ARB Simpson II rooftop tent

[spressomon]

Personally after seeing the ARB in person I wasn't all that impressed with the quality or lack of considering the price-range. All these tents seem to share the same shortcomings in either design, construction, price or all three. If you are looking for a tent to share with 1 or 2 others I would consider spending a little more and getting a Maggiolina. It appears to be a product that will last 10-years+...

 

[cshontz]

I agree. After my own experience and talking with others - I've decided materials = good, design = fair, and build quality = below par.

Its still a comfortable tent that'll keep you high and dry, is reasonably easy to use, and will provide a good night sleep. If you're not familiar with the rtt market, its likely to impress. Longevity is still an unknown, and in my opinion the price is a little high given the quality concerns.

 

[Martyn]

I've been using RTT for over 25 years and selling them for 7 years. My experience is that all RTT's have problems. What separates the wheat from the chafe are the manufacturers who actively address deficiencies with their tents and quickly respond to customer service issues.

Manufacturers who are now having tents made in China have the additional burden of QC. and it remains to be seen how they will deal with this issue.

In regard to the classic RTT design, that's what it is a "classic" that has remained unchanged since 1958 with the exception of materials improvement. The challenge for RTT manufactures is to design a new concept that provides all the benefits of the classic design and more.

 

[spressomon]

I've been using RTT for over 25 years and selling them for 7 years. My experience is that all RTT's have problems. What separates the wheat from the chafe are the manufacturers who actively address deficiencies with their tents and quickly respond to customer service issues.

Manufacturers who are now having tents made in China have the additional burden of QC. and it remains to be seen how they will deal with this issue.

In regard to the classic RTT design, that's what it is a "classic" that has remained unchanged since 1958 with the exception of materials improvement. The challenge for RTT manufactures is to design a new concept that provides all the benefits of the classic design and more.

Here here...I'll drink to that! I AM looking forward to using my Maggiolina...hopefully you won't be seeing any rants from me about it...only praise

 

[haven]

ARB at SEMA

I took a look at the ARB tent at SEMA. The design looked OK, but I came away feeling like the tent wasn't made of sturdy enough materials. The South African tents seem bomb-proof in comparison. I think the poly/cotton fabric may prove to be a weak link over time.

Chip Haven

 

[crafaelgarcia]

the Sep 07 4WD&Sport Utility mag has a writeup on the ARB Simpson II rooftop tent. I belive I also saw a small blurb about this tent in another 4x4 mags new products listings and said it had an MSRP of @ $1500 IIRC. anyone have any first hand experiance with one or have seen it in person? from what I've read it looks to be a well made tent

Hello! Just reading this tread and I just acquired a used ARB Simpson II in great condition. Is there any way I can get info and manual? Please advise.