Eezi-Awn vs ARB III RTT advice needed

[overlander]

The time is coming for a purchase decision between these two. From what I gather so far, comparing the Eezi-Awn T-Top 1400 versus the ARB Simpson III:

• both are about the same size
• owners of each praise them
• both seem to have good availability
• both seem to have good parts support
• the Eezi-Awn is about $500 more than the ARB

So, is the Eezi-Awn worth the extra $500?

This is an important purchase as my daughters are starting to get old enough to allow camping as a family, and I'm looking for a tent that will last. Not looking at alternatives as I've ruled others out (although if someone made a strong case for the Hannibal, I would listen).

 

[rugbier]

I own an ARB and I have to tell you, if FOR NO OTHER REASON , having the ladder under roof and a direct access to the changing room it is a HUGE COMFORT for me .

 

[overlander]

I own an ARB and I have to tell you, if FOR NO OTHER REASON , having the ladder under roof and a direct access to the changing room it is a HUGE COMFORT for me .

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you are happy with the ARB. For my comparison though, the Eezi-Awn T-Top also has the annex room under the tent, so the configuration for both is the same. So it really comes down to quality, other features that differentiate the two products, and any x-factor I am not aware of.

 

[RLD]

Howling Moon from south africa i have one on my sankey trailer

 

[overlander]

Howling Moon from south africa i have one on my sankey trailer

From what I've read, Howing Moon tents are highly regarded, but I'm not aware of any US distribution, which would be a mark against them for support. Would love to see one though. SA forums speak highly of them quality wise.

... i have one on my sankey trailer

Nice!

 

[rugbier]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you are happy with the ARB. For my comparison though, the Eezi-Awn T-Top also has the annex room under the tent, so the configuration for both is the same. So it really comes down to quality, other features that differentiate the two products, and any x-factor I am not aware of.

Actually, while the annex is under the roof , the ladder it is expossed it is not under the roof on the Eazi-Awn.

 

[RLD]

you need to have a look on disco3.co.uk and go through my gallery RLD i have lots of photos in there been trying to down load some but only got one in up till now

 

[overlander]

Actually, while the annex is under the roof , the ladder it is expossed it is not under the roof on the Eazi-Awn.

Actually, the ladder is protected on the Howling Moon from south africa i have one on my sankey trailer[/QUOTE]"]"T-Top" variant", which is what I'm talking about.

 

[rugbier]

Actually, the ladder is protected on the "T-Top" variant", which is what I'm talking about.

Never seen one of those in person, so not much help from me *LOL*

As for the quality, if it is the same as the Series III , I think ( without been bias ) the ARB looks sturdier, better quality layout, roomier, easier closing and openning, and without putting my shoe in my mouth, it appears the material be of more weather resistance.

Based on the pic of the T-Top, I still believe the overhang on the ARB ( above the annex ) appears to be bigger.

Sorry I couldn't be of much assistance

 

[RLD]

www.treckoverland.com have a good look i have had my one for seven year now been to Morocco 3 times Norway Poland Croatia and up in Scotland many times lots of different weather and no problems

 

[rugbier]

www.treckoverland.com have a good look i have had my one for seven year now been to Morocco 3 times Norway Poland Croatia and up in Scotland many times lots of different whether and no problems

2008 MAR, there was a guy with that Globe Trailer, man , it looked liked a 4 bedroom condo, soooooooooooo nice ( although a pita to take down )

 

[bigreen505]

I know you said you are not looking alternatives, but I think you may want to consider one of the larger Eezi Awn tents. 1400 is pretty small for a family.

 

[overlander]

I know you said you are not looking alternatives, but I think you may want to consider one of the larger Eezi Awn tents. 1400 is pretty small for a family.

Thanks, but the plan is to have a 1400 size RTT on top of the 110 matched with an Oztent RV4 attached by awning to the port side for two room sleeping quarters in camp, and awning covered dining area between RV4 and Rover.

 

[Borrego60]

I haver the Eezz anwn series 1800 and love it. It is really bigger then the king size bed I have in the house.

 

[bigreen505]

Thanks, but the plan is to have a 1400 size RTT on top of the 110 matched with an Oztent RV4 attached by awning to the port side for two room sleeping quarters in camp, and awning covered dining area between RV4 and Rover.

Ah, that makes sense and sounds like a very good combo. I have not yet seen SIII ARB (could be wrong, but think what I saw was a SII), but generally speaking, the Eezi Awn uses heavier fabric and stronger poles and in general seems like a much more durable product. I really like the design of the ARB and the fact they they have been through three iterations of it in as many years shows a commitment to perfecting the design. Whether the design of the ARB wins out over the durability and construction quality of the Eezi Awn depends how much you plan to use in and in what conditions. The ARB is much brighter inside than the Eezi Awn, which could be a positive or negative depending on whether you like a bright or dark tent.