ISO: Smaller than average HARD SHELL RTT

[Mr.Cade]

I'm planning to get a hardshell rtt, but I can't seem to find one with dimension I like.

The big issue is, they all seem to be 80"-87" long, when closed.
I want one that is only 60" when closed.
Ideal closed dimensions would be in the ballpark of 64" x 50" but I just can't seem to find that in a hard shell.

Did I miss something?

 

[thehops]

I'm about 99.9% certain that such a tent doesn't exist.

Hard shell tents are typically the same length whether deployed, or stowed, since they do not utilize the clamshell/folding design of soft shell tents. That means that that tent would only be able to sleep someone less than or equal to 5 feet tall; perhaps a few extra inches if sleeping diagonally. That size would severely limit the pool of customers for whatever company designed such a tent.

From what I've seen, your smallest hard shell RTTs are typically going to be around 76"L x 50"W, as a ballpark figure.

 

[Mr.Cade]

I'm about 99.9% certain that such a tent doesn't exist.

Hard shell tents are typically the same length whether deployed, or stowed, since they do not utilize the clamshell/folding design of soft shell tents. That means that that tent would only be able to sleep someone less than or equal to 5 feet tall; perhaps a few extra inches if sleeping diagonally. That size would severely limit the pool of customers for whatever company designed such a tent.

From what I've seen, your smallest hard shell RTTs are typically going to be around 76"L x 50"W, as a ballpark figure.

I guess the ikamper skycamp 2.0 was kind of what got me thinking of the fold out hard shell recipe.

 

[jacobconroy]

Ah, I see what you are saying. A hardshell that is 48 X 48 but 48 X 96 when open? There might be a market for that. The worst thing about folding tents is messing around with the cover.

 

[thehops]

I was going to mention that as the exception to the rule. It's still pretty long though.

With the style of the ikamper in mind, it would be possible to create something like what you're describing. However, I have a feeling that, because of how much shorter it would be, it would be pretty high-profile. All of that fabric and those internals have to go somewhere, and losing nearly 20 inches of length would make things pretty tight with the tent stowed.

 

[Mr.Cade]

Here's roughly what the standard 87" tent would look like.
Its that overhang I'm trying to avoid.

 

[jacobconroy]

Here's roughly what the standard 87" tent would look like.
Its that overhang I'm trying to avoid.

You could pay someone to modify (raise) your cab rack so that it matches the rear rack height. Might have the added benefit of leaving enough space under the front rack for things like camp tables, etc.

Then you could slide the tent back to wherever you like it. I wonder if flexing between the cab and bed might make that a dumb idea though.

 

[Mr.Cade]

You could pay someone to modify (raise) your cab rack so that it matches the rear rack height. Might have the added benefit of leaving enough space under the front rack for things like camp tables, etc.

Then you could slide the tent back to wherever you like it. I wonder if flexing between the cab and bed might make that a dumb idea though.

At that rate, I'd probably just mount it to the toprac. Then the truck would be 8 feet tall, get 4 mpg and roll over like fat dog.

 

[jacobconroy]

At that rate, I'd probably just mount it to the toprac. Then the truck would be 8 feet tall, get 4 mpg and roll over like fat dog.

Otherwise known as an "overlanding" rig.

My poor little Jeep is 600 lbs. over GVW and 7+ feet tall already. I hear ya brother.

 

[jacobconroy]

I'll mention one thing that I didn't realize until after I bought a standard-width hardshell. If the tent is narrower than the truck (or car) the ladder is often so close to the doors that a fellows toes will scratch the door paint while climbing the ladder. If you have a shiny car this is a bummer. You sir, have a very shiny car. Nice looking rig.

Putting the tent on the back of the truck might let you put the ladder over the tailgate...depending on your RTT.

 

[Mr.Cade]

I'm gonna beat the hell outta this truck.
But, yeah, door interference is a serious struggle, if I'm running an Alu-Cab or Pop-up style hardshell