Build Update 11/19/23 — Introducing Power to the Rear of the Cab
It’s been a minute! Checking in with a quick build update:
I dropped in a hardwired Blue Sea Systems Dual USB port along with a Dometic 12V port to the rear of the cab for convenient charging of accessories that used to clutter the front cup holders. While the center console was ripped out, I also took the opportunity to run the wiring for my external antenna.
I routed all the wiring directly to the engine bay, passing through the center console and dash, keeping it completely out of sight. I’m stoked on how “factory” looking everything turned out.
There are a few more modifications I’m working on, including setting up wireless monitoring for my dual battery system, flat mounting my Starlink, and finally mounting a winch. I’ll share a few dedicated updates on these as they progress. Stay tuned!
@julian Both the build and the thread are incredible! Much gratitude for the inspiration. Do you have professional experience or just tinkering over the years? Your installs and mods are super clean and dialed!
Do you run any heatings systems? I’ve been through the whole thread and didn’t see anything but you’ve clearly spent many months fulltiming! The fan will probably be one of my first mods after I determine house power for the bed.
Thanks @Wellie! Just tinkering and learning from family, friends, and fellow GFC owners.
No heater—yet… I have a design in my head for how a diesel heater and auxiliary fuel tank could be mounted in place of the factory spare tire, but still just an idea at this point.
@julian - can you point me towards any reliable resources I can use to research trekking into Baja? Beachside camping, spearfishing, etc. all sound like a solid getaway.
Also, do you speak any Spanish? I imagine a lot of folks know enough English to get by, but I’m interested to see if folks who have done the trip feel it would be necessary to learn some basics before heading down.
Lastly, I keep thinking this would make an amazing GFC group trip.
Hey @dmg5000! The community on iOverlander venture into Baja frequently and are good about documenting their experiences on boondocking sites, developed sites, and military checkpoints. I’d start there! Also follow @DirtTrailsWanted on Instagram! They’ve spent a bunch of time up and down the peninsula.
Re: Spanish. I grew up in Canada, and even after 10+ years living in California, my Spanish still ranks third after my French and English. I found it helpful to invest the time improving my understanding of key vocabulary to help with conversations at gas stations (there are no self service stations in baja), food trucks, and grocery stores. I came across very few people who spoke English (as expected) but all were patient with me and my poor Spanish. Making the effort goes a long way.
Overall I experienced nothing but kindness and easy going vibes down the length of the peninsula . (i.e. passersby would always stop to make sure I was good when they spotted me messing with my tires airing up or down on dusty dirt roads in remote locations)
Baja is at the absolute top of my bucket list. I know enough spanish to get by (judging by trips to Peru and Mexico) but I made it my new years resolution to improve. If you’re serious about a group trip I’d be so in.
Hi @julian im thinking I’ll install the same fan unless there’s a new improvement to venting introduced this year (I pick up my camper in the fall). Had a couple of queries regarding tour install:
Would you still use the same fan now or is there any newer improved options available that you are aware of? I understand your fan has both intake and exhaust features which I like.
When the camper is closed do you need to remove panels due to fan depth?
Regarding the jigsaw, was there a specific blade type you used for the honey comb? I’m worried about rough cuts or possible cracking.
@julian Just saw your post in pudding and was wondering if you detailed how you installed a winch in the stock bumper? I looked through the thread real quick and didn’t see anything. Definitely had to remove the crash bar. How’d you mount it?
Thanks @stickyTaco! I “hand trace” google map screenshots in Figma to create these year in review graphics. It’s time consuming, but fun way to reflect on the year. Scheming on something more interactive for my 2024 year in review…
Hey @Trucker. Zero complaints with the fan after running it these past few years. Still my favorite GFC mod. I never experience condensation in cold weather, no leaks in the rain, and stay comfortable in the desert heat—all while maintaining privacy.
The fan depth on interior is not a problem, even with the thicker HEST Mattress + HEST Comforter I have been leaving up there—it does not interfere.
As for cutting, IIRC I used a finer tooth blade to start the cuts, and finished the corners off by hand with a pull saw or something similar.
Nice eye @Cbar! I’m overdue on dropping a few major updates on this thread. I’ll follow up on winch system in coming week or so when completed, it’s mounted, but not yet wired up!
Big Build Update 02/12/24 — Reimagining the bed layout
Remember when I said this build was “done” over a year ago? …I should have known better
I now find myself in the process of reimagining the bed layout to improve a few quality of life things for another massive ~7 – 8 month long trip! (Headed up to the far reaches of Newfoundland & Labrador via stops in the keys, appalachia, and UP.)
The simplicity of the bed layout as its exists has been excellent—and if it wasn’t for another extended period of full time living out of the GFC, I’d most likely leave it exactly as is. It’s the perfect simple setup for overnighters, weekends, and 1 – 3 week long trips w/o accommodation “breaks”.
The QoL improvements to be made are to support the comfort of “full time” living:
Downsizing our fridge (To 45L from 95L) and relocating it to the cab.
Introducing running water for cooking, cleaning, etc.
Improving the comfort of the open “lounging space”
Honoring the principals that went into our current layout: Maintaining a sense of openness with an approachable, comfortable, and minimal feel that prioritizes livable space over gear.
Excited to share more with y’all here as things progress. In the meantime cross-posting a few of my marketplace listings, including a free GFC mattress and the custom cabinet that was built for the current layout. Please DM me if interested in either!
