Thinking about an RTT.

[FastGlass]

Pretty much think I'm looking at the Baroud Explorer Evo they just updated for 2015: http://ok4wd.com/james-baroud-explorer-evolution-rooftop-tent
I like the window layout and the ability to pack a bit on the top...I don't want too much weight up high, but the option is nice.
Anyone have any pics on a 4 dr? Even better would be on a Gobi rack, since thats what I'm running.Has anyone purchased this tent yet? Id love some real world opinions or a good review.

 

[Comanche Scott]

I put Baroud in the search engine under all forums, and some pretty good threads came up with direct users (not so many Jeeps except Septu, and maybe a couple of others).
.
If you haven't already tried that, and read through, there are some pretty good comparisons and info on other models in the Baroud line.
Big $ decision, so I hope it goes awesome for you, whatever you decide. :beer:

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Think about TEPUI, you can getta good deal through Boxrocket on this forum-

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[rabies]

whats the cheapest universal one of these out there?

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I've seen em down to $800 bucks, don't remember the name

whats the cheapest universal one of these out there?

Check craigs list for a used on, or I've seen used RTTs on this forum-

New, you're gonna pay in excess of $1000 bucks, I think Tepui has a small model for under that-check with Box Rocket for a price-or checkout TEPUI web site

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[FastGlass]

I put Baroud in the search engine under all forums, and some pretty good threads came up with direct users (not so many Jeeps except Septu, and maybe a couple of others).
.
If you haven't already tried that, and read through, there are some pretty good comparisons and info on other models in the Baroud line.
Big $ decision, so I hope it goes awesome for you, whatever you decide. :beer:

I did Scott...I found a few pics and called OK4wd. There is a Gobi crossbar that can be used for this hard top tent, it's not typically stocked, but can be ordered, you'd only need one (in conjunction with the racks two others), and the new redesigned Explorer Evolution will also be available at the same time as an updated Evasion Evolution RTT...but not until May of next year.
Bummer on the wait time....

 

[rlynch356]

I checked out the JB tent at Expo East - pretty much hand down the best one i saw anywhere at the expo and there were a lot of tents to look at. Really impressive in the rain and wind (when i check it out). Spendy but only 2x what i paid for my Oztent.

I'm going to go for a trailer and then see. Pairing a JB with a Foxing would be very nice

 

[Septu]

As Scott indicated, I have one. Different model but still a James Baroud. Also bought it from OK4WD (and yes shipping and duty were a ***** from NJ to YT). I dealt with Craig Davidson (I think that's his last name), and he was amazing to deal with - very patient with me and all my questions. I wish I'd gone a different route to lower the costs (found a way after the fact)... but I don't regret making the purchase. And while I have 2 minor issues with the tent (the ladder and mattress)... I still don't regret buying it. The mattress was an easy fix - I put a 1.5" thermarest under the stock one... quite comfy now. And I've bought a new ladder that I'll have some brackets made up to use the stock mounting holes, that will keep my weight off the tent. But overall the quality is amazing, and I'm very happy with the tent.

I only have it mounted on my trailer, so no pictures of it on a JK. But heres ones for you. I'm honestly not sure how I'd close it if it was mounted on my roof!? It being on my trailer (around head height) is just right in regards to opening/closing it - especially if it's hot out and the struts get hard. But with it being that low, I can still get some weight onto the corners to secure the latches. Might be interesting if it was on the roof.

 

[FastGlass]

As Scott indicated, I have one. Different model but still a James Baroud. Also bought it from OK4WD (and yes shipping and duty were a ***** from NJ to YT). I dealt with Craig Davidson (I think that's his last name), and he was amazing to deal with - very patient with me and all my questions. I wish I'd gone a different route to lower the costs (found a way after the fact)... but I don't regret making the purchase. And while I have 2 minor issues with the tent (the ladder and mattress)... I still don't regret buying it. The mattress was an easy fix - I put a 1.5" thermarest under the stock one... quite comfy now. And I've bought a new ladder that I'll have some brackets made up to use the stock mounting holes, that will keep my weight off the tent. But overall the quality is amazing, and I'm very happy with the tent.

I only have it mounted on my trailer, so no pictures of it on a JK. But heres ones for you. I'm honestly not sure how I'd close it if it was mounted on my roof!? It being on my trailer (around head height) is just right in regards to opening/closing it - especially if it's hot out and the struts get hard. But with it being that low, I can still get some weight onto the corners to secure the latches. Might be interesting if it was on the roof.

Septu, thanks a bunch for posting that up. I also dealt with Craig. As for the mattress, I'm not even using the one provided and will be using a couple of insulated inflatable Big Agnes or Thermarests. Apparently, one of the big things (Along with the new window design) that is being changed on this remodel coming out in a few months, is being able to close the tent a little easier, while not losing the wind resistance or in the case of the Explorer, the load ability. Here's a video and some pics of the one I'm waiting to release. The Gobi rack I have has two ladders and I'd be entering/exiting from the rear...
http://blog.jamesbaroud.org/?p=415&lang=en
BTW...That is a pretty bad *** trailer setup. Did you make that?

 

[Septu]

The Gobi rack I have has two ladders and I'd be entering/exiting from the rear...
http://blog.jamesbaroud.org/?p=415&lang=en
BTW...That is a pretty bad *** trailer setup. Did you make that?

They make closing it look so easy. I wonder if that's just that model, or because I have the escape that I have more fabric to deal with to make sure it all gets tucked in? I wonder what it would be like trying to climb in off of the corner ladder that the gobi uses?

Thanks! I bought the trailer with the lid already done, but have been making some changes (awning, gas can rack, new rack, new paint). I have lots of idea's as to what I think I want to do lol. Will see where it goes.

 

[pilosopo]

They make closing it look so easy. I wonder if that's just that model, or because I have the escape that I have more fabric to deal with to make sure it all gets tucked in? I wonder what it would be like trying to climb in off of the corner ladder that the gobi uses?

Thanks! I bought the trailer with the lid already done, but have been making some changes (awning, gas can rack, new rack, new paint). I have lots of idea's as to what I think I want to do lol. Will see where it goes.

I tried climbing into my tent from the Gobi ladder exactly once. Granted, I have an Autohome as opposed to the tent you're looking at, but I'm sure the supplied ladder is a much better solution.

 

[FastGlass]

I tried climbing into my tent from the Gobi ladder exactly once. Granted, I have an Autohome as opposed to the tent you're looking at, but I'm sure the supplied ladder is a much better solution.

View attachment 259258

Well that's not good to hear. I see you have the side entrance? Is there one on the back? The RTT I'm looking at Def has the rear door option and that's what I was hoping to do....

 

[pilosopo]

Well that's not good to hear. I see you have the side entrance? Is there one on the back? The RTT I'm looking at Def has the rear door option and that's what I was hoping to do....

Its rear opening is even larger than the side doors. The ladder is just too far to the side, and the tent is nearly a foot forward of the top of the ladder. It's an awkward climb in

 

[Comanche Scott]

Do these tents come with a rain fly, in case it's raining, when you need to get in?

 

[Septu]

Do these tents come with a rain fly, in case it's raining, when you need to get in?

I think the only one that does is the CVT Mt St Helens. However when I talked to one of those owners, he said that it was a PITA and not to bother if that was the only reason I wanted it.

I think some of these (I think I'm thinking of the Autohome ones) have a winter cover to increase the insulation... not sure exactly how that works... but it might work - if it fits. But it would be nice if JB (or someone else) came out with something that allowed you to toss it over the tent and it provided a dry access point into it.

But I'm sure one could mock something up if they camped in the rain ALL the time - especially if they have a roof rack on. Toss a tarp over the tent, and secure it to the rack on the far side. Find a way to tie down the tarp so that there's an overhang on the entry side of the tent. Couple of poles (those collapsible ones) or a stick or whatever... and then tie the tarp to the wheels or something.

Well that's not good to hear. I see you have the side entrance? Is there one on the back? The RTT I'm looking at Def has the rear door option and that's what I was hoping to do....

I think you'd really want that last step or so near the top to get in. Gotta remember there's nothing to hold onto in the tent to pull yourself in.