to replace all the doors in order to get them. Ive actually considered it 😂
I remember them mentioning the Aerospace background of one of the founders. I like that they are in Portland as I spent 15 years in Oregon (5 in Corvallis & 10 in PDX)
Very well covered video. Nicely done. You make a great spokesman for them. I too love the X1. Amazing build quality and engineering. Keep on campin on! 2021 Ranger #428
Excellent review and comparison. Did you need to regear your Tacoma with the additional weight and bigger tires? Do you use your truck as a daily driver? I have a first gen Toyota Tacoma so I’m looking for a pop up topper that is lightweight, useful and well make. I’ve looked at the Tune M1, Ovrlnd and AT Overland Atlas. They all have their pros and cons. I have not seen a Super Pacific in person yet. It definitely interests me. Ovrlnd is lighter, has vertical walls and a barn door option which is nice. How do you like setting up and tearing down your bed each day? I would imagine it gets old. It’s one more thing to do, especially if you roll into camp in the middle of the night. How is the topper and tent holding up in the rain, wind and severe cold? I wonder how the topper and tent will hold up opening and closing daily. I go on 4 month trips. That is a lot of opening and closing and UV exposure to the tent. I’ll be very interested in knowing how the SP topper holds up with frequent use over the years. Thank you!
-No regear but I am tuned with the OTT. -Truck is a daily but I did just pick up a lexus gx470. I boguht the tacoma in Dec 2020 and it just rolled 68k miles. -It's extremely easy for me to tear down and set up. I only use an aeronaut blanket though and two hest pillows. The issue with the other campers you mentioned is the mattress. They will all suck whereas the SP uses an exped which you would likely upgrade to for the others. -I just camped in a downfall of rain last week and it help up fantastic. Camped in heavy wind in utah and it did fantastic. Since the windows zip all around, no issues at all with breeze/wind. -I have already spent 29 nights in the SP since picking it up on Jan 15th.
Just curious, I looked at the Super Pacific, the GFC and a number of others and I ended up with the Alu Cab Canopy Camper. The main reason was the sturdiness of the ACCC. The materials used and craftsmanship were the best, bar none. They do cost a bit more however, if you spend a lot of time in the vehicle it is money well spent. I would also point out that there is more aftermarket support for the ACCC when it comes to add-ons. You are looking at a base price of a thousand or two more, depending on who you purchase it from. To me, one of the primary selling points was you do not have the issues you have if you retain your tailgate in the build, no dust or water intrusion at all. The water system is a great addition as is the 270 awning. I have mine mounted on a Gladiator Rubicon and I did build up my suspension using a complete Dobinsons heavy duty lift that handles the added weight with no issues. I do go a lot of places I would be hesitant to take a Tacoma that was loaded though and the camper has held up exceptionally.
This def would have been my route if I went with the no tail gate option. When I did price one out, it was about 3-4k more, which is mostly coming in the form of shipping, installation, and sealing the bed of the tacoma. Used ones having been popping up for incredible prices. I am eyeing the Alucab 270 awning for the SP as it's just phenomenal from set up to take down.
Off topic but how do the Wildpeak RT 101's handle in the snow? I got my AT3W'S right before i realized those were out but I'm still very happy with the AT3W'S
They handle ok. I do think maybe the ATs were slightly better especially on ice but at the end of the day, nothing will be amazing on ice unless it’s a dedicated snow tire.
It looks like (per your description of GFC), GFC invested heavily in their initial design, and 5 years into it, still have not gone through their inventory. Why else refuse to make changes to their product that would benefit future sales? While very cool looking, I still couldn't see myself shelling out that kind of dough for a tent that sits on a cab. But from the points you have gone over here, I would be leaning heavily toward the S.P platform if I was indeed a prospective buyer.
I do want to give credit to GFC and say they did finally make updates after 7-8 years. However, I think it was heavily influenced by folks like myself and many others who made a lot of noise. Likely sales were declining too because in the beginning, it was just GFC and a few others. As the years went on, competition arose, listened to what folks wanted, and starting selling campers. Why it took GFC so long to pick the low hanging fruit I.e locks, no full zip windows is truly beyond me. I begged them to change the design and offered to even test it after spending so much time in the GFC. Folks who rarely camp don’t see these flaws but the folks who camp year round and in all elements truly saw the downfall of the design quite fast. Like I said though, GFC did make updates but it took alot of role changing internally to get things moving. Is it too late though? I guess time will tell.
I REALLY wish Super Pacific would release just a RTT version so I could run it on my 4Runner. Currently working on upgrading my Superlite to the full GFC RTT but with all the issues/concerns that the GFC community have been bringing up for YEARS and they fail to address is really concerning.
