November 30, 2021 3 min read 14 Comments
THE WAY OUR LEAD TIMES HAVE BEEN, you’re probably thinking that we should change our name to “Go Slow Campers.” Or “Go Fast Campers (When You Finally Get it in a Year.)” Just doesn’t have the same ring though, does it?
We get it. It sucks waiting so long for something that you reeeeeally want. Maybe even neeeeed. But you know the saying, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast?” It kinda applies here, too.
Since our inception in 2017, we’ve been working on solving two big problems. The first you’re probably familiar with, which is why you like our products so much. When we started out, nothing like a GFC existed, so we set out to make the most kickass camper ever.
The second problem, which might not be immediately apparent, is this: How do we, a small group of people, competitively manufacture a complex product—and do it right here, in the USA?
Quite a few people (who know a thing or two about manufacturing) recommended we outsource production, ramp up the volume, and rake in the cash as fast as we could. But that’s not our ethos or approach for doing things.
Instead, we moved slowly—methodically—to lay the foundation for something steadfast. Something sustainable. Something truly great, that we could learn from, start to finish. Our approach to this puts problem solving at the core of our company and identity.
The reasoning is simple: When you outsource your problems, you forfeit the opportunity to be the creator of their solutions. That might work fine when sailing smoothly, but inevitably, as soon as rough seas come, you’ll be at the mercy of someone else to sort your problems out.
And let’s be honest. No one will ever care as much about your problems as you do. That’s why we want to own our problems, so that we can own the process for solving them—and own the results. When we fuck up, it hurts, but it motivates us to get to the bottom of it and make sure that it doesn’t happen again.
And when we succeed, all of us—employees, partners, and customers alike—get to revel in those rewards.
Designing a great product in and of itself is a huge undertaking, but developing the processes required to produce said product, as an independent manufacturing company, takes time; for the past three years, we’ve been grinding it out and doing the work.
We’ve invested in great people and empowered them to solve problems. We’ve invested in automation equipment that allows our people to focus on problem solving instead of menial machining tasks—while gaining efficiencies that allow us to pay our people better. We’ve invested in local vendors—partners whose services and supplies help keep the machine humming. We’ve invested in infrastructure—the raw materials, equipment, and space required to increase our bandwidth to meet demand.
Since 2017, we’ve been laying that groundwork. Slowwwwwly. That allowed us to ramp up from 12 GFCs per week, to 48 GFCs per week in 2021. Fast.
What does that mean for you?
It’s time to kiss those year-long lead times goodbye and get your ass in a GFC.
May 31, 2022
I think GFC is one of the best built-in-the-USA company stories that I’ve ever experienced. Seeing, from afar, how this company has transformed over the years is just awesome. What y’all do is inspiring to other creators, entrepreneurs, and engineers like myself.
May 31, 2022
build #2881 here. Drove from SoCal for install, courteous, crazy fast install, off and running…worth every penny thus far. Thanks for keeping your own path GFC; convenience does not trump quality.
August 01, 2022
Any plans for this to fit the new Rivian R1T?
August 01, 2022
Will this fit a 2021 Jeep gladiator and how much is the price
August 01, 2022
How much are these rooftop tents? Looking for something inexpensive for now, later want to invest in a camper.
May 31, 2022
I Like The Decisions You Made!!!
August 01, 2022
I have a 2021 Ford Escape with retractable sun roof. Will my car support your camper. Do you supply a ladder with your camper.
August 01, 2022
I was just about to pull the trigger on a AluCab, but seeing this news makes the decision 1000% easier. Cant wait to get the final build sorted and orderd. STOKED to say the lease and now have an extra reason to head up to my cousin in Bellgrade! See you all soon
August 01, 2022
Congratulations on cutting your lead times down so much, that’s no small feat. This actually gives me a lot of hope that if I’m in a position to order a camper in the next couple months I’ll likely have it in time for the upcoming season. I also love your approach to building quality gear here instead of overseas. Bravo.
December 12, 2021
I don’t like to wait any more than the next guy but I believe you get what you pay for and quality takes time. Thank you for sticking to your principles and setting an example of what built in the good old USA should look like in our future! Now I just need to be able to get a truck so I can order my camper. Stoked about your progress on production, keep up the amazing work!!! Cheers
December 10, 2021
Love you guys!
December 10, 2021
Great job GFC from customer build #2077! I ordered my V2 mid February this year and drove up there from Texas for the installation late September. Initially I was worried about the lead time but you beat your estimate by a month. My concern was driving in snow/sleet, being from Texas where schools/businesses close if there is just a dusting of snow, the drive could have been daunting. As it turned out the weather was beautiful so I camped in 5 states on my way home. I’ve stayed at 2 State Parks since my return. I got a 3 week southwest desert trip scheduled for Jan/Feb. the quality of the camper is excellent. I’ve had no problems and don’t anticipate any. I’m sure with your shortened lead-time business will grow exponentially!
December 10, 2021
Great job guys, I picked mine up late September, ordered I mid February build #2077. I worried about the long lead time (I had heard it could take a year or longer) but was pleasantly surprised as quick as I got it!
Brody
August 01, 2022
Heyo, Are ya’ll in Bzn? Seems like it.
I am getting a 2022 Chev Colorado WT – Crew Cab – long box (6’2" I think). Wondering if you have something that will fit that? Wondering if you ever have blemished toppers, used, or etc. sitting around you’d want to offload. If not, hoping to put and order in soon for a topper. Thanks Brody 406-600-3703