Over-stuffing an RTT?

[dblosch]

So, I've got a lot stuffed into my tent. I'm sure I'm not the only one.



Is there a reason to avoid this, other than that it's goofy looking? Will it be hard on the hinge, bows, etc? The cover went on OK, and it doesn't seem like wants to rip/tear. The zipper doesn't seem to be under stress, either. Any thoughts?


:wavey:
Thanks!
Dan

 

[Abel Villesca]

I think you are ok. I usually keep my bedding and pillows in mine when I fold it up.

 

[MANUCHAO]

so as long as you not putting a lot of stress or down pressure when you close it... your hinges should be ok...

 

[dblosch]

so as long as you not putting a lot of stress or down pressure when you close it...

Hmmmmm... How did you know? I may have to rethink the setup.

 

[MANUCHAO]

Trial and error...
We were able to leave two down sleeping bags in there or a down comforter.... but that was about it... this was with an eezy-awn 1800.
After 4 years of use one of the bolts snapped off as I was closing it...
I dont think it was due to the leaving things in it but more about tear and wear....
I did replace all hinge bolts with grade 8 bolts... and had no issues after that..

 

[DUTCH]

Maggiolina Air Top Over Stuffing

With my Maggiolina Air Top, I've noticed that it will not close down evenly or tightly if there is too much bedding or pillows in there when closing. If one side has a slightly thicker sleeping bag or pillow, the rear will pivot slightly on the single center tie down strap; and this prevents proper sealing to the gasket which allows dust, dirt and moisture to get past the seal on the side that is higher.

I've suggested to Mike that they might want to consider using two tie down straps in the back, like they have in the front to eliminate this issue. He acknowledged hearing the same complaint from others; and said he would forward the suggestion to the factory.

 

[dblosch]

Manuchao- Our summer time setup was two square sleeping bags zipped together, and the tent closed up just fine. Recently I added the Hypervent cloth underneath the tent's stock pad, to help with condensation. At the same time I switched in our winter bag. Our winter bag is a BA DreamIsland: https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Bag/DreamIslandCopy It doesn't have insulation on the bottom but is meant to use thermarest type pad, which I was hoping to leave in the tent, too. It helps the bag maintain it's shape, and I imagine not using a pad would result in a tangled mess.

I know a lot of guys have said the stock tent mattresses aren't enough, especially for us big guys. For those of you who supplement with a thermarest type pad, are you taking it out each any every time you break camp? I guess the easy answer is to remove the stock tent mattress, but this setup is so comfortable, that would be a shame...

:wavey:
Thanks!
Dan

 

[STREGA]

I found with our Ezi-Awn 1400 I could not keep all our bedding (2 Wiggys rectangular bags, down comforter and 2 pillows) and still have the cover fit over the tent properly. Had to remove either the bags or pillows or else the cover would leave a gap that exposed the mattress enough to let dust or water get in. Our Autohome medium Airtop holds it all, probably could even get a little more stuff in it, just haven't tried to yet.