adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Well, both Skillet and I replaced our previous models and bought the new one. Here is my first impressions.. and im sure Skillet will post his up next. He has a thread on mud already.
-They did a way better job making this version. The quality of work is still lacking a bit.. but it's 100x better than the previous version.
-Better mounting. They use extruded aluminum cross beams channels that house the bolts and plates to mount to the roof rack. Their adjustable and much stronger than before.
-Lot of setup and break down compared the 2006 model. I liked not having to do anything but open the old one and toss my sleeping bags in it. We'll see if the extra 5 minutes of setup is worth it.
-The ladder is max'd out. I may need to get the extension from my buddy that i ordered for the last one. However, the ladder is way better built and we feel much safer.
-A zipper for the cover in front? Yeah right! I didnt even try zipping that up! There's no way without a ladder i could do that! Who thought of this? Maybe someone that is mounting it on a GEO METRO.. but not our rig.. it's too hard to manage. Works fine without zipping it up by the way.
-The GF loves the grab handle they put in this model for getting out and climbing down. Very good idea!
-Way taller than the 2006 model when packed up.
-Much higher quality (almost like canvas) tent, still low quality craftsmenship(threads coming undone, straps stretching, found a tiny hole, etc)
That's about all i noticed yesterday... havent really climbed in the thing yet.. just peaked inside. Once again, for the price.. it's a great tent. Im not complaining!!!
Here are some packed up pics... matches the rig perfectly! Love the grey cover! We'll see how it lasts! I now have room for some bundles of firewood between the tent and the NATO cans.
Comparison Shot of the height of the OLD and NEW tent. It's much taller.
Room for firewood between tent and NATO cans.
I mounted it in the rear so i could put the cover on it easier.
All in all.. it must look pretty good.. i got a thumbs up on the way home after installing it
We'll see how well it functions in the field. Thats what matters.
-They did a way better job making this version. The quality of work is still lacking a bit.. but it's 100x better than the previous version.
-Better mounting. They use extruded aluminum cross beams channels that house the bolts and plates to mount to the roof rack. Their adjustable and much stronger than before.
-Lot of setup and break down compared the 2006 model. I liked not having to do anything but open the old one and toss my sleeping bags in it. We'll see if the extra 5 minutes of setup is worth it.
-The ladder is max'd out. I may need to get the extension from my buddy that i ordered for the last one. However, the ladder is way better built and we feel much safer.
-A zipper for the cover in front? Yeah right! I didnt even try zipping that up! There's no way without a ladder i could do that! Who thought of this? Maybe someone that is mounting it on a GEO METRO.. but not our rig.. it's too hard to manage. Works fine without zipping it up by the way.
-The GF loves the grab handle they put in this model for getting out and climbing down. Very good idea!
-Way taller than the 2006 model when packed up.
-Much higher quality (almost like canvas) tent, still low quality craftsmenship(threads coming undone, straps stretching, found a tiny hole, etc)
That's about all i noticed yesterday... havent really climbed in the thing yet.. just peaked inside. Once again, for the price.. it's a great tent. Im not complaining!!!
Here are some packed up pics... matches the rig perfectly! Love the grey cover! We'll see how it lasts! I now have room for some bundles of firewood between the tent and the NATO cans.
Comparison Shot of the height of the OLD and NEW tent. It's much taller.
Room for firewood between tent and NATO cans.
I mounted it in the rear so i could put the cover on it easier.
All in all.. it must look pretty good.. i got a thumbs up on the way home after installing it
We'll see how well it functions in the field. Thats what matters.
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