RTT- hardtop or folding

[just eric]

Currently in the process of building my expedition rig and am trying to decide between a Magnolia type RTT and a fold out such as the ARB. What are the pros and cons of each?

It is my intention to mount the tent of choice to an ARB roof rack, either aluminum or steel. What are your thoughts on the aluminum steel debate?

Thanks guys (and gals...).

 

[cnskate]

The hard shell ones are much easier to open and close and more aerodynamic. They're also more expensive, (obviously) take up all of your roof space, don't easily allow a changing/shower room, and are little less roomy I think?

 

[kb7our]

The hard shell ones are much easier to open and close and more aerodynamic. They're also more expensive, (obviously) take up all of your roof space, don't easily allow a changing/shower room, and are little less roomy I think?

http://autohomeusa.blogspot.com/

 

[Bugspray]

Currently in the process of building my expedition rig and am trying to decide between a Magnolia type RTT and a fold out such as the ARB. What are the pros and cons of each?

It is my intention to mount the tent of choice to an ARB roof rack, either aluminum or steel. What are your thoughts on the aluminum steel debate?

Thanks guys (and gals...).

What type of vehicle is it going on?

 

[spressomon]

How many bodies do you need to accommodate in said RTT?

For me and the best bang for the buck assuming you are really going to put an RTT to use: Maggiolina or Columbus. No flapping in the wind, very comfortable in any conditions, no fabric dust/travel cover to "wrestle" with/wear out, fast to set-up/put down, etc. I've had both and for 1-2 persons the Magg or Columbus would get my vote again.

 

[just eric]

It will be going on an FJ Cruiser and will be for my wife and I.

After perusing this site and the Expedition Exchange forum, I couldn't help but notice all the "serious" expedition drivers using the folding tents, is it simply a price thing? Why aren't more people running the hard tents?

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Maybe just an image or inertia thing why you see more folding types? Maybe the cost?

The hard shells have many advantages, with the only disadvantages being relative size and cost. I've got a "large" Maggiolina on my tailer, which I wouldn't want to try putting on a truck, it's really big. You can sleep two adults and one little kid, I don't know about 2 kids. So if you've got a family, it's pretty limited.

But other than that... faster to set up and pack away. Better in the weather for a lot of reasons; wind, rain, cold, etc. Much better mattress.

I do think the folding style look much more "classic expedition" and to some people looks trump function.

 

[Corey]

I like the ease of setting up the Maggiolina.
Mine is on the stock rack for now, but looking at another from a vendor to lower my tent down closer to the roof.

If I had to do it all over again, I would buy the exact same tent.
Consider me a 100% satisfied Maggiolina owner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHd77e7PbIE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4927PoLecY

 

[Casper]

I have the Overland large on my trailer right now. It works, and is quite roomy. That said, I will be getting a hardshell this winter. I want a faster set up/take down time, I don't need something the size of the overland, and it looks like it will be much easier to add a "changing room if I need one.

Hope that helps, if you want a flip one, talk to me in about a month, as mine will be for sale.

Casper +10.25
:smiley_drive:

 

[Lemsteraak]

I think it is a matter of what you plan to do and where you plan to go. It is a purchase like buying a sleeping bag, you get one that fits you and is designed for the conditions you plan to go out in.

The hard shelled tents are excellent for cold and nasty weather. The Maggiolina is probably one of the best as it is like a little mountain tent. A Columbus type tent is not as good in the cold but I think it excells in warmer weather. They are quite aerodynamic and quiet so there is minimal drag.

Fabric tents have an advantage because they have a smaller footprint. They can be small closed and open large. The designs have really been perfected in African use so they generally have excellent ventilation and are good in dry conditions. I don't find them as convenient to use in wet conditions because of the cover. I'd find I would wait for the tent to dry before I would light out in the morning, or I would open the tent up later. If you leave them wet and then go through a dusty area, they tend to get a little messy. As noted before, they are aerodynamic bricks but if you don't go fast or far, it isn't much of a problem.

I think you see a lot more of the fabric tents because they are easier to build. The designs can be prototyped quickly because it is pretty easy to make a small batch or a one off. Some of the fabrics are really light like a backpacking tent while others are almost ballistic. It is almost a cottage industry as a well made tent has a lot of hand work.

The hard shelled tents need to be built in volume to be economical. The equipment to produce them is expensive. The new fiberglass technologies like vacuum bagging is pretty advanced stuff. Not the sort of thing that can be easily reproduced in a home shop.

I just finished a 5000 mile trek from San Francisco to Tampa and only saw two other rooftents. An old Landcruiser with a Maggiolina up near Stanley ID turning off on a dirt road and pretty new Landcruiser with another Maggiolina in the Badlands. I may have been on the lookout as I used a Columbus. I know the trip would not have been nearly as enjoyable without a rooftent.

Rich