There certainly appear to be improvements in the GFC v2 and the SP camper vs. the
GFC v1. But neither of them look as cool as an open v1 with the orange space frame IMHO!
10 Likes
When comparing options, has anyone spent any quality time reviewing the Vagabond Drifter?
I want windows in my hard shell. A large percentage of time I won’t be camping, and much of that time, I will have dogs in the back. Many dogs. Sometimes crated, sometimes loose. And think I really would need airflow from windows.
Love the GFC (not too familiar with SP), but it doesn’t meet my non camping needs. Also, I live in the northeast, where there’s constant mosquitos and black flies. If I left the sides open past 4pm, the tent would be filled with bugs by nightfall.
Anybody know if GFC ever would consider having windows/vents in their panels for airflow while driving or parked with panels down?
Love this forum and all the discussions.
2 Likes
That’s been brought up many times and the answer is the same; that is not their ethos and they don’t plan on offering that. If I were you I would look into AluCab if you are looking at a Vagabond; although it’s a little bit more it has more amenities too. AluCab is the only one I know of that has full mosquito nets for their camper, but as for driving vents the AluCab still won’t help you out unfortunately.
Another good option to look at is the Four Wheel Campers Project M.
When you only want to take one out which do you go with? The gfc frame looks better imo, but neither looks bad that’s for sure!
assuming that was for me, i think we prefer the vagabond drifter for various reasons.
Yes my bad, thought I had hit reply to you! Any major reasons why yall go for the vagabond when taking one out?
1 Like
we have a V1.5762 - so embassy hinges (PITA tour), gen 2 tent material, single side door.
it was on my truck until we found the drifter and went onto Sally’s third gen
4 Likes
we prefer some of the design elements - i think the tent is better designed (as far as windows and materials) - having a constant open space is super nice (bugs have not yet been a problem, i would imagine living in buggy areas i would want some kind of protection) and it is a very solid platform. very well made.
the GFC i feel we know it now and are careful around it (had an original hinge ripped on a tree branch on day 2 of a 12 day trip last year) - its set up pretty well right now thou thanks to products from shittco, vrnclrsewnstorage and @jedgar (the step ups and magspots are magic)
they are all a compromise is some way. my mate has a superpacific and loves it but isn’t a total fan of inflating and deflating the mattress - its comfy thou. the drifter is comfy and you can store a ton of bedding up there
i have not seen a V2 and would like to check one out. i know people are excited that they constantly are changing things but i also find that disheartening. was my version a dud? after waiting a year to get it - one year later it was completely outdated… is that a good thing or a bad thing?
10 Likes
Saw this today - Now we need a V2 comparison. Some good features on the SP, but honestly a lot of things I don’t need. It looks like more things to fail eventually.
More interested in long-term use and durability comparison. I like that GFC is perfecting what works rather than adding a ton of features. I’ve always enjoyed letting third parties come up with accessories.
1 Like
To be honest, the SP seems pretty dope. I’m
not a fan of the aesthetics of the camper, but it’s clear that the design has a lot of thoughtfulness behind it. No doubt about it, it looks to be a rock solid box.
With that said, watching the vid makes me love my V2 even more. I’ve always taken a minimalist approach to camping. I’m no “overlander”. I prefer a bivy sack in the backcountry over tents and camp kitchens. My GFC is simple and streamlined. It suits my style and looks great on my truck.
I dig the GFC ethos. I love that they’re manufacturing in-house and compensating their employees with a living wage.
Both companies are offering great products to encourage us to enjoy the outdoors. I’m grateful that I can afford something that many others can’t, and inspired by the constant innovation that so many creative individuals are bringing to the marketplace.
6 Likes
Let’s get superficial for a minute. Compared to the other two go fast has the best name. Consider the following conversations
Guess what? What? It was a long time coming but I finally got a GFC. That’s awesome I hear those campers are great!
Guess what? What? It’s been a long time coming but I finally got an SP. What’s that?
Guess what? What? It’s been a long time coming but I finally got a VD. Oh s***! Sorry to hear that. Do you know who gave it to you?
9 Likes
SP looks nice. As of yet they don’t have one for a Gladiator. If it’s 20 inches longer like the above video said then it would be difficult maybe impossible to remove the roof panels on the Gladiator. The GFC platform ends several inches before the removable panels, perfect for my application.
3 Likes
Nice review. I like the lack of cross braces giving you full access to the bed from the sides. Overall the track slots, other mounting points, and the ventilation pop out in the tent are all neat features.
I do wish i could access the bed in the gfc from the top without moving panels around (lots of good reasons for this, kids, heater, less effort etc), but I don’t think I would want another 20 inches am hanging off the front of my truck. I guess that’s a trade off I have to live with.
I’m not sure what the price point difference is now, but as nice as the super pacific is, I don’t think I would spend more than to get it compared to the gfc. I think the reality for me is that spending any more than the gfc period just isn’t something I would want to do. Glad I got mine when I did even if I need the stupid new hinges still
3 Likes
Definitely will be following this thread
!!
And the Bestop Sunrider fits with the GFC.
Sorry, just still excited it fits. Being able to remove the jeep top checks boxes, even if it is just the front half.
4 Likes
Personally I like them both, I believe they are both great produce at the end of the day & the consumer is the ultimate winner. I like the sleek design of the GFC V2 a bit more and I like the well throughout interior design of the SP a bit more. SP says there’s is 4 season and V2 doesn’t. They both have full bed access. I do like the Molly inserts for SP and that you can leave a buddy heater below in on cold nights. For the V2 I like it’s lighter weight. I have more thoughts but I feel like I’m rambling on. Would personally love to see a comparison video side by side with both owner’s reviewing the opposite campers of possible and go over the pros & cons they see off 1st coverage. Along with going over there own setup of course. Either way, they’re both amazing if you’re actually getting out there & using them!
7 Likes
I’m on the fence between the Vagabond Drifter and the GFC. Biggest question I have is how hard are the GFC panels to work on, i.e. adding vents and side sliding windows? I’m leaning GFC, but the sliding screened windows are a must for my hunting dog…