Autohome Columbus RTT questions

[delmartin]

I recently purchased an early generation Columbus tent with the green fabric and have a few questions.

1. Does the silver edge moulding that is on the upper clamshell half have any purpose other than show? My tent is missing one piece and I'm wondering if I can remove the rest without any adverse effects.

2. Is there a seal between the two clamshell halves that will prevent water intrusion while driving in the rain? Is there a need for a seal? Does the tent get wet from water wicking between the clamshell halves when driving in the rain?

3. Has anyone upgraded the rear clasp to a locking clasp? There doesn't seem to be very much security with the clasp that is currently riveted to the tent.

Thanks.
-Martin

 

[kai38]

I recently purchased an early generation Columbus tent with the green fabric and have a few questions.

1. Does the silver edge moulding that is on the upper clamshell half have any purpose other than show? My tent is missing one piece and I'm wondering if I can remove the rest without any adverse effects.

2. Is there a seal between the two clamshell halves that will prevent water intrusion while driving in the rain? Is there a need for a seal? Does the tent get wet from water wicking between the clamshell halves when driving in the rain?

3. Has anyone upgraded the rear clasp to a locking clasp? There doesn't seem to be very much security with the clasp that is currently riveted to the tent.

Thanks.
-Martin

1. Mine dried cracked & fell off on one side, I think its just for looks, door edge molding will work as replacement.
2. Mine has a thin black foam in the upper half of the clam shell to help seal out dirt & water. Does a pretty good job so far.
3.A small pad lock will fit in the hasp to secure it. I just use a small caribiner to keep it from flipping open while driving, Ive only placed the lock on when parked at a hotel in Las Vegas
I just looked at the picture you posted, your clasp is different then mine.

 

[Mike S]

Your cam latch does look non-original. We stock the type clasp that Kai38 shows in his photo. We can fix you up with one.

The trim sometimes comes loose and may need to be re-glued. It is strictly a decorative edge finish, and not necessary to the function of the tent. We can send you some trim if you would like to replace the missing bit. There are other substitutes as well.

 

[qwerty]

Mike, I was looking at the Maggiolina AirTop on the AutohomeUS website, but couldn't find a big picture of the "adjustable Rally-Race style locking straps (Arnitel EL 550®)" used on this model. Do these straps actually lock? If not, can they be retrofitted with the lockable cam latch clasp with hasp found on the other Maggiolina and Columbus models?

 

[Mike S]

Mike, I was looking at the Maggiolina AirTop on the AutohomeUS website, but couldn't find a big picture of the "adjustable Rally-Race style locking straps (Arnitel EL 550®)" used on this model. Do these straps actually lock? If not, can they be retrofitted with the lockable cam latch clasp with hasp found on the other Maggiolina and Columbus models?

Best shot I have right now... I see no reason why you could not swap these strap-type latches for the standard cam latches. I am getting some for spares in a couple months.

 

[stevegsmith]

Martin,
Just pull the trim off. The front corners are really tight so the trim rubs when opening and closing. I doubt you'll find any trim that will stay for long.
After pulling mine off, it took about 15 minutes to get all the rubber cement off. Actually looks a lot better. It can be a little bit of a hand scraper but I'm glad to be rid of the cheap looking fake chrome stuff.

Mike S, the black strap closure looks pretty cool. Is it lockable?

My lockable original clamp works pretty well but has started to rust. Also, I had to wrap a little duct tape around the end to keep it from scratching the roof when the columbus is open. Could be improved no doubt.

steve

 

[delmartin]

Thanks for the responses.

Steve: I think I'm going to pull off the chrome trim. I like the cleaner look anyway.

Mike: The rear clasp looks quite similar to what Kai posted with the exception of the loop for the padlock. Please PM the detail of the new clasp to me.

-Martin

 

[Mike S]

Thanks for the responses.

Steve: I think I'm going to pull off the chrome trim. I like the cleaner look anyway.

Mike: The rear clasp looks quite similar to what Kai posted with the exception of the loop for the padlock. Please PM the detail of the new clasp to me.

-Martin

The one Kai posted is the standard Columbus cam latch.

I'll PM you.