GFC Yakima Skybox

March 2025 update.

Per the GFC forum, it's not a good idea to run stronger gas struts to lift the roof panel the mounts can shear right off. So I've taken the ski box off.

So even though I posted all the how to stuff below, you probably shouldn't

August 31, 2022

Will need to add stronger lift struts, but I'm really happy with how this turned out.

Starting off, I painted the upper part of the Yakima Skybox with Aluminum Rustoleum paint. But it was way too shiny and showed any imperfection in the plastic. So I got the idea to thin some black gloss Rustoleum and spray it with a too large tip on my HVLP spray gun. I wanted a slight splatter look, and it looks kind of cool I think. Should be easy to touch up in with a black spray can in the future, when low hanging limbs scratch it up more.

In the slideshow you'll see the exact parts I used, but in summary, I found square ubolts that are meant for boat trailers that perfectly go around the GFC beef rack bars. The problem with GFC roof rack bars is the lack of clearance between the bars and the white roof panel, but the square ubolts slipped under fine.

I think I need to lengthen the slot opening a little, so I can move the box back just a few inches more, for aerodynamic purposes. Other than that and adding the strong gas lift struts, I'm happy with how this turned out. Gives me a secure place to add stuff and lock it out of sight.

First Bikepacking Trip

My kingdom for a pair of scissors! More on that later. Actually I'm ordering these fiskar ones to keep in my tool bag. I trust myself with scissors but not a small knife in the middle of nowhere out in the woods. https://a.co/d/6AycWwH The trip was fun and a success. i didn't forget anything (see previous blog packing list); i've just realized having a small pair of scissors would be very useful for trimming tire plugs and opening stubborn dehydrated meal bags. Sunday night I camped in the truck's GFC camper at one of my favorite spots near where my bike trip was going to start. I wanted to get an early start Monday morning which is easier when you're just a 15 minute drive away vs 3 hours. And no I'm not posting online where my preferred camping spot is because it's mine, ALL MINE!!!!. jk, but yeah, on principle it's silly to list your favorite sp...

Overland Expo East 2024 Saturday and Sunday

Saturday morning no 10 am seminar this morning, but i did wake up earlier than i expected, so i rode down for the 9a.m. opening before the crowds of day visitors swarmed. The Bronco guys turned their music off around 10-10:30 last night, but they were "drunk" loud. I'm sure they thought they were being quiet when talking around their little propane campfire, but drinking makes you deaf. Anyway, I ran into Jeff mid morning while walking around. I bought another 6 pack of roperollers from the Rollercam booth. And finally, I wrapped up the morning by getting a ridiculously overpriced burger after waiting in line 15 minutes and waiting another 20 for the burger to be ready. Burger was maybe ⅓ lb size? just cheese, no toppings, nothing else and it was $20. with a coke and tip closer to $30. should have just gone back to my truck to eat lunch, or better yet, gone to the taco or bbq trucks. NEVER get the fresh burger from a food truck when the line is long. T...

2025 end of May Moose River Plains camping

Went camping at Moose River Plains again. Drove up Monday (Memorial Day), left Friday. Nothing exciting really, just journaling for when I'm too old to go anymore 😢 Monday Jeff and I were able to grab our favorite site. You have to drive over Wakely dam and then bang a right and camp up on the little hill by Cedar River Flow. That site seems to always have wind, so it's not good for late Fall camping (too cold), but early Summer, the wind helps to keep most of the bugs away. You don't really get a view of the water, but you can hear it as it goes through the dam. I only had to wear my mosquito net over my head around dusk when the bugs really came out strong. Our Thermocell insect repellers seemed to work pretty well too when it wasn't windy. It's a short walk to the dam to take photos. First night we were there, this odd character walked over around 9:30 p.m. in the d...

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