Best Foul Weather RTT

[maytag]

I've been lurking here a bit and decided to finally ask...

What is the best RTT for the nasty winters we have in the NW?


I like the Magiolina for it's more solid structure/better sealing compared to a more traditional RTT but it's totally exposed as soon as you open the door

I like the built in awnings of the ARB style which will keep much drier when opening the door...but is the fabric setup like any other tent that is miserable in high winds and rain?




also anything that starts on my roof might end up on trailer in the future

 

[Corey]

This question is what drove me to purchase my Maggiolina AirLand since it has the hard shell.
First night I used it up at Mt. Rainier it was raining.
I did not find that any rain got inside during the brief moment I had to unzip both the canvas and skeeter netting.

You can get an awning too from Autohome for the AirLand that will keep the entrance door totally dry.
http://autohomeus.com/accessories/awnings.php

 

[rctr03]

i have a moombasa gen II and in 24 nights last year never leaked. the only issue that i have is with the cover. chris replaced it for me but it tore again last weekend during 8 degree temps. the tent is a great value.

jimmy

 

[cstamm81]

The Maggiolinas are rock solid in bad weather in my experience. I would assume the Columbus' are as well. I have often wondered if I should have gotten a larger tent like an Ezi Awn, but am happy using the Maggiolina, it's like a bomb shelter as far as RTT's go.. I haven been meaning to rig up an awning to keep you dry when climbing the ladder in the rain. The one autohome sells seems nice, but steep for $200. I would want something that is very stormworthy as well to match the tent. Just need a way to fasten the awning to the top of the Maggi.

 

[maytag]

OK...so I guess the Maggiolina is really the way to go...


I've even figured out an awning design that takes care of the shortfalls I saw :coffeedrink:



but what is the main differences in the 3 models of maggiolina?

 

[Corey]

This page here shows some of the differences between models.
http://www.autohomeus.com/rooftop/maggiolina.php

The Italian website has good info too.
http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/magg_scelta.html

They list a few models not listed on the US site.

I have the medium AirLand and I like it a lot.

 

[cstamm81]

maytag, I'd be interested in what you had in mind for an awning for a Maggi.

 

[Hilldweller]

I've stayed completely dry with the Conqueror in Florida frog-drowners and cold mountain all-night rains with the big tarp deployed.

The problem, as I see it, is giving the tent a place to dry out if it gets wet. I can't open it in my garage when I get home and I really do need to get to work on Monday mornings...

We've developed an inprecice method of deploying and stowing the tent while under the canopy. It's not pretty but it's kept the tent dry so far. That and a propane heater to evaporate condensation.

In Florida:

 

[Scott Brady]

My vote goes to the Eezi-Awn... I have used that tent in -57, 100 degrees, torrential rains, extreme winds (where another manufacture of tents poles broke), etc. Over 200 nights in my 1200 without a drop of water or a single failure.

Most importantly, the Eezi-Awn actually has a rain-fly and awning, to if it is wet and warm, you can leave the windows open for air flow and not get rain in the tent...

 

[Scott Brady]

Oh, and we tested roof tents extensively in the Spring 2007 issue of Overland Journal: Available Here

 

[maytag]

maytag, I'd be interested in what you had in mind for an awning for a Maggi.

Once I move and get solid works running again I'll post up my idea

 

[Corey]

Once I move and get solid works running again I'll post up my idea

Looking forward to it as well.