I actually learned that SP did in fact do a run of RTTs. There are about 8-10 in the wild they said and I actually saw one at the HQ. They stated the demand just wasn’t there when they attempted to do a run. Personally for the price of the RTT from GFC, I think there are more options in the market with more features. Yes it’s probably one of the lightest but for added comfort features, I’d rather go with something slightly heavier.
@@hunter_pauley yeah 5000 for a GFC seems steep(especially since they haven’t innovated much at all after years of complaint’s and suggestions)….the only plus to the GFC is they have their own mounting system that replaces the need for a roof rack which is nice since it allows it to sit lower to the roof.
I'd probably look into FSR if I was in the market for just a RTT. They have some really cool features for winter camping especially i.e. diesel heater port. The other thing, total blackout material which can be important to some.@@jzehren11
Perfect! We have the same year and color Tacoma. I live outside of Seattle, and it was a bit of a challenge getting my hands on one at the time. None on the lot and was fortunate to reserve one before it was built. Do you live in Montana? If so, what area? I was born in MT and still have family in Billings and Bozeman and get over there to fish, and camp a couple times a year. Headed there in July. We love to hang out in the Red Lodge area and hike into the mountain lakes. @@hunter_pauley
Ya this tent dose look like it’s a better quality of tent. I do have a question about your truck do you have a lift on it with bigger tires our is it stock TRD pro? I have a 2022 Tacoma TRD sport 4x4 and looking to up grade my suspension and tires. Thank you for your videos
I have ~3 inch lift on mine with the Stage 3 Deaver in the rear for the leaf pack. Slightly over sprung but 2 set ups ago, I was much heavier in the rear and needed something beefier. I would look into the Dobinsons MRRs. Those are next on my list hopefully!
Great information, except for the need for proprietary hardware. This is completely untrue, They use super common M6 everywhere and the T-nuts (also M6) are Yakima items, priced eight for 10 bucks
@@dawgrules1 GFC needs proprietary hardware, not the SP. I bought 100 track nuts on Amazon for less than 4 GFC track nuts. I think you possibly missed me saying that 🤟🏽
I do like the design of the x1 better. Despite, GFC being down the road from me and knowing people who worked there, I think for the cost, their tents don’t offer the best features.
Once you get inside the X1, you really notice the difference especially in terms of room to move. Even though the sleeping platform is only ~2 inches wider, it just feels "roomier". When looking at the prices now and everything that I did to the GFC to get it where I wanted it in terms of comfort, I would have gone the X1 route from the beginning. There are just so many nice additions that make that extra price worth it. I wish GFC nothing but the best but I hope they can start innovating/offering more especially with all the competition in the market nowadays.
Great video. Quick questions: Can you take the SP through a car wash, does the SP flush out to the back of your bed (I have a split gate, worried about someone popping it open), how long is the sleeping bed (opps just saw this in the video), and how far over the cab does this go (I have a nice moonroof/sunroof)? Thanks for your help.
Hey Sean! Yes, people have taken them through auto car washes, I just am not one to risk it. If I did, it would be a touch less one. Don’t want anything to get snagged. How the camper sits on the tailgate area will depend on model to model. Mine sits flush on the tacoma. Total sleeping space is 100 inches or 80 inches on the exped. How far it extends over the cab of the truck depend on the length of the truck bed. Shorter truck bed = more extension over cab of the truck.
I dont really like either one. I do like the venting and molle panel on the x1. I dont really like the wedge on both. Plus the price seems a bit high. Might as well get a project M for roughly the same price. Im sure its mostly about personal prefrences. Im leaning more towards a LonePeak. Lots of options for allot less $$
Would highly recommend you check them out in person or whatever camper you go with. The quality of the lone peak is not something to write home about at all.
Big problem with these tents is the windows layers order. The mesh layer MUST be on the outside. Otherwise, you need to unzip your mesh to get to the solid layer to close/open it. Try doing this during bugs season and you will be sorry! It is amazing they have never thought of this.
Funny, I drove from Portland to Montana to pick up my GFC, now you've done the opposite! I always thought the SP was superior... their lead times were almost a year when I got my GFC. How the roles have reversed...
No kidding lol! And yea it's crazy with the leads times and how things how flipped. Really excited to put the X1 through it's paces but already....I'm impressed. Everything is just thought out, has a purpose, and more.
I've gone with a trailer... Tired of crawling around. storing, unpacking, setting up, breaking down and not being able to leave "Camp" in my truck without breaking everything down... Couldn't be happier and the wife likes the full bath with shower! (MARS13 Austrailian off road camper)
Did you look at Dirtbox? If so why super pacific over Dirtbox? Also curious, is it actually comfortable hanging out in the back of the truck? Does it feel really small? Going to put eyes on both brands and make a decision. Thanks!
Looked at some RU-vid videos but never stood out to me. It’s a 5 foot bed tacoma so it’s not going to feel super spacious but with the SP and that extra 10 inches of sleep space, you do get the full area of the bed whereas with the GFC you had some hang over.
On the tacoma, it adds 28.6 inches above the bed rail per the SP website. I believe I had measure 29 inches on my GFC but I could be wrong. They used to list those measurements on their website but I can't find them.
Super expensive but so cool. If I bought that for my chevy colorado trail boss I would contemplate living in it. I wonder what it would be like to live in something like that on a daily basis and the actual longevity of it
Spent nearly 80 nights in the GFC last year. I have some longer 2 week trips planned for this summer already in the Super Pacific. The cost and if it is “worth it” will depend on the person.
"no see 'em" isn't about the ability to see through the netting. It refers to this very tiny flying insects that you can't really see which are called (in some locales) "no see 'Ems" . No see em net is fine enough to protect against those.
@@coolbeyblade5 you can find used SPs occasionally for 9-10k now. The older v2s are only going to lose more value now that the v2 pro is out. I wouldn’t doubt if older v2s drop into the high 5000$
Sure can. Really universal as well since the track on the top and sides isn’t proprietary. You can do Yakima bars or I know some people do DIY kits for like $150 for 3 bars.
That depends alot on how well the bed is sealed. It’s slightly easier to seal around the tailgate on the SP vs the GFC but ultimately it boils down to the work prior to getting any camper and sealing your bed properly. Same goes for any topper/shell. Most people who complain about the bed leaking with dust or water didn’t properly seal anything.
I mentioned that in the video but you are stuck buying GFC hardware and mounting stuff which adds up. If it is “worth it” will depend on the person. For me, it is worth the added benefits and having a comfortable spot to sleep, stay dry, and do a build out. Thanks for watching!
Lots of employees there were fantastic and I am close to a few of them still. They are under some new guidance now which should help redirect. Unfortunately, some felt threatened by the feedback/comments made in the first GFC video I made. Were there some comments/unfilled promises made? Absolutely. However at the end of the day, I knew it was time to move on and leave the "drama" in the past. I am still friends with a lot of folks in the GFC community. Nothing will change that just based on which type of camper you camp in. Just like I did with the GFC, I am excited to show what is capable with the Super Pacific X1 🤟
Not quite. If you do a bare bones GFC without the side windows/no bottom windows (which not sure why you wouldn't want them on the tent), it's closer to 40%. If you go the used route, you can find them much cheaper for both platforms. Just had a buddy switch from GFC to SP and found one for 8500. Again, depends on the overall purpose of your camping style. Having now spent 10 days in a row in the Utah desert, the SP is light years better than the GFC in terms of comfort and additional features. The more you use/camp with a product, the more the extra "cost" is worth it.
You should have gotten a marker on the video when watching that this was a collaboration with a brand aka SP. I responded to another comment asking the same thing. SP saw my effort/testing of the GFC in all elements and the higher quality videos as well. I reached out initially and we discussed some metrics. A small discount was provided in return for content. I still paid more than a brand new GFC if that tells you something. Thanks for watching!
You should be way more upfront about the relationship, discount etc. Others would be glad to hear it was just a slight discount - people are wising up to the products pushed in YT vids these days. Having said that, I picked up a new Gladiator and reached out to SP on my own!
@@cdnjeepoverland no worries! This is one of my first few “collabs”. I do need to mention it while talking in the video next time so it’s mentioned in multiple areas.
Welcome to inflation. Also, the more time you spend in ANY hobby, I would say there is a correlation that you end up investing more in the long run. Look at ANY sport or hobby like fishing, skiing, etc. You push a product to its limits and upgrade to something better suited for your needs. Thanks for watching!
Depends on your usage and what is “worth it” for the person. I am already at 40 nights in the SP for 2024 and it’s been a great upgrade not only from features but also comfort. Thanks for watching!
Is the SP better? No doubt I mean is supposed to be, I mean is 50% more expensive than the GFC, neither true SP or the GFC are gonna give you the most comfortable camping set up, they are not supposed to to be. For what they are and what people who buy them use them for the SP is NOT 50% better than the GFC, is clear than this guy has a Vendetta against GFC as a company and also he is being sponsored by SP with that say I can tell this review is IRRELEVANT, UNBIASED AND ILL-INTENTIONED.
Sponsored? Damn I wish! Do you know how many people have gotten GFCs for free? I paid more than a brand new GFC being shipped to California but thanks for the comment. If I had that big of a vendetta against GFC, I wouldn’t keep sealing the trucks beds before GFCs get put onto local people’s trucks. Oh, I also gave away my $300 in GFC referrals to the community. It’s comical how people keep plotting this drama when I’m ready to move on. It’s a camper for crying out loud. Get out and camp with whatever your heart desires. Thanks for algorithm boost :)
