How do the Mombasa RTT's stack up?

[xcmountain80]

I've read and read, I had a Hannibal 1.2M RTT and sold it with the intent of a trailer mounted RTT to be purchased in the future. There is a rumor a larger Mombasa arrived a few days ago but no spy photos yet. My question is, how does the quality stack up against the more expensive RTT's (Hannibal, Eezi Awn, etc. )

Aaron

 

[compactcamping]

I'm still waiting for the the final word, but they should be shipping anytime.

This is an old spy photo, the word I have is, they'll be 71" verses the current 55" wide and only available in the poly/cotton fabric

 

[xcmountain80]

Hmm what is poly cotton? I know there are pro's and con's to the material, such as breathablility, light weight, and so on. But I liked my heavy canvas Hannibal 1.2m ans since I don't know much about the Mombasas's I figured I'd ask. It wasn't in the OJ RTT shoot out so it's hard to know. I know about most tents but the Mombasa is an unknown.

Aaron

 

[Ford Prefect]

I have not owned an RTT yet, but in my research I have heard many people say that they are a great starter tent. Take that for what you will... I have read a lot of complaints about the tent not hooking up to the base well at all (If at all) and that the ladder had problems. SOME say that they fixed the issues, others say they did not do it well enough... (Never could find out WHAT was wrong with the ladder, such is life.)

Personally I feel that the Mombasa is very expensive for what you get out of it. Seems like the Camping Lab is a far better deal. Also I personally think that the differences in the Eeziawn and the Camping lab makes the EZ worth the extra money you will spend. Namely the Eeziawn you do not need a cover unless you are driving in heavy rain/snow because of the plastic shell. One negative (for me a fairly big negative) of the Eeziawn is that you have to stow the ladder inside the tent, rather than mounted to the outside. This, of course, depletes the ease of opening of the Eeziawn vs a Mombasa which opens pretty easy when you get the cover off of it.

I understand that Mombasa is finally not using wood floors anymore, but I do not know what they are using now.

Well, anyhow, take that information for what you will...

I will look forward to reading more on this topic just to see what people say about them, and if the common opinion here is the same as those I have read in the past.

You can check out this link if you like...
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3393


Brian

 

[hoser]

Brian,

I think you might be confusing the Eezi-Awn with Technitop tents? EA did make a hard shell tent at one time but not for many years. But then you mentioned storing ladder inside tent. So now I am thinking Autohome?

As far as the Mombasa, the link you posted shows the old Mombasa. The latest Mombasa "expedition" series tent has a similar design the Camping Lab and ARB tent.

 

[xcmountain80]

Ok some clarification. I want to know how the newer non shell type Mombasa tent at 3/4 to 1/2 the price of the big boys. Like I said I had a Hannibal and felt the weight meant quality (at least to me). The Eezi awn looks simialr to the Hannibal and I like the family version but it's $2300. The new new not picture yet Mombasa looks to be around $1000. Give me some feedback.

Aaron

 

[compactcamping]

I've owned Autohome, Mombasa Outdoors and Oasis tent units. I'm also designing a folding Tent Unit optimized for Trailer Top usage.

IMHO, when I think about the differences between entry level and highend RTTs it more about "grade" than quality. Example, a good pair of Carhart work pants is twice the price of a pair of jean. But the thicker material, extra reinforcements, and pockets / straps make them ideal for working in the shop. Now you could just wear jeans, but in the shop environment they'll wear out in half the time of the Carharts and you'll be continuely trying to find where you laid down your pencil.

Because the jeans wear out faster in the shop environement doesn't mean they had quality issues, it means per the manufacturer design criteria (materials used, etc) you used them up.

The same holds true for RTTs. I consider the Mombasa Outdoors to be a good choose for a Casual Camper, someone who camps 4-8 weekends a year, maybe a week long vacation in it mainly during Summer. The Eazi-awn (Hannibal, etc) ones are aimed at Outfitters / Adventures, someone who camps year around and spends months a year sleeping in it. When used based on there intented customer, you'll get years of service out of both. Now someone in the Outfitter / Adventurer catergory who chooses a Casual Camper grade unit will most likely have a less than optimal experience.

 

[adventureduo]

Yes the new Large Expedition Series tent is shipping now.

Yes the Mombasa is canvas.

The POS ladder was changed a couple years ago.. that was only on the First Generation Mombasa tents that look like a box.

Personally I feel that the Mombasa is very expensive for what you get out of it. Seems like the Camping Lab is a far better deal.

They're the same tents, re-badged in the same factory in China. One is not any better than the other.

