CampingLab Rooftop Tent reviews wanted

[SWbySWesty]

Hi Everyone! I'm looking for any reviews you have of your CampingLab brand only roof top tent.

Things to include are how long you've had it, ease of use, types of weather you've used it in, rain use, condensation (if any) and things of that nature.

I appreciate all your input and look forward to seeing the results as I think I am going to get one.

 

[Corey]

Here is one from weezerbot.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16194

 

[Martyn]

Fernando at Camping Lab carries two brands of RTT. The Camping Lab branded tent and the Serengeti.

There are major differences between the two. Which one are you looking at buying?

 

[SWbySWesty]

I'm looking at the camping lab brand only (stated above ) Thanks!

 

[Martyn]

I'm looking at the camping lab brand only (stated above ) Thanks!

What I think you will be getting from Fernando is quality after market service. He's an experienced Off-Roader, Camper and Expeditioneer, who understands his product and his customers needs.

Apart from that he's a solid guy who stands behind his word, and he's also a sponsor of this forum. So just hand over your money :sombrero:

 

[Jerseytaco]

Looking to get one of these, but mounting to a 2nd gen double cab Tacoma. Would the roof structure combined with a baja rack support it, sitting on Yakima crossbars? Anyone have any idea? Or would that be too much weight? Also would an ARE camper shell support it enough?

 

[adventureduo]

I'm looking at the camping lab brand only (stated above ) Thanks!

Camping lab is just a badge on a tent that is produced under like 10 different names for many different companies.

So when you say "camping lab only", that doesnt mean a whole lot.

Take a look at Mombasa, Camping Lab, Prime-Tech, racktents.com, cartopcamper etc etc. They're all the same tents that are made in the same Chinese factory.

That being said... we've owned two Mombasa's and they've worked great.

 

[SWbySWesty]

ok ok, I guess I really want to know how everyone's have held up. It's a larger investment, but I want it to last a long time. But my last tent leaked like crazy in the rain and it had crazy condensation issues.

Those are my two main worries (since it's not crazy weather here in California).

 

[Martyn]

Reports from Europe, Chinese tents were exported to Europe a few years before they hit the US market, indicate that the tents have an average useful life span of 5 years.

From what I know it's the material that is wearing out.

We all have our price points, and I know RTT's are not an inexpensive purchase, but in the decision making process spread your costs over the life of the tent. For me that is the deciding factor.

 

[adventureduo]

As far as details for canvas.. Our Mombasa built up a bit of condensation during cold weather camping (even with windows cracked a little). Other than that it was great and super dark inside from the morning light (good for sleeping in a bit longer). In the summer, you will wake up early because you'll be sweating in no time. On the other hand, you can sleep in snow in it and it will keep warm. In the rain it never leaked a drop.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Yep ours is still going strong! We use it quite often and now that we have it mounted to the Baja Rack EXP getting it off and on is SO much easier! I know a lot of people aren't sure on the quality of these tents but its my opinion that if you take care of your stuff it will take care of you. Anything you treat like crap will eventually break and become useless, some items quicker than others, but so far this last year our tent has held up quite well!

 

[SAR_Squid79]

I have had my CampingLab RTT for about 7 months.

So far I love it!

I have not used it (open) in the rain, yet. But I have used it out in the desert on some cold nights, and it was GREAT! ...Pretty much the best cold/windy tent sleeping experience I've ever had - and I have spent many a night in a tent when it was cold & windy. I just left all the flaps down, and it was nice and toasty warm inside the tent, and I haven't noticed any condensation on the interior of the tent.

The mattress is VERY comfortable. I would not suggest the tent for anything more than 2 people and a dog (depending on the size of your dog).

The tent is easy to set up. I can set it up in about 3 minutes by myself. It takes about 8 - 10 minutes to properly close and secure it by myself.

My only complaint thus far is that the outer cover needs to be thicker and stronger. I've probably only opened & closed the tent 10 - 15 times. That plus driving and the fact that the tent is always stored outdoors in the elements, the outer cover is already starting to wear through in a couple of small spots. Easily fixed with some duct tape. But I just wish the tent came with a better cover...

FYI: TRDParts4U carries a 100 DENIER RTT COVER for $90.00 that is twice the thickness of the cover that comes with the tent.

​

 

[campinglab]

we have the new heavy duty travel covers in stock. $80 plus shipping if you want to buy one, $12 if you bought a tent from us, that came with the older weak cover, and need a replacement.:sombrero:

 

[SWbySWesty]

IF you purchase a new tent, do you get the HD cover?

 

[SAR_Squid79]

we have the new heavy duty travel covers in stock. $80 plus shipping if you want to buy one, $12 if you bought a tent from us, that came with the older weak cover, and need a replacement.:sombrero:

AWSOME!!! :victory:

...Another testament to CampingLab's commitment to outstanding customer service!