Hard shell roof tent?

[gilghana]

Hi folks,
need some feedback if possible! I am in the market for a new roof tent, have up until recently had a hannibal folding type one. Now, I don't need roof rack space so the hard shell type really appeal due to their ease of opening and closing, not getting covered in dust and sweat would be nice. My ideal tent would be:
- hard shell
- 1.3 m wide or so
- generally super easy opening and closing
- sourced either South Africa or Germany for better freight deals and especially price from ZA!
Gil

 

[LC/LR4Life]

Maggiolina..... Best hard topped roof top tent out there.

 

[Corey]

Def. go with a Maggiolina AirLand or Columbus model is you want the hard top.
I have a review on mine here.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17789

I bought mine last March and I really dig it.
The canvas material keeps the interior warm, and also the way the tent is designed you do not get any condensation like other tents can get.

Here are a few pictures of mine.

Here are some good links to read up on them.
US site
http://autohomeus.com/

AirLand model, the one I have
http://autohomeus.com/rooftop/maggiolinaAirlander.php

Italy site (homebase)
http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/index_gb.html

AirLand model (called AirLander in Italy)
http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/magg_airlander.html

Construction (shows the dralon/canvas material)
http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/magg_technical.html

Video of me opening my tent up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHd77e7PbIE

And now for your viewing pleasure, a video to get you in the mood
http://autohomeus.com/video/video2.swf

 

[gilghana]

Many thanks guys - ended up with a Hanibal Impi. Due to living in Ghana and getting great shipping (like free!) from ZA was the deciding factor. Would have loved a columbus but the price difference was about $1,300!!!!
Gil

 

[roscoFJ73]

Many thanks guys - ended up with a Hanibal Impi. Due to living in Ghana and getting great shipping (like free!) from ZA was the deciding factor. Would have loved a columbus but the price difference was about $1,300!!!!
Gil

Hi Gil . What was the cost without freight for the Hannibla Impi.
It is about $3300 here(australia)

I went and saw the dealer in Perth today and Im thinking of ordering one.

I considered the Maggiolina but it is is over $2000 more than the Impi here.

I found a chinese knock off at $550USD but you have to buy 20:ar15:

 

[gilghana]

Hi Ross,
the Impi cost me €640 excluding freight. There is another African brand which would really be the business on your slide on camper that i saw on mud:
http://www.africanoutback.co.za/products.htm?category=8
To be honest at that price compared to maggiolina in europe, and the fact a mate was shipping a container meant it was not really a choice!
Gil

 

[MattScott]

I found a chinese knock off at $550USD but you have to buy 20:ar15:

remember, you're always a major dealer, that runs a chain of stores, and you want to buy a sample, to put to use, before you sell to your customers!

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hi Ross,
the Impi cost me €640 excluding freight. There is another African brand which would really be the business on your slide on camper that i saw on mud:

Gil

How do you see this one being any better than the Hannibal?.
I have sent an email to them but I doubt the shipping for one will make it worth their while.

 

[roscoFJ73]

remember, you're always a major dealer, that runs a chain of stores, and you want to buy a sample, to put to use, before you sell to your customers!

I thought of that,but I cant be bothered and sending money off to China may make give me the red face:ar15:

 

[gilghana]

Ross,
the african outback one I listed as it is ali so would match! That is about all. I did hear that as they are a bit slim line it is not so easy to leave as much stuff up top.
G

 

[nolaw]

Pretty much the ultimate hard shell pop up tent:

http://www.expedition-cabin.de/en/59.html

 

[Corey]

That thing is huge, not to aerodynamic though.
First time I have seen it.

 

[Co-opski]

Pretty much the ultimate hard shell pop up tent:

http://www.expedition-cabin.de/en/59.html

That does look nice. It could work in campgrounds that have tent bands, and only hard shell campers are permited.