I understand that Mombasa is finally not using wood floors anymore, but I do not know what they are using now.

It's an aluminum frame with a laminated foam floor instead of wood. Im 250 lbs and it doesn't have any problems with me on it.

I consider the Mombasa Outdoors to be a good choose for a Casual Camper, someone who camps 4-8 weekends a year, maybe a week long vacation in it mainly during Summer.

I have to disagree here..... we do 1-2 trips a month and ours is holding up just fine.

The Mombasa tent is a very good tent for the money. Take it from us, we have been running it for almost 2 years now. I almost traded an Overland tent for our Mombasa and i was glad i didn't Small windows... thinner matress and a wood floor really wasn't what i wanted. You'll be happy with your Mombasa IMHO.

 

[socaljeeper]

I would have to agree with Dave. I have had the Mombasa for about 2 years now. I have used it many times within the last 2 years and have not had any problems with it. It seems to be well built for the price I paid for it. I see this tent lasting a number of years ahead.

 

[bajabloke]

Great value for money..................

............I've had my Mombassa since spring of 08 and purchased it from Scott Chaney at Camping Concepts who is very knowledgeable and honest about the product. I am thrilled with mine and have put it through it's paces in many different conditions in Baja. I have made a few changes, Like adding more thickness to the mattress, beefing up the anti ballooning straps on the cover and Scott is sending me a stronger cinch down strap. Some say the material won't last as long as some more expensive ones and my attitude is by that time I'll probably want to move on to next great idea anyway!!

 

[xcmountain80]

Things like the cover and straps are neither here nor there, I replaced them a number of times in the Hannibal as they are certainly a consumable item. The cover I had made from a boat canvas guy and he made me one out of a similar material. I need the tent to last as long as the trailer. It won't be roof mounted but trailer mounted, as I have had the RTT 4Runner mounted and love it.

Aaron

 

[compactcamping]

Dave & Patrick, please don't misinterpret my comments, I agree that the Mombasa Outdoor Tent Units are a very good value for the money. I was simply trying to illustrate that the fabric in the high-end Tent Units will have a longer service life.

It's worth noting that Mombasa replacement tent bodies are available for around $200. They are easy to replace and only take about half an hour to do. So even if you replace a few tent bodies over the years, a Mombasa would still cost less to own.

 

[xcmountain80]

Dave & Patrick, please don't misinterpret my comments, I agree that the Mombasa Outdoor Tent Units are a very good value for the money. I was simply trying to illustrate that the fabric in the high-end Tent Units will have a longer service life.

It's worth noting that Mombasa replacement tent bodies are available for around $200. They are easy to replace and only take about half an hour to do. So even if you replace a few tent bodies over the years, a Mombasa would still cost less to own.

I'm familiar withe having the material off the frame s I've doe it many times with the Hannibal for various reasons. But you right with that option the cost to own is still less. Thank you for your insight.

Aaron

 

[cnskate]

We have about 60 nights in our Mombasa Tent and it essentially still looks and works like new. The early grey cover was pretty flimsy, but the newer tan cover is very stout.

 

[Fireman78]

I just finished mounting my brand new Mombassa RTT, the "upgraded"poly/cotton ripstop". I don't have much to compare it too, as this is my first RTT, but so far it has been great. The mounting was no problem, all the pre-drilled holes lined up where they suppose to. The fabric seems pretty heavy duty compared to a ground tent. It is not heavy canvas nor is it lightweight nylon. Kind of a combination of the too. The material reminds my of summer weight BDU's from my Army days. I can see it being warm when buttoned up in the winter and it is ventilated well, for summer time. The mattress is 2.5", and is very comfy, although I still may use my double thermarest luxury mattress on top of it. Not sure about that yet. I LOVE the window supports, they are strong and beefy and allow lots of airflow. The rainfly attached to the tent all the time, (sewn at the top), but it gets held up and out of the way if you want it too be. The floor is aluminum ish? Not exactly sure what material it is, seems plenty strong. The screen material seems a bit thin, may have to replace that someday. I mounted it to a "Front Runner" Bakkie Rack", on the back of my Power Wagon and the base of the tent sits 12" above my bedrails, yet still out of the wind behind my cab--nice. I paid $899.00 plus some extra for shipping from TRDParts. I was planning on actually getting the new ARB 3, which I found for $1384.oo but I had to spend almost 500 bucks for the Bakkie Rack to get it mounted and still get use out of the bed of my truck plus keep the tent on it, so I pretty much felt it necessary to go with the Mombassa, as I needed it now, not later, and funds are limited of course. I am very happy with it and look forward to years of use.