Best Ideal RTT for the JK?

[fxk142]

Hey guys I am looking to get a RTT for my JK Unlimited, and I want your opinions. I do not want to have to do this twice since these things are so expensive. Here are my needs:
-JK Unlimited with a Gobi Stealth Roof Rack
-Looking for comfortable camping with the wife, so matress comfort is a high priority
-For now it will be just my wife and I, and our black lab Gunner. But perhaps a kid or two in the future.
-Looking for something water tight, keeps the bugs out, but also breathes on hot summer nights.
-Obviously something that fits on this rack but does not hang over or take up the entire rack either.

I liked the ARB a lot, but have also heard great stuff about the Eezi Awn, but unsure what size would fit my rack and needs.

Help please. Pics are welcome of your setups as well.

 

[JRhetts]

I don't know anything about the dimensions of a "Gobi" rack, but the attached picture shows the Eezi Awn 1800 tent we mounted on the roof rack on our 2008 JK. We lived in this rig for 3 months while we drove thru Central America to Panama. The attachment system on the tent was very flexible and made a secure mount onto our rack.

Our tent had a queen sized mattress. It was very comfortable, good headroom, insect and rain proof. It was quick to set up, but took 2 people to collapse it fully. I'd buy the same tent again [sold it to a guy in Costa Rica at the end of our trip.]

 

[JPK]

I would suggest looking one of the RTT's that have an overhang over the ladder so that the top of the ladder is covered and the tent entrance is covered. Most or all of these tents offer three or four sided enclosures, some with floors, that attach to the tent platform and create an enclosed room under the tent.

That extra room provides privacy for the Mrs., creates dry storage and a place to change, and also can house a privy for night time or full time use - in privacy. The four sided enclosure, especially the ones with floor, also provide a bug free space.

The extra room can also be used as a bunk room if you choose a tent that is wide enough so the room underneath is of sufficient size. There are tiered folding cots available to maximize bunk space for the kids. Your dog can sleep there too.

Probably top of the line of the tents with the features I'm suggesting would be Hannibal and a more cost freindly option would be Car Top Camper, both of which offer four sided enclosures with floors. IIRC, Ez-Awn offers a three sided enclosure, no floor, and AutoHome a four sided enclosure, no floor - but AutoHome ventilation seems a shortcoming to me. With any option the hieght of the rack can be an issue. IIRC, each option was an issue for my Jeep which is lifted 4.5" and rides on 37's. Fix the issue by sewing in or having sewn in an extension to the walls - at the top to avoid door or window issues, or to the floor so the sides of the floor come up to meet the walls.

To get a picture of what I'm suggesting, take a look at the Car Top Camprer site, here: http://www.cartopcamper.com/

{Edited to add that you want to look at the sites two person "private entry" tent and the option room below, which measure 7'x7'.}

Hope this helps,

JPK

 

[fxk142]

Hey thanks for the info. Do you have any side shots of this tent on the rack? and with the tent closed as well perhaps? I am trying to get an idea of how far forward it would extend. It would be great if I could fit the 1800 on there.

I don't know anything about the dimensions of a "Gobi" rack, but the attached picture shows the Eezi Awn 1800 tent we mounted on the roof rack on our 2008 JK. We lived in this rig for 3 months while we drove thru Central America to Panama. The attachment system on the tent was very flexible and made a secure mount onto our rack.

Our tent had a queen sized mattress. It was very comfortable, good headroom, insect and rain proof. It was quick to set up, but took 2 people to collapse it fully. I'd buy the same tent again [sold it to a guy in Costa Rica at the end of our trip.]

 

[JPK]

From AT:
Series 3 1800 Rooftent

The Series 3 1800 is the largest single ladder tent in the line, the most popular tent to mount on a trailer. Perfect for 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 small children. This tent width requires mounting for entry from either side of the vehicle, and to be supported by a minimum of 3 load bars.

Dimensions (closed) 48"L x 71"W x 11"H
Dimensions (open) 96"L x 71"W x 51"H
Dimensions (clearance) Add 2-3" to closed length and width for fabric and cover
Weight 172 lbs, including ladder
Mattress 2-1/2" fabric covered foam
Comparable width King size bed
Color Olive or Beige
Options Ladder Extension, Shower Skirt Item


The Gobi rack is 90" end to end. So it would fit. You would need cross bars since the tent needs to be able to unfold a full 180*.

