I live in northern NY. We have long cold icy, snowy winters. I was wondering if I should remove the GFC for the winter ? Or part of the winter? Would it freeze closed? Or remove the bed pads? Should i build frame to set it on?? I do not have a garage to park my truck in with the GFC on it. I am worried about weather damage. What are the thoughts out there about it??
Cover the locks, but I’d imagine the rest is fine.
Having lived in the east throughout my youth. Yes it will freeze shut, just like your truck doors may freeze shut. Use a good graphite based lube for the lock tumblers. If you haven’t already invest is some latch covers from one of the cats on here. @jedgar has 3D print files if you own a printer to make your own. THat’s what I have on mine and they work great.
But my rear door freezes shut all the time because of the design of the RAM tailgate. But just like a topper moisture gets between the rubber seal and the truck and freezes.
I use my GFC all winter and it’s fine. Storing it would be like storing a canoe, you’ll want to regularly clean the snow off of it to avoid damaging it.
I am in MN and pull my V1 GFC in the winter. I do not want to expose it to the road salt. I have an awning on the side of my garage where I hang it (solo). I have done it three winters already.
Great idea to cover locks. I do not have the fancy 3D printer… maybe someone here can sell me two??? take a picture of it up for-me please. How did you attach ? I may be able to rig something up! Thanks so much for responding!
Aluminum is corrosion resistant, and the powder coating/paint quality seems fine to me. I wouldn’t worry about it!
I know the weather is different in the NE, but it was designed in the rockies with plenty of snowfall. I leave mine on all year in Colorado and enjoy having an enclosed space so I can protect items from road grime, snow, etc. Plus, it is a great little warming hut at the ski areas with the addition of a buddy heater.
Definitely do not remove the cushions. If you remove the cushions you are more likely to see water ingress.
These are pretty nifty and I’ve been thinking about ordering some before the snow flies here in Michigan.
This…… if I didn’t already print up my covers, I would have gone with the ones by sweoverlander as they use magnets rather than the slip fits mine uses