GoFastCampers (GFC) has launched the first camper and bed cap designed specifically for the Rivian R1T electric truck. The innovative, low-profile camper offers an eight-foot tall internal living space when deployed, significantly enhancing the utility of the R1T’s 4.5-foot bed, while the topper doubles the secure cargo volume.
The development of a camper for the R1T posed a number of challenges, as explained by GFC Founder and CEO Graeme MacPherson,
“There’s a reason why it took three years for someone to develop anything like this for the R1T. From the complex shapes around the rear of the cab to sensors hidden within the bodywork and the bedrail-mounted control buttons, each feature required a custom solution.”
GFC, known for producing lightweight campers and strong truck toppers, customizes every product to fit the specific year, make, model, and even trim level of the trucks they are designed for. This attention to detail ensures compatibility with Rivian’s features and capabilities, and the bedrail-mounted control buttons give us the fizz.
GFC’s design philosophy focuses on preserving the Rivian R1T’s electric range and vehicle performance. According to GFC product designer Ian Sparkman, the team reduced the height of the camper’s cab over section to minimize aerodynamic drag while also addressing the placement of the truck’s sharkfin antenna (with a neat and snug slot recessed into the camper’s sleeping area, with the mattress split to accommodate it), which is critical for many of the R1T’s functions such as GPS navigation, vehicle connectivity, radio signals, driver assistance features, and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
The camper and topper were engineered to work seamlessly with Rivian’s unique features. GFC used Rivian’s roof accessory ports to create bridges that secure the forward frame of the camper to the truck, eliminating any potential for unwanted movement during extreme vehicle maneuvers. Unique mounts and billet aluminum extensions were also crafted to maintain functionality for Rivian’s gear tunnel, tonneau cover, and tailgate, even with the camper installed. The camper also includes a cab side viewport that retains functionality for the R1T’s Gear Guard camera view, while the lower-profile topper does not.
The secure tonneau cover can be closed inside the locked camper or topper, creating an extra layer of security for stored items, effectively transforming the R1T into a “rolling vault.” Testing with adventure photographer Ben Moon and input from the first 12 customers showed the GFC Platform Camper has a 7-10% impact on range, whereas the Platform Topper showed no measurable impact. This compares favorably to Rivian’s discontinued bed rack and tent combination, which users reported decreased range by at least 20%.
The GFC Platform Camper is designed to enhance the practicality of the R1T for both everyday driving and more adventurous trips while also providing a comfortable sleeping space. Ben Moon, an adventure photographer and R1T owner who helped GFC develop the product, reported,
“The camper fits great, works great, and is really comfortable. There’s no rattles, no squeaks, and no wind noise.”
The camper leaves the R1T’s bed unencumbered while doubling its secure volume, and it can also carry up to 500 pounds of dynamic load on its roof. This makes it ideal for transporting everything from construction materials to kayaks or bicycles. The sleeping area measures 80 by 50 inches, equivalent to the width of a 2.5-person tent, and includes an ultralight modular floor system for standing height access.
The GFC Platform Topper, meanwhile, provides secure cargo volume to cab height and includes full-length lift panels for easy access. These panels also offer protection from sun and rain when open, a feature GFC calls “cabana mode.” The topper’s translucent roof reflects solar radiation to keep the interior cool while allowing diffuse light inside. LED lights make finding gear easy after dark. The topper’s roof, flush with the R1T’s cab, supports a dynamic load of up to 800 pounds and is compatible with additional accessories like racks and lights.
The GFC Platform Camper for the Rivian R1T weighs 270 pounds and starts at $9,450, while the Platform Topper weighs 137 pounds and costs $4,999. Both products can be installed at any of GFC’s eight nationwide locations.
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