 

[bigreen505]

The Howling Moon Stargazer tents are pretty nice and have the benefit of skylights. Though it may not meet your size needs, I've always thought putting an Autohome Columbus or Maggiolina tent on a topless Jeep would be kind of cool -- basically using it is a little protection.

 

[Hannibal USA]

Here is our JK with our 1.6M tent on it. We also sell a Jumbo Tour kit which has a enclosed entrance and walls and a floor.

 

[bunduguy]

Since you want something that breathes in the summer, and you only want to buy once, I would definitely consider primarily a heavier-duty canvas with a higher percentage of cotton in it. The polyester tents have a laminated waterproofing that compromises breathability; this will affect both cold- and warm-weather performance. The South African-made tents (Howling Moon, Eezi Awn and Hannibal) are all of this higher quality material and performance.

Our Howling Moon Stargazer has all the space you need with a few key features. For warm weather you cannot beat the roof that unzips for unlimited airflow (as well as a great view!) When used with the annex (the Howling Moon annexes are the largest in their class due to flared walls), you have loads of usable space that can grow with your needs. In addition, the floor unzips, for ease of cleaning or airflow.

I would stick with a 1.6m personally. It is plenty space for 2 people. I have my choice of tents and actually use a 1.4 for my wife and me, and the 2yr old. Dog can't get up there anyway, so he sleeps below. In the event of more kids, the annex has enough space for 2 full cots. Try to keep your weight on your roof down. When you get in one of these tents you'll see that a 1.6m (5.25ft) is plenty big enough for 2 people.

And I've said this before, but there is a reason Howling Moon is the number 1 choice of 4x4 rental outfitters in Southern Africa.

 

[Voodoo11]

I should let you know that Paul at Gobi made me a customized and removable extra crossbar for my eventual purchase of a RTT. I'm looking to put my wife and two kids up top while I sleep in the annex. I'm also running the Gobi stealth and will let you know if I pull the trigger on a tent anytime soon.

 

[JPK]

Here is our JK with our 1.6M tent on it. We also sell a Jumbo Tour kit which has a enclosed entrance and walls and a floor.

This is the tent that I have, with the Jumbo Tourer option. Ended up on top of a tear drop rather than the Jeep, along with an awning with the three sides as well.

You guys at Hannibal need to show the Jumbo Tourer option, which is terrific and imo the best of all of the added room options, your new website doesn't do it (but your predeccesor's did...) Show off the good stuff!

JPK

 

[Hannibal USA]

You guys at Hannibal need to show the Jumbo Tourer option, which is terrific and imo the best of all of the added room options, your new website doesn't do it (but your predeccesor's did...) Show off the good stuff!

JPK

Thanks for the info, the new new web site is being updated since we took over, its being working on every day!!

 

[fxk142]

How much does that Jumbo Tourer kit run? It looks very nice.

 

[irishcoffee]

I don't know anything about the dimensions of a "Gobi" rack, but the attached picture shows the Eezi Awn 1800 tent we mounted on the roof rack on our 2008 JK. We lived in this rig for 3 months while we drove thru Central America to Panama. The attachment system on the tent was very flexible and made a secure mount onto our rack.

Our tent had a queen sized mattress. It was very comfortable, good headroom, insect and rain proof. It was quick to set up, but took 2 people to collapse it fully. I'd buy the same tent again [sold it to a guy in Costa Rica at the end of our trip.]

Hello

Is the Gobi not to heavy for your jku?
I just looked arround for other jku racks but found out that althoug gobi is one of the expensive league racks is by far the best.
I chase the same rtt idea because offroad trailers in Europe ar far to expensive (3Dog about 20k Euros etc).
Enjoy you rtt!
Cheers
John

 

[fxk142]

The gobi rack is great, and I feel the best rack on the market currently hands down. I can walk around on the roof with this rack no problem. I love it.

 

[JRhetts]

Hey thanks for the info. Do you have any side shots of this tent on the rack? and with the tent closed as well perhaps? I am trying to get an idea of how far forward it would extend. It would be great if I could fit the 1800 on there.

No, sorry I don't. We travel more than we photograph, so I cannot offer what we did not happen to take.

Is it just me, or does it seem like a number of vendors have taken over this thread, in the sense of recommending self-interested options?