New to Me Maggiolina and Awning Suggestions

[nieb15]

So to make a long story short, I ended up being gifted a Maggiolina Airland. The exterior is structurally sound, but domestically ugly. The interior is BRAND NEW, still has the plastic wrap. The previous owner mounted it once on his Jeep (more rock crawler than overlander), and the center of gravity scared him. He left it outside for many years. I was offered it for free thinking the interior was trashed, imagine my surprise when I found out it was NEW!

A RTT has been on my equipment bucket list for years, but I figured due to cost it was always a long ways off. Seems my plans took a giant leap forward!

Here is my basic plan for it. I would like to build a custom trailer to house a living and cooking setup permanently. Pretty much fill the coolers and propane tank, hook up the trailer, and hit the road. All my camping gear will live in the trailer year round. I am thinking of utilizing a utility bed/shell and build a kitchen inside the shell, RTT will sit on top. Second idea would be to build a set of pullout drawers and have a trailer with a lower COG. Either way, I would like to design it so I could enter and exit the tent/kitchen area in an absolute downpour without getting wet.

I'm thinking of having a side entrance to the trailer and attaching a vestibule to the RTT to cover that entrance. I see that Autohome makes a "changing room" that would serve this purpose, but I can't seem to find much info on it.

Here are some questions and/or general info I am looking for.

1. Any info about vestibules/awnings, same company, aftermarket, DIY, anything available would be helpful.
2. Any tips/tricks for my RTT, everything seems to be in great working order, but anything to look out for or to make it more useful would be appreciated.
3. Information on attaching an awning or vestibule to the RTT. I've heard drilling into the shell is a surefire way to insure water ingress.
4. This thing is super ugly on the outside, is there a way to sand down the shell and repaint?
5. Best place to source a new ladder, only component I did not get with the tent.

Thanks for reading!

 

[brentbba]

I to searched like crazy for info on the Maggie changing room. Not much out there! I eventually found installation instructions somewhere and also contacted Maggie US for info. Perhaps 10 minutes to set up once you get proficient. Two telescoping poles need to be mounted under your rack that telescope out to provide the 'push' away from the truck for the structure.

Shell is simple fiberglass. You may want to try a good marine oxidation remover and a good marine was first to see if that'll clean up that mess. If not, find a good boat place and ask them.

 

[Corey]

Congrats on the tent, that is the same one I have had since 2008 when I bought it, and I absolutely dig it.
Get a hold of Andrew or Mike at the US Autohome here.
www.autohomeus.com

The changing room is one I have eyed in the past, and it is on the Italian Autohome (Mothership) site.
http://www.autohome-official.com/en/products/accessori/accessori-maggiolina/

Mike or Andrew can order one in for you.
Also they can get you a ladder for your tent, and also while you are at it, have them get you the sack for the ladder too, I just got one last week from them.
Back when I got mine, they did not come with the sack, but all new tents now ship with them.
This will keep your bedding cleaner when putting the ladder away.

 

[rickc]

There are numerous gelcoat repair vids on YouTube. If the thing hasn't been used much it would be my bet that the damage is mostly cosmetic and maybe some UV; it does not look like the thing was covered in a tarp. One super easy fix would be to give it the gelcoat a really good glean and if it still looks ugly then wrap the thing with 3M film. I believe that this is what Tepui were thinking about doing with their white hardtops to give customers a colour choice. As for changing rooms, you may want to consider a smaller Oztent or awning with walls. Good luck!

 

[jerseyjeeper]

I have a Maggie as well that was pretty rough on the outside. Powerwashing makes an incredible difference. Start off with that. If it still needs work you should wet sand it. Thats what made the biggest difference for me

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

Have to tried even a just a damn good cleaner first? I know my parents like to steal my Meguire's PlasticX plastic cleaner to clean the sides of their camper. I'd try some heavy duty cleaners and elbow grease first before going with the sanding route.

 

[brentbba]

Another point - before jumping on the changing room, double check with the guys at Maggiolina USA to see if your model year can take the changing room. There's a guy looking to sell an unused changing room because his Maggie was old enough to not have the loops/hooks on his tent to accept the changing room poles on the top!

 

[brentbba]

Have to tried even a just a damn good cleaner first? I know my parents like to steal my Meguire's PlasticX plastic cleaner to clean the sides of their camper. I'd try some heavy duty cleaners and elbow grease first before going with the sanding route.

Agreed!!! Meguire's has some oxidation/cleaner products that'd be a better place to start than power washing or wet sanding. Start at the least 'destructive' to the gel coat and go from there!