Better RTT for extended use and possible International travel?

[Sid Post]

I am looking for a hard shell RTT for a trip through Alaska and back from Texas being likely with a possible adventure going South pending political considerations through the Darien Gap and places less friendly to Americans.

The RTT needs real 4-season capability to deal with rain and snow loads easily along with potential high or gusty winds in mountainous areas. I'm in a 2013 Tacoma that has been heavily reworked for rough terrain. I have a TrukD bed system on its way to me along with Prinsu racks from the windshield to the tailgate. Most of this was ordered at the Flagstaff Expo last weekend is expected to ship in ~2 weeks for most major pieces.

I have been looking at the Ikamper and FSR tents mainly and I am receptive to other options if they meet my needs. I travel alone so modest sizing is desired but, I don't want to be trapped in a Cocoon if I hit heavy rains for example. The tent may move to an Expedition Trailer which is being considered currently (something similar to a Nuthouse Hickory or similar). CONUS and Surf Fishing will see it on the Tacoma for the most part so, any overly complicated installs need to be avoided.

 

[Fishenough]

James Baroud? Highest quality in regular use plus a solar fan to keep the inside dry during extended travel. With my simple RTT this is the biggest problem we have during shoulder season multiple nights during cool humid weather on the west coast to the north. Regular camping/hiking friends have had a JB on their Taco for years now

 

[DefendersNW]

There is only one professional grade hardshell RTT on the market - there are Autohome tents still in use that are older than every other tent company in the business...

Finding a used or NOS tent that works for you is the most cost effective way to get one - we know that most people don't need a pro-grade tent and that the lesser Baroud, Ikamper, FSR, etc... stuff works fine for a fair weather weekender. The >2025 tents are more expensive (any tent is expensive if you only use it once) but most will last 15-25 years of regular use. We have an 18 year old Airtop with 500+ nights on it that is still going strong...

 

[GR8ADV]

I am looking for a hard shell RTT for a trip through Alaska and back from Texas being likely with a possible adventure going South pending political considerations through the Darien Gap and places less friendly to Americans.

No tent needed to get through the Darien Gap. 😝

I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with everyone in Mx, and both Central and South America. So, by “less friendly to Americans“ , I assume you mean Canada?

 

[Sid Post]

No tent needed to get through the Darien Gap. 😝

I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with everyone in Mx, and both Central and South America. So, by “less friendly to Americans“ , I assume you mean Canada?

Regarding Canada, outside of the coasts, central Canada has been pretty friendly and welcoming to me. I will say that was my experience before Trump started talking about making Canada our "51st state". I was pretty reluctant to venture into Canada around the Great Lakes though during Trudeau's term in office.

With all the controversy going on right now with various "protests" over immigration in general and deporting criminals, I'm not sure I would want to "test the waters" right now in Mexico and Central America in general. South America seems to be relatively unaffected so, other than the normal crime and militia concerns, pretty much the same as far as I can tell.