Question for those with hard sided roof top tent

[Jevy]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at trying another roof top tent and am looking at some of the hard sided/pop up units. I need to have room for two(even though mostly it will be just myself). I will be mounting it on an M416 trailer. I had emergency back surgery about a year ago so I am needing something to that I can get in/out of easily but I also want it to be VERY easy to set up and take down. I can't see any info online regarding the actual setup/teardown of the hard sided tents. I had a large CVT tent and it was just too much trouble to set up by myself(plus I hated the supports for keeping the fly out) and I really need something simple. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[enzo]

Coming from a person that has owned 4 different RTTs I can honestly say I love the hell out of my Maggiolina Grand Tour. The setup and take down times are incredibly fast. These tents are also very comfortable. There is a member on here (Corey) that has some YouTube videos that you should check out.

 

[Corey]

Thanks Enzo.

Jevy, the tents are actually hard topped though, not hard sided, that would be like an Apache tent trailer almost, and very cool for a roof top tent.
It could have no canvas at all, and a door that opened on either side with windows that would slide open, and skeeter netting.

The Maggiolina models though are very fast to open, and here is the second video I made of mine back in 2009.


Setup is easy, undo two latches up front, and one in the rear.
Pull the plastic plug on the right rear lower half, insert the crank, and crank away.

After it is up you can pull your ladder out and set it up, and all of your bedding is already in place.

Taking it down is a little harder, as you have to walk around and stuff the canvas in a few times as it will not fall into place when lowering, but it can done in just a few minutes.
I do not even use a ladder, I can stand on top of my tires, the rock sliderz, and also my rear bumper with the rear door open to get the canvas all folded in.

Here is an official AutoHome video with a much nicer looking butt than mine

 

[Jevy]

yeah Corey that's what I meant was hard top/bottom but soft sides. I just want something very simple/quick to set up. Just curious which width version you went with? I also see that CVT has one now and I was also looking at roost tents as well. I'm not aware of many more manufacturers for them.

 

[MANUCHAO]

I got a Columbus Variant and I am very happy with it.
With that said you should also check the James Baroud brand...
Here is the link.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/44600-James-Baroud-Explorer-RTT

 

[Corey]

Jevy, my AirLander is the medium width/regular length model.
http://autohomeus.com/rooftop/maggiolinaAirlander.php

128lbs. (58 kg) Weight
57” x 83” x 12” Closed Height
57” x 83” x 36” Open Height