Go Fast Camper for R1T Announced

[Team_GFC]

One thing mentioned in the video I noticed was the need to make the bed release accessible inside.
Any reason why you added that functionality vs just using the existing in bed release button?

So unlike traditional campers, the GFC sits on your bed rails rather than in your bed. As you can imagine, there is, to use the technical term, a metric buttload of force acting on anything back there (especially on a 7k lbs truck doing 0-60 in 3 secs). So, we use an aluminum space frame like that found on a race car to hold everything together. Joints in that frame are machined from billet aluminum, which captures those forces and distributes them in straight lines through bolted connections into aluminum tubes. That way everything is free of stress fractures and is repairable/replaceable. Each part in that frame is unique to the truck it's designed for...but I digress.

Three of those tubes run along the tops of the bed rails (sides, front), and that obscures the Rivian's unique buttons. If you're inside the camper, it's nice to be able to open the tailgate without opening a side panel and reaching through to the external buttons on the outside of that frame rail, so we added one inside too.

You can also lock/unlock the rear lift panel on the camper from the inside, so you're just getting seamless function.

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[Team_GFC]

Super excited for this to start coming out. I haven’t gotten my R1T but i literally would not have gotten one if this wasn’t in the works. I do residential construction and a topper of some sort is a must. Currently I have an ARE topper in a Tacoma and I have been telling myself for a few years that the next truck gets a GFC.

At the risk of blowing our own horn, the topper is such a great product.

 

[HighVoltOverland]

So unlike traditional campers, the GFC sits on your bed rails rather than in your bed. As you can imagine, there is, to use the technical term, a metric buttload of force acting on anything back there (especially on a 7k lbs truck doing 0-60 in 3 secs). So, we use an aluminum space frame like that found on a race car to hold everything together. Joints in that frame are machined from billet aluminum, which captures those forces and distributes them in straight lines through bolted connections into aluminum tubes. That way everything is free of stress fractures and is repairable/replaceable. Each part in that frame is unique to the truck it's designed for...but I digress.

Three of those tubes run along the tops of the bed rails (sides, front), and that obscures the Rivian's unique buttons. If you're inside the camper, it's nice to be able to open the tailgate without opening a side panel and reaching through to the external buttons on the outside of that frame rail, so we added one inside too.

You can also lock/unlock the rear lift panel on the camper from the inside, so you're just getting seamless function.

I appreciate what you say, but like,
What I’m saying is because of the tonneau there is a semi sneaky button that opens the truck inside the bed already
So it seems like one less hole in the frame bar would be needed/ eliminated which would simplify that access requirement a bit

 

[Team_GFC]

I appreciate what you say, but like,
What I’m saying is because of the tonneau there is a semi sneaky button that opens the truck inside the bed already
So it seems like one less hole in the frame bar would be needed/ eliminated which would simplify that access requirement a bit

It's just nice to have a prominent one handy, based on Ben's feedback.

 

[jctownsley]

Ooh, I spy a front spoiler.

 

[ElectricMike]

Looking better all the time!

 

[jctownsley]

@Team_GFC any more pics of the new prototype you want to share?!

 

[Team_GFC]

@Team_GFC any more pics of the new prototype you want to share?!

Should have something exciting for you in the morning!

 

[HighVoltOverland]

Should have something exciting for you in the morning!

 

[SJaYx2P]

@Team_GFC were you guys able to get the chmsl wired up and running correctly? I think others had issues with this.

 

[Team_GFC]

@Team_GFC were you guys able to get the chmsl wired up and running correctly? I think others had issues with this.

It's definitely a little more complicated than with most ICE trucks, but that's something we're working on as we approach final spec and the install guide for our shops.

 

[Team_GFC]

As promised, here's a prototype range test:



And, just for you guys, an update on everything we've been doing:

 

[HighVoltOverland]

that front bracket/ use of the mount point, and wind deflector look great!

 

[jctownsley]

Love the updates! Lookin' amazing!
Quick question, you mention tonneau button may be accessible. Is that still up for debate or it'll be an option during our order? I'm certainly still hoping to use my power tonneau with the camper as an additional layer of security at times.

 

[Team_GFC]

Love the updates! Lookin' amazing!
Quick question, you mention tonneau button may be accessible. Is that still up for debate or it'll be an option during our order? I'm certainly still hoping to use my power tonneau with the camper as an additional layer of security at times.

It'll be accessible. And yes, with the GFC plus tonneau you get amazing security for stuff like camera equipment or firearms etc.

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