Owner of V2 GFC, rolling up on 2 years here. I like this camper, that is except for the aluminum panels and, specifically, the “Southco-style” compression latches. I’m 100% sure I am not the only one, maybe preaching to the choir, or maybe angering fanboys with this rant, but these things seriously suck.
I have constant problems with them getting jammed, they were terrible right out of the factory. If I go snowboarding and it snows or freezes overnight, forget about opening these things without an extension cord and a hair dryer. (exaggerating but not too far from the truth) every year I must oil them and have even had to file the sides of the pop latches (which I am sure will probably now rust) to get them to operate smoothy. I purchased the insanely overpriced 3D Printed covers and, yes, they do cover them nicely. But now I can’t operate the doors quickly without having to pry them off and it makes the locks even more difficult to pop open. Doing that with gloves on or wet or muddy, what a pain.
Oah and the key operation itself is janky as the one directional keylock, you have to insert the key at just the right angle or it won’t work smoothly and the key rattles around in the lock. Drives me frikin nutz. On top of all that, I can’t keep these alum panels from bending and not lining up with the frame so I can’t even close these latches without a lot of pushing and holding it flush. I’ve had to bend the panels multiple times. The alum panels need some sort of reinforcement or frame to keep them straight and make them a little more secure.
I get it, it’s cool and hip to say your camper is “the lightest” and it’s a selling point I guess. But its one that seems to be taken to the extreme while sacrificing quality and durability. What’s the purpose of it being light if it’s flimsy as all hell?!
And why why why, to open up my camper, do I have to go around in the cold, in the dark, after driving 8 hours, to unlock 6 friking tiny little janky locks and pop 6 friking janky latches with this tiny little key just to get at all my gear and God forbid at some point go to sleep at night. Just a garbage design. Total garbage.
Ultimately, the swing panels and locks seem like they were just an afterthought or not fleshed out in my version. Had I known how much trouble I would have with these things I would not have purchased this camper.
Anyone have any suggestions or aftermarket ideas for better locks? or even more sturdy panels? OR maybe an aftermarket solution to lock the panels with one lock or handle that operates better? Probably it will cost thousands more, and I hate doubling down on systems like this with more money, but just getting fed up with these things. Hope GFC reads this and puts out a upgrade in the future. Maybe they have planned it but I’m a busy working professional and my life doesn’t revolve around updates to GFC campers.
/rant